Decadent Dinnerware

1. Asian Inspiration. Patterns featuring a distinct taste of the Orient are huge for the home in 2008. Look for rich orange, gold and red trimmed patterns that will make a bold statement on your table. One to watch for is Wedgwood’s new Dynasty pattern. The white bone china body has a salad plate decorated with brilliant orange Asian tigers, while the dinner plates feature a crackled chocolate brown border and gold detailing. Simply gorgeous!

2. Nature Calls. Patterns featuring wildlife motifs are no longer just for the cottage, but for everyday or fine dining as well. Some classic patterns to consider include Spode’s Woodland collection or Brookshire by Johnson Brothers, but there’s also a new hot line of bone china by Lenox coming soon to a store near you. Watch for Lenox’s Simply Fine bone china, featuring four whimsical, nature-inspired motifs—our favourite is Chirp, which features a pretty bird design and a turquoise, orange and espresso colour palette on a white bone body.

3. Neutral Territory. For 2008, neutrals are huge, with a host of tabletop manufacturers from Denby to Portmeirion to Royal Crown Derby launching new patterns in barely-there palettes. Stone, buff, khaki and smoke are the new hot shades du jour.

4. Opposites Attract. Specifically we’re talking about black and white, a tabletop trend you can dress up or dress down to look either traditional or very modern. A great way to play with this trend is to register for a classic white pattern, then add a graphic element to that with black, or black and white patterned salad plates. The graphic trend is so big that we made it a focal theme of the tableware shoot featured in our Spring & Summer 2008 issue (on newsstands now!).

5. Designer Goods. Vera Wang, Kate Spade, Missoni, Calvin Klein, Zandra Rhodes, Marc Jacobs and Versace are not only some of the biggest names in fashion, but also in tableware. The great thing about designer tableware? It’s more affordable than clothing and will last you a lifetime! The latest designer to backstamp their name on bone china: Monique Lhuillier for Royal Doulton. Her line is pretty and classic, very true to her fashion design style.

6. Victorian Charm. Any kind of pattern featuring toile, chintz and bold, oversize flowers is hot. Think of your Grandmother’s china she served you Christmas dinner on—it was probably lovely, ladylike and quite traditional. Chances are she had a pattern that has been around for years, one that’s timeless and never loses its splendour. Consider registering for a pattern like Grandmother’s, but also for one that complements it, so you have a mix and match set that will look hip and haute, and infuse your home with a touch of something old.