The fall is a busy time for hosting whether you’re gathering family and friends for the holidays or inviting people over to warm up as the weather changes. To help you prepare for the busy holiday season, we sat down with Michael Aram to learn more about the latest trends in dinnerware and how to style the perfect spread with his latest collection.
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First off, can you tell us a little bit about Michael Aram’s designs?
I’m highly inspired by my surroundings and often represent objects that have a special meaning to me, especially ordinary objects that might otherwise be overlooked in the everyday. Nature is my biggest source of inspiration, as is the handmade process.
What is a trend you’re seeing in dinnerware design?
Many of us have increasingly been entertaining in a more casual fashion. We want beautiful and practical dinnerware to fit our lifestyles, and increasingly are drawn to original and handmade pieces. Mixing and matching various materials and textures help to create unexpected and personal table settings. I personally love mixing my bisque sculpted Forest Leaf dinner plates with the colourful, hand-painted Butterfly Ginkgo accent plate. I love seeing how people use my pieces in different ways to make their own tables special when entertaining their friends and family.
If you’re moving into a new place, what items should new-home owners invest in?
I always interesting yet fundamental entertaining pieces such as flatware, china, and glassware. My Wheat Gold Flatware and Twist Diamond glasses are personal favourites as they add lustre, richness, and sparkle to any table setting. For more artful pieces which will become the heirlooms for tomorrow, I suggest some of my more signature pieces such as the Anemone Vase, as it adds character to any space.
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The fall is a busy season for party hosting. What are your favourite items for the hostess to have in their home from Michael Aram?
Beautiful serving bowls, casserole dishes, or serving platters which enhance the table and create drama and beauty on the table. The Olive Branch Gold Pie Dish and Casserole Dish are some of the pieces that I enjoy using myself.
For those looking to make a grand statement, my new large centrepiece bowls can be used for champagne on ice or for tall orchid plants. It’s a piece which is multifunctional as well as beautiful when empty. The Butterfly Ginkgo Centerpiece is an outstanding choice, for the kitchen island, entry table, or dining table has become an entertaining essential in my home.
What are your favourite items for gifting from the collection?
Some of my favourite go-to gifts for weddings include beautifully engraved picture frames and serving trays. Nothing beats a wonderful engraved gift in metal which will last for generations to appreciate and mark a special occasion. One of my favourite “romantic” collections would be Wisteria Gold, as it the entwined vines suggest the idea of growing together gracefully and with love.
When it comes to home parties, I usually gift Michael Aram candles. The Ocean Reef Candle has been one of my favorites this summer.
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