The 2022 Guide To Tableware

Are you struggling to find the ultimate guide on the best tabletop trends for 2022? We get it, it’s very difficult finding a complete rundown of the best crockery, cutlery, glassware and other miscellaneous tableware products that are currently on the market and the reasoning behind why these items will be popular this year. It has been well documented he glassware, tableware and utensils industry much like any other in the UK has seen a tumultuous two years since the pandemic began with sales dropping from £2 billion in 1st quarter of 2020 to just £199 million in the second quarter1. I can imagine you are wondering why you are reading a mini pamphlet of sorts about tableware trends if the market is in such a dire state. Well, what makes the sector tumultuous is the bounce-back we have seen and the steady growth coming out of lockdown that many expect will skyrocket in 2022 and onwards. So, here is a complete collection of the very best trends from the tableware industry and what we believe are sure to get friends and family alike talking. Crockery: It has often been said the perfect plate can upgrade the food you serve tenfold. Strategically creating the ultimate food presentation involves a deeper understanding of the art and science that goes into presenting meals. Allowing chefs to demonstrate their artistic creativity will generally see a greater increase in food quality with more care naturally being taken when making and serving the meals. Not only will complex and creative food plating see a rise in care, but also translate to a greater willingness from customers to return to your restaurant in future. So why am I talking endlessly about the benefits of attractive food presentation, well the most important aspect of food presentation is the crockery the meal is served on. It pays to be bold with meal presentation and this is certainly the case in 2022 as the usage of crockery in tableware settings has become so varied and vague it is hard to grasp what works with certain demographics. All-White Ever sat in a restaurant and felt dissuaded or distracted from the food by the plate it has been served on? This is quite a common occurrence in restaurants around the globe with many restaurateurs not knowing the right mix and contrast needed for tableware success2. This is why many believe going back to a classical all-white option is best. White ceramics are expected to be a major player in tableware in 2022 due to the impeccable neutrality provided between a sleek visual as well as putting the emphasis back onto the food1. Especially in these tumultuous times we are currently living in, supplying a stable and straightforward crockery set would be a big advantage as customers will be wanting calm and tranquillity in their food presentation. If you want to get behind the idea of all-white tableware, here at Alliance Online we would highly recommend the Plain White Porcelain catering crockery as this combines both the style and sleekness required for a modern restaurant whilst also the ability to not take anything away from the food being served. A Touch of Colour It is only natural to be craving colourful additions to your tableware repertoire especially in 2022, a year many believe will be the first without constant worrying about COVID-19. In the year of 2022, expressing your artistic nature and personal style through different colours creates the perfect contrast in dinnerware presentations. Whether using bold primary colours, earthy rustic tones or nuanced richer shades the principles remain the same, to wow and impress your guests. It can be ascertained that colour will be one of the key trends for 2022 with various approaches and styles taking the reins. Themed events and restaurants can use these colours very beneficially. Primary Colours – To celebrate the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions and warm weather, the ideal theme and style for the summer season is the usage of vibrant tones and shades such as sunny yellows and Ferrari reds3. The perfect accompaniment for the spring and summer season lie in the playful energy that can be created through such vibrancies. Warmer Tones – I’m sure we can all agree the main point of contact for customers and consumers would be creating a warm and charming accent that nurtures the need for comfortability. Warmer tones such as pepper reds and turmeric oranges are the epitome of this notion. Relaxing Rustic Revival – One of the main trends and serving ware styles that has been popularised recently is rustic table settings3. There are a multitude of factors for this from COVID-19 making people want more grounded tableware for practical reasons such as extra texture provides better gripping of the vessels. As you can see from these examples it can be perceived that colourful additions and rustic varieties will be a prevalent factor in tableware in 2022. Here at Alliance Online, we understand the pressures of selecting the perfect tableware to suit your needs and demands. We know that pleasing customers can be challenging, this is why we would personally recommend the Churchill Studio Prints Raku – Topaz Blue range. This is a classically styled range combining the gritty unpolished nature of rustic tableware with the splash of colour needed for 2022. To capture the summer spirit, Alliance Online would