Trend Spotting
Every January I look forward to attending the Atlanta Gift show, a marketplace where the world’s leading manufacturers and artisan showcase their new and upcoming home and gifts, accessories and furnishings that we all will see in the following year. I am always amazed at the creativity that can flow from these showrooms. This year I saw a presence of the melamine plate everywhere but with an updated twist. Small plates, shaped plates, and ones that we’d keep our jewelry or coins in. Plates with printed words and phrase and my favorite the melamine plate. It’s not your granny’s plate from the 60’s but a modern fresh look at this resin non breakable creation.
Fools The Eye
The showroom 180 degrees carried melamine plates, platters and bowls resembling the traditional fluted paper plate. They came with polka dots, ants, and an array of animals, nautical themes and everything in between. I was particularly drawn to the plates that resembles vintage china. You would swear that these plates were made form porcelain but would take the dishwasher and a drop on the floor. The kind of china that you wouldn’t mind the kids eating from. I told the sales person that I thought that they were the one of my favorites at the show and he replied… ” You and Oprah!”
Mix and Match
Also a big presence of graphic prints and color blocking as seen in the LifeGuard Press showroom featuring the stylish Kate Spade dinnerware. The colors and patterns are easily mixed with fine china and any color imaginable. Look for liscensed vendors of the super talented Kate Spade.
These plates can be found everywhere. from Walmart, to Pottery Barn to Horchow and everywhere in between. Look for these beauties in stores this year and bring your picnic or party to new heights! Shop for more shatterproof melamine dinnerware here.
