Who has time to set the table? If social media posts from some of the world’s most historic houses — Royal Copenhagen and Ginori 1735 among them — are any indication, old rules à la Emily Post are a thing of the past.
In an effort to entice a younger demographic, spilled milk, smartphone wires, wrinkled linens and unorganized cutlery are as much a part of ad campaigns as they are a depiction of real life. “The world of entertaining and living has become very lifestyle and a bit more casual. I think when people are registering now for weddings…it might not be for super-fine China. It’s dishes that you want to use every day [or] a table that’s not perfect. I think that is the new trend,” Aerin Lauder told WWD on the occasion of the launch of the Aerin wedding registry.
When Royal Copenhagen launched its Iris collection in March, the aim was to create the basis for mix and match within the realm of the classic Royal Copenhagen designs. “Iris invites one to play and make the table their own. For me, it’s about creating porcelain that fits into life as it really is — personal, expressive and full of small moments that matter,” says Jasper Toron Nielsen, Royal Copenhagen’s creative director.
In modern times, and in an attempt to attract a new generation, Tuscan porcelain firm Ginori 1735 wants to show design lovers that it’s a lifestyle, its chief executive officer Mehdi Benabadji explains to WWD of its recent “New Table Manners” campaign, in which there were no given rules. “You can create your own rules and you can feel free to explore, to mix the products the way you want and to reinvent their usage. The idea is to say these porcelain objects are not meant for museums, even though some pieces are truly museum-worthy.”
Below, WWD compiled the best of casual dining essentials.
Royal Copenhagen’s Iris Collection is characterized by hand-sprayed porcelain pieces that blend artistry with everyday functionality. Prices start at 45 euros.
Courtesy of Royal Copenhagen
Alessi’s Vite Espresso Caffettiera by industrial designer Philippe Malouin takes shape in the form of a screw. Prices start at 85 euros.
Courtesy of Alessi
With its metallic details and pastel color palette, Ginori 1735’s Diva collection is an elegant update of the modern yet more sombre 1954 Colonna collection. Prices start at 180 euros for a rectangular tray.
Courtesy of Ginori 1735
The first collection of tableware produced by Alessi, La Bella Tavola collection was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1993. Prices start at 48 euros.
Courtesy of Alessi
Buccellati’s Tahiti silver set was created in the 1960s based on an original design by Gianmaria Buccellati. Prices start at 2,100 euros for a set of six.
Courtesy of Buccellati
Glass art firm Casarialto was started by Catherine Urban, who spent most of her career working with leading luxury brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Prices start at about 250 euros for a set of four glasses.
Courtesy of Casarialto
Frette Turning Tables linens by designer Tara Bernerd debuted at Milan Design Week on April 20. Prices for Frette’s placemat sets start at about 175 euros.
Courtesy of Frette