urge you to peruse the Churchill Stonecast – Berry Red collection. The perfect tone needed for the summer months with an emphasis on the vibrant red. Asymmetry Recently there has been a hankering from the general population for asymmetrical tableware. Whether this has something to do with an increased demand for novelty and beauty, no one can quite put their finger on precisely why asymmetrical tableware is on the rise. However, what we do know is perfectly round cups and plates are in for 2022 with many looking to experiment with the notion of asymmetry2. Whilst this concept is expected to be popular and trendy, it can come at a risk of excessiveness. Finding the right balance between tradition and experimentation is crucial to utilising an asymmetrical approach to tableware presentation1. At Alliance Online we would strongly urge anyone who is interested in asymmetrical tableware to browse our full range of tableware to gain a better understanding of the options to choose from. Patterns In the same vein as asymmetry, one of the standout trends that is set to alight 2022 is pattern-based tableware with an emphasis placed on crockery. The idea for this is centred around the notion that in 2022 many customers will react strongly to vibrant colours as mentioned earlier whilst also enjoying new and innovative patterns. Different prints and patterns will match certain themes obviously so making the correct and accurate choice for your setting and the atmosphere you want to create is of paramount importance when choosing the crockery set for your establishment. An example of establishing a customer base can be seen in Wetherspoons. Wetherspoons’ crockery set has become synonymous with the company but the genius of this is down to the fact Wetherspoons’ don’t own the design and are actually made by Churchill. However, when someone uses the crockery set it doesn’t take long before someone mentions how Wetherspoons use the crockery set as well. For stunning and elegant patterns and prints we would recommend our Churchill Vintage Print range. A complete collection of various different vintage style prints and patterns designed to impress customers whilst also remaining understated. Nostalgic Tableware In 2021 we saw the rise of nostalgic crockery and glassware with many longing for the days of times gone by. The inspiration for this trend is the desire to return to a simpler countryside life of previous generations3. The nostalgia trend isn’t something that has commenced in 2021 but rather a movement that has been ongoing in all facets of culture whether it be fashion, music or food and drink. Since the boom of social media and the eternal search for futurization of society is it any surprise many just want to return to the simple life. This shows with tableware options currently on the market. Here at Alliance Online, we would strongly recommend the Steelite Simplicity Freedom range if nostalgic tableware is your preference. Golden Tableware Golden tableware can often be polarising which has led to a lack of sustained success over the years. This trend is made to provide an opulent look and offer a warm metallic visual to any table setting. A key aspect of why gold is trending in tableware currently is the belief that gold will add a certain regality to meal presentation4. Whilst gold by itself can often be seen as being too bold of a visual it can expertly blend with other colours and themes to create a visually appealing look. If you are looking to incorporate gold tableware into your establishment or home, we would recommend the Utopia Midas collection. Whilst we appreciate the fact this is a copper-based crockery set we at Alliance Online believe this would still have the desired effect of golden tableware by adding opulence to a table setting. Cutlery: The importance of cutlery can’t be understated both practically and visually. We can all agree that without cutlery eating in a restaurant would be quite challenging. However, the reason why I am discussing the criticality of cutlery is the ways in which it can improve the dining experience. Perfect for setting the mood of both the meal presentation and the aesthetic of the restaurant, cutlery can add character and ambience when used appropriately however when used incorrectly the wrong message can often be communicated to guests. Whilst setting the mood is important when it comes to the actual food itself it has been noted that heavier cutlery can often lead to flavour enhancement. The argument for this is the weightier cutlery will capture the diners’ attention and increase their awareness and appreciation for the dish. Despite the visual benefits on taste and appearance the practicality of the cutlery will always be the most important aspect that restauranteurs will have to get right. I imagine you might have some preconceptions about how difficult choosing cutlery can be, but functionality comes in various formats. The barest of margins can lead to the downfall of a well thought out dining experience, an example being an uncomfortable fork handle can ruin a meal entirely despite it seemingly not being a big issue. The practicality should always take precedence over the design of cutlery. Stylish Cutlery Now we have established the importance of cutlery in table presentation we can discuss the most prominent trends from the sector. The need