30 Dinner Plates So Beautiful They’re ALMOST Too Good To Use
Gone are the days of simple crockery. We want colour, pattern and something unique to complete our summer tablescape. Well, say hello to the latest dinner plates you’ll not only want to eat off, but want to hang on your walls, too (minus the leftovers, obviously!)
After what has felt like a bit of a rollercoaster, we’re all searching for joy; joy through going out, what we wear and our homes. So understandably, we’re seeing an explosion of fun, maximalist designs, from pink decor to checkerboard homewares. Creativity is at the forefront of this movement, as we introduce hand-painted crockery, homemade pottery and artisan details to our arsenal of interior finds. Laying the table has even become an art form; an opportunity to create and frame home cooked food with a touch of personality and extravagant flare. From colourful glassware to embroidered napkins, nothing is too much for the modern day table, including bold designer plates.
The high street has jumped on this trend, however it would be inappropriate not to shine a light on the original creators and skilled craftspeople. For instance, the Italian Blossom collection has been produced exclusively for Cabana by a small team of artisans in Umbria with each plate being painted by hand. Similarly, the London and Paris-based artist and designer,Willemien Bardawil, has her Angel Fleur ceramic plates handmade and hand painted by a family of artisans in Florence, Italy.
Unique hand-painted plates may cost more, but they are so worth it. For the intricate detail, the original artwork, the time that has gone into creating each and every piece, these designer creations tell a story, something we can pass on to generations to come.
Another big success story is that of London-based Hot Pottery. The brand launched in 2020 with a group of friends, Chris, Christian, Flossie, Kylie and Nick. They rightly believed that great food should be showcased on great tableware and so began a venture to support small, independent ceramic artists from around the world. The distinctive “splatter” design which they’re instantly known for originates from Puglia, Italy. Here the plates have been created by a ceramics artisan who’s produced pieces in the same town for 18 generations.
More Mediterranean influence comes from the French artist, illustrator and art director of Ibride, Rachel Convers. Her Alhambra porcelain collection is inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, one of the designer’s first great memories of wonder. The set of two large plates is inspired by the floral elements of the palace and the legend of Zaira, a princess held in the palace. Proving that with every good meal should come a great story.
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