The way a dish looks has always been important to the dining experience, but it is even more crucial now, with the prevalence of social media. Chefs are aware that guests spend a lot of time admiring their plates before they even take a bite, so presentation has become a key aspect of the culinary experience. This trend has extended to home tableware as well, with a variety of creative shapes and colors overtaking the traditional white ceramic circle.
The latest trend in food presentation embraces handmade-style tableware and irregular shapes inspired by nature. Stoneware, in particular, is making a comeback due to its natural, recyclable, and long-lasting qualities. This trend reflects a more relaxed plating style, even in fine-dining restaurants. In addition, there has been a shift towards organic and asymmetrical shapes in dinnerware, moving away from conventionally clean-edged plates and platters.
Brands such as Food52 and Soho Home have embraced imperfect dining sets in neutral, earthy tones, while designers like Leanne Ford are creating wonky dinnerware that looks fresh and unique. Ceramists like Jono Pandolfi have seen success in creating stoneware for restaurants and home cooks alike, with their products being used in establishments like Bar Miller in New York. The use of beautifully patterned plates helps chefs tell their stories, with some designs evoking nostalgia, nature, or modern art.
At London’s Kitchen Theory food design lab, chef Jozef Youssef and his team have conducted surveys on how the color of a dish affects diners’ perception of the food. Their findings show that dishes served on red plates are thought to be sweeter, making them ideal for desserts, while yellow plates make fruit dishes look more appetizing. Blue and green plates are said to make dishes appear healthier. This research emphasizes the role that color plays in the dining experience and how it can impact people’s enjoyment of the food they consume.
Overall, the focus on visual presentation in both restaurants and home dining has led to a shift towards more creative and expressive tableware designs. From irregular shapes to handmade styles, the current trend in tableware reflects a desire for a more relaxed and unique dining experience. Whether through stoneware, wonky dinnerware, or boldly patterned plates, the current landscape of tableware design offers a canvas for self-expression in both culinary and home settings.