for stylish cutlery has seen a rise in preparation for the summer season. Stylish is a subjective term but the general consensus for this trend would be cutlery sets which utilise different shades. The premise for this is to simply steadily stray away from traditional cutlery sets as we enter the modern age. With many restauranteurs believing traditional cutlery needs a revitalisation and advancement into the modern age5. Another example of a stylish cutlery trend would be inventive handles for cutlery sets. Handles have become a great means for venues to demonstrate their creativity whilst not taking anything away from the quality of the cutlery sets as we have established previously practicality should be first and foremost. We at Alliance Online fully appreciate the importance that cutlery has both as a customer and as an establishment, we would recommend the Rio Copper 18/0 Cutlery for the desired effect. Coloured Cutlery The trend of colourful cutlery has continued into 2022 with more varieties coming into prominence around the world. One of the most popular of these colours being rosy copper and there has been a surge in black and gold cutlery as well. There are many reasons as to why this is happening and also why you should hop on the bandwagon. Whether it be the increased demand for colourful products in general after the dark days of COVID-19 or the cyclical nature of trends in general, coloured cutlery has seen a push with one of our recommendations being a two-toned approach to cutlery. As mentioned previously the idea for colourful crockery should only be approached once the practicality has been assured. However, the opportunity to take advantage of the growing demand for colourful cutlery shouldn’t be overlooked. 70s Nostalgia Please appreciate the fact that I’m not well-versed in the 70s era except for some vague and stereotypical ideas however I will try my best to explain and analyse the trends we are currently seeing and why these are similar to the cutlery choices we saw in the 70s. The most basic description of the cutlery styles that dominated the 70s were big and bold with an emphasis on strong metallic silverware5. The 70s styles were based in being a blend of both the traditional core values whilst also bravely experimenting with new designs and patterns and this was reflected in the cutlery we saw. This is largely what has happened in recent years with many restaurants and households trying to find the balance between tradition and modernisation. As trends are a cyclical process it can be safe to say that subtlety in cutlery is firmly out of style for now but don’t be surprised if and when it makes a return to the masses. We would strongly urge you to peruse our Arc Utah cutlery range, this cutlery set is a perfect representation of the style that was popular in the 70s and is popular currently. Other Tableware Trends: There are many other tableware trends that we are currently experiencing, with different influences and foundations. These are the trends that go beyond the smaller demographics of tableware and encompass the full sector. These are the movements that are sure to take over the sector within the next two years or are currently making waves through the industry. From the wacky world of Japanese influences on rustic minimalism to the debonair Parisian-inspired designs that provoke a futuristic yet warm atmosphere ideal for the summer season. As well as the glassware trends that demand full attention. Vibrant Glassware What can we say? Colourful tableware is firmly trending from crockery to cutlery and now to glassware. As mentioned previously, this can be pinpointed to the effects of COVID-19 and the belief that many people want to spend their first couple of months to years enjoying themselves as much as possible. This can be the case through lockdown restrictions effectively coming to an end and people wanting to party as often as they can3. Colourful glassware can be used as a chic way of setting the table as catchy decorative reliefs are the main trends. Glassware is often appearing to be less polished in 2022 with distinctively chunkier stems and more playful shapes. This trend is expected to see through 2022 and into next year as well. For vibrant glassware we would highly recommend you browse our Arcoroc Salto Colour Studio glassware range. Rustic Boards Surging in popularity, the rustic board has made a surprising return to mainstream notoriety in the tableware industry. Due to its versatility and decadence, the rustic board has proven to be very trendy with the masses6. If you are wondering “what could a wooden board be used for” in the context of serving food, it is quite simple really. There are various uses not just for food that will enhance the table presentation such as used as a centrepiece, a candle stand or for displaying cheeses. Here at Alliance, we can appreciate that rustic boards don’t sound important to table setting presentation however as mentioned previously every aspect of the dining experience has to be high-quality. We would strongly recommend the Utopia Acacia Wood Chicago Board, this is the ultimate design in rustic boards and offers a clean visual as well as durability that perfectly matches any restaurant. Japandi I fully understand the confusion, I was also confused when I first heard about this trend. Essentially the