The art of entertaining: how to choose the right tableware

Food makes us feel good. It’s something we turn to for comfort and nourishment, and it’s often central to time spent with friends and family. 

New Zealanders love to entertain – whether it be at the dining table, kitchen island or outdoors around the barbecue – and having the right tools, quality dinnerware, cutlery and glassware plays an important role in elevating the experience. 

It used to be only on ‘special occasions’ that our ‘good tableware’ came out of storage – maybe on Christmas day or for birthday celebrations. But this has changed, says Sarah Mabin, director at The Studio of Tableware.

Dinnerware and table furnishings that are muted in tone, made from natural materials, are handcrafted or feature organic forms are at the top of the trends list, as are pieces that are multi-purpose.

“There is still an underlying, constant demand for elegantly-shaped, well-made white dinnerware that can be elevated by adding coloured accessories to change the table up for any occasion,” says Sarah. 

“The ideal setting nowadays is not too cluttered, with minimal pieces that add function to the table setting – less is more in many cases.”

A combination of plates and bowls offer choice and versatility, and serving pieces such as large shallow dishes are being used to serve mains directly at the table – perfect to showcase every ingredient. 

“They’re functional pieces that can be used from breakfast to supper, and everything in between – it’s all about choosing quality you can enjoy for every meal. We offer renowned European brands with hundreds of years of history that produce superior products that are remarkably durable and evolved to the needs and demands of today’s busy lifestyles.”

Cutlery is also following the ‘less is more’ approach. “There are more minimal pieces, functional in size and shape and able to go straight in the dishwasher. They’re designed to sit comfortably in your hands for the duration of the meal and produced by manufacturers who understand that cutlery is about perfect weighting – it has to feel amazing,” says Sarah. 

But that doesn’t mean they don’t make a statement – alternative finishes such as PVD coloured finishes, and even cutlery with resin handles, are all gaining popularity. 

The overarching design philosophies driving these trends? 

“Good design, exceptional quality and enduring functionality,” says Sarah. “Choosing collections that are made with the environment in mind and sustainable into the future with timelessness is also rising to the top of the interiors agenda for the conscious shopper.”

“Rosenthal Junto innovatively features an organic shape with a delicate diamond relief. Create your perfect setting with a combination of colours in porcelain and stoneware in shades of white, grey, mauve, blue and ash. As a stunning contrast to the fine porcelain, the collection also offers the major pieces as vibrant, earthy stoneware with a special reactive glaze,” says Sarah.

Inspired by the trend for a natural aesthetic, Denby’s Studio Blue dinnerware is handcrafted from high-quality clay in England, expertly glazed to enhance durability, and is easy to wash with oven, microwave and dishwasher compatibility. The handmade ceramic range has a variety of bowls, plates and platters – all designed with laidback, relaxed entertaining in mind. The four available tones of glazed finishes mean the pieces can also be mixed and matched.

Simple, classic white-on-white dinnerware is a staple across quality European dinnerware brands and a constantly popular option with clients, says Sarah. Timeless designs such as Rosenthal’s award-winning Moon White or Tac White offer beautifully refined functionality for all occasions.

Whether it’s at home around the dinner table, on the deck at the bach, or even out on the boat, cutlery in elegant finishes can elevate any dining experience. Sambonet cutlery, for example – exclusive to The Studio of Tableware – is PVD-coated (physical vapour deposition) in gold, black, copper and champagne. This modern technique enables the application of these finishes to be applied to stainless steel, while remaining dishwasher safe.

Colour can also be introduced with accessories such as vases, flowers, napkins and coloured glassware. Products including the Rosenthal mini vases or the Aalvar Aalto vases, can be used in many areas of the home and used in different ways to create a different look for every gathering.

With an emphasis on providing high quality, well-designed products to suit all design tastes and budgets, The Studio of Tableware is a one-stop shop for tableware including dinnerware, cutlery, glassware, cookware, kitchenware, gifts and more – many of the products exclusively sourced from renowned European brands.

“It’s about providing clients with tableware that fits into the design aesthetic of their project, but more importantly, products that fit into their lifestyle – from those that are very informal in their entertaining, to those that bring out all the stops when entertaining and setting the table for their guests,” says Sarah.

Explore products from The Studio of Tableware on ArchiPro.