The handmade charm
Skewed decorative lines, not quite round shapes, runny glazes: what would have been dismissed as unprofessional in the past is now being used deliberately and has even become a global trend: handmade tableware. The plates, cups and bowls often appear as if they were self-made, which is precisely the appeal of the handmade tableware style. Supposed flaws are seen as positive as they stand for individuality, rusticity, coziness, and charm. Perhaps the COVID-19 years were not entirely innocent in promoting this trend - after all, the "home sweet home" and DIY experienced a renaissance during this time. As a counterpart to mass-produced goods, the handmade look also related to other trends such as sustainability, conscious enjoyment, and mindfulness.
The colors: natural and maritime
Important with handmade tableware is on the one hand the non-uniformity in form and design. The fact that no two glazes are alike, that sometimes more and sometimes less color has been applied, and that a line has been drawn that is sometimes stronger and sometimes softer, makes each piece of tableware unique. The handmade style thus invites the guest to look at it and compare it, offering them an individual visual experience. On the other hand, the colors are crucial. Handmade tableware is strongly inspired by nature in terms of color. Sandy and earthy tones such as beige or brown go well with the rustic look, as do green colors reminiscent of plants. Blue, maritime tones are also in vogue - a little sea and vacation romance is allowed. Depending on the context and interior, the colors can be rich and strong or have more of a pastel color.
Handmade collection PERFECT MATCH
The PERFECT MATCH collection from the HEART&SOUL brand captures this trend and brings the handmade style to the catering industry. There are 25 items to choose from in five natural color variations: cumin, oyster, breeze, thyme and avocado, whereby the reactive glazes are applied by hand, creating truly unique pieces. The items are suitable for a wide range of dishes: round coup plates and oval platters offer space for generous food presentations, round plates with high rims are perfect for serving food with sauces, and for coffee specialties of all kinds, cups and mugs in matching sizes are on offer. But above all, the quality is outstanding: all HEART&SOUL articles are fired twice at a temperature of 1,200 °C. This makes the articles robust and dense, so that they can be cleaned in the dishwasher due to the glaze. This quality is also called "vitrified" or "super vitrified".
Mix & Match: Handmade tableware combined freely
Perfectly matching the handmade trend in tableware is the concept of mix & match. This involves combining different pieces of tableware and table decor to create a highly individual table design. Instead of uniform, coordinated dinnerware and decor, as has long been the norm, the mix and match trend encourages combining pieces from different collections, styles and colors.
For example, in the PERFECT MATCH collection, pieces from different decors can be wonderfully combined with each other. So why not create a harmonious base with plates from the breeze decor, while avocado-colored cups provide exciting visual accents. The versatile combination options underline the charm of the handmade style and add a personal touch to the food presentation. This not only makes the table setting look particularly exciting, but also allows the chef to add his own touch to his dishes. It is up to the chef to choose the tableware, whether light or dark plate, and the story they want to tell with their dish.