Japandi trend is a style that is a hybrid between the modern styles of Scandinavian design and combines this with the elegance and traditionalism of the Japanese aesthetic. Despite their being differing contrasts in geographical locations the principles are largely the same when it comes to home décor and tableware presentation7. The premise for the Japandi style is finding the perfect blend between a darker shade and a mix of lighter tones to effectively contrast creating a more natural visual for tableware presentation. Although Japandi wasn’t specifically created for the tabletop purpose it can effectively transition to the dining room table. This trend is an abstract concept that can take time and effort to perfect but can produce a homey and relaxed feel that would excellently suit a café or restaurant. Here at Alliance Online we stock a wide range of tableware products, we would recommend the Dudson Harvest Evolve Brown collection, this is a brilliant base for contrasting tableware opportunities. Parisian-Inspired Designs The home design trend that is guaranteed to take over next year, the Parisian inspired designs are being utilised in most restaurant and households across the UK. The sleek metallics are perfect for creating a futuristic yet inviting atmosphere, this kind of style and theme is one that is currently in-demand. Parisian designs can often be interpreted incorrectly and used in the wrong manner leading to poor engagement and lower customer satisfaction8. Much like Japandi, the Parisian-inspired designs can be challenging to successfully implement especially in the commercial setting. With minute details effectively ruining a consumer’s experience it is of paramount importance that all aspects of the tableware presentation are satisfied equally. Creating a futuristic and warm atmosphere is very challenging to complete due to the natural contrasts these different styles provide with futuristic generally referring to metallic tableware and distinctive shapes that provoke minimalist imagery. On the other hand a warm atmosphere is traditionally created through cosy fabrics and rustic accents that elicit warmth and comfortable feeling. Here at Alliance Online, we understand the difficulties with Parisian-inspired design and would urge you to gain a full comprehension of what this style entails before diving into changing your establishments aesthetic. To get started we would recommend the Villeroy & Boch Rock Black Shale collection. Sustainability: As we all know the most important trend of the current time is sustainability. The impact eco-friendly education has had on the tableware scene has seen an increase in sustainable products that are sure to impress customers. The preconceptions we often see with sustainable tableware are the ideas that there is a compromise made on the taste and a lower standard of quality. Assurances have been made with recent developments and now many restaurants incorporate sustainable plating, cutlery and glassware into the dining experience. As a company using eco-friendly products can be a very beneficial as it reduces the issues with recycling and can also have positive impact on the environment. Internally using eco-friendly dinnerware will see more varied customers with pressure groups growing ever larger. The need for sustainable tableware has become even more apparent in the last 10 years with concerns being raised about our future and finding ways to reduce the potential for disaster. Whether it be plastic straws or plastic cutlery, there are many deep-seated issues we are currently facing in terms of how we can possibly limit the potential damages we could see with many such as David Attenborough9 warning against ‘vile’ plastic pollution and reiterating the point about how we need more alternatives that are positive for the environment. This is why it is of paramount importance that restauranteurs adopt more modern and eco-friendly tableware options. We at Alliance Online understand the difficulties with letting go of tableware that currently works but we should all be striving to improve the environment. Luckily there are some excellent alternatives in 2022 that are sure to be the blueprints for future tableware styles. If you want to gain a better understanding of what changes can be made, we have other articles that may be of great interest to you. Please refer to our Expanded Polystyrene Alternatives article for more insight into the laws and regulations for plastics or our Raise the environmental bar piece for tips on potential product alternatives for the bar. References: https://www.statista.com/statistics/475972/quarterly-expenditure-on-glassware-and-tableware-united-kingdom-uk/ https://www.hackrea.com/stories/tableware-trends/ https://www.templeandwebster.com.au/style-and-advice/Tableware-trends-to-try-in-2022-E11266 https://www.amara.com/editorial/styling/table-setting-ideas http://www.amazinglifestylesblog.com/four-tableware-trends-2022-follow/ https://www.housegarden.com.au/tabletop-trends-of-2022/ https://www.mymove.com/home-inspiration/decoration-design-ideas/say-hello-japandi-minimalist-design-trend-youve-waiting/ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/home-decor-trends-2022 https://aquapaxwater.com/blogs/news/sir-david-attenborough-on-plastic-pollution

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