Denby expanded its Serve! line of white serveware in organic shapes. From flat 1.75-liter oval dishes (retail $65.00) to petite triangular sizes (retail as low as $15.00), this line adds a graceful touch to the table and entertaining. Call 800-Denby-4U for more information.
Signature Housewares Inc. brings a beautiful Tuscan Wine entertainment story to the table with a serving tray, a cheese board with a ceramic insert, a wine cooler, and a set of six canape plates, all with a softly romantic wine story. Signature's entertaining collection also features Martini and Take Out themes. For more information, call 805-484-6666.
Le Souk Ceramique is a fun range of 100-percent handmade, hand-painted ceramics made in Tunisia. Made of porous red earthenware, the ceramics are dishwasher and microwave safe. Patterns include Italian-styled fruit scapes; rich, honey-colored Moroccan patterns; and Portuguese-styled blue designs. For more information, e-mail info@lesoukceramique.com.
Red Vanilla (formerly Rhubarb USA) is expanding its range of dinner and decorative wares to include a smattering of home furnishings. A relevant piece of this new pie for gourmet retailers is its funky red or white Bendix Barstools that are great for the kitchen or home bar. What's great for gourmet retailers is these handy stools ship in compact boxes and retail for $139.99 each. Of course, the company still stocks its trademark red and white bone china collection with retail pricing ranging from $2.99 to $39.99. For more information, call 201-460-1020.
Alfi presented their Albergo Thermal Carafe by top home decor and housewares designer Julian Brown. The carafe can be handled using one hand, and features Alfi's Toptherm stainless steel vacuum body that is unbreakable and dishwasher safe. The 12-cup carafe is chrome plated, comes with a five-year warranty on all thermal properties, and retails for $88. The 8-cup model includes a tea filter that clips onto the lid's underside and retails for $50. For more information, contact Kaiser Bakeware at 800-966-3009, or visit www.alficarafes.com.
Miam-Miam mugs from United Brands awaken the senses with fun, colorful, and unique designs. The series' organic shapes and funky decor enliven any drinking experience. Five mug shapes are available, including the Homme Solar whose shape encourages cradling the mug in your palm to soak up the coffee's warmth. For more information, call 650-802-6880, or send e-mail to baran@unitedbrands.us.
Timolino introduced their Travette Tea Maker that produces fragrant, flavorful tea without bitterness. A roomy basket infuser provides tea leaves room to properly release their flavor during infusion and the vacuum insulation holds the brew at the perfect temperature. For more information, call 949-595-0880, or send e-mail to davidm@timolino.com.
Casafina had fun with its new Red Polka Dot Collection that was rounded out by new textile intros. The polka-dot themed dinnerware is complemented by new glass products, as well as textiles, such as placemats, napkins, potholders, and aprons. Also new is a Polka Dot Salt Pouch complete with gourmet Sea Salt from Portugal (where Casafina's ceramics are made). Retailers placing an order of $350 or more receive 12 salt pouches free for an in-store gift with purchase. (An order of $200 gets you six pouches.) For more information, call 845-277-5700.
Pacific Cornetta presented their Tea-zer Tea Tumbler that lets tea lovers brew and drink their favorite tea on the go. The tumbler's stainless steel basket brews loose-leaf tea. Once steeped, the basket that can be removed and placed in the lid. The double-walled plastic tumbler is accented with stainless steel at the top and the bottom. Also new is the Pearl line of beverage cups and mugs that have a porcelain exterior and a stainless steel interior. This design updates the traditional ceramic mug by giving it insulation. The porcelain exterior retains its brilliant color through thousands of washings. The stainless steel interior is marine-grade quality and protects the porcelain from chips and cracks. Microcell insulation between the two layers retains the liquid's temperature without transferring heat to the exterior. A variety of different colors and designs decorate the exterior. It retails for a suggested price of $17.99. For more information, visit www.pacific-cornetta.com.
Carlisle presented their new Regal Colors line of decorative acrylicware. Part of the Spectrum Group, the items look like crystal but are actually made of durable acrylic. The collection includes an ice bucket with a swivel top, a brunch glass, a wine cooler, a medium bowl, a small bowl, and an individual bowl, all of which reveal a rainbow of colors in the cuts. For more information, call 800-339-4278, or visit www.grainware.com.
An expanded range of colorful lacquerware spelled the bambu story. Rich new colors -- canteloupe, tomato, robin egg blue, lemon chiffon, and sage -- on both large and small bowls complement the traditional "naked" bamboo range. Available in two sizes, 6 and 11.5 inches, each bowl is coiled by hand, then shaped and finished with food-safe natural lacquer. Also new at the show was the addition of the spork to its Natural Utensil collection. Perfect for small bite-sized appetizers, the spork is hand shaped and finished. For more information, visit www.bambuhome.com.
OGGI Corporation made a grand table statement with its 4-piece Caviar Service in 18/8 stainless steel with a porcelain spoon. This tiny service only costs $15.00 retail, but serves up some opulence. OGGI also introduced some beautiful kitchen accents, including an 18/8 stainless steel airtight canister collection with a lift-off tempered glass lid. Sold as a set of three in various sizes, the set will retail for $49.95. For more information, call 714-449-0733.
