By Jolene Turner

NYIGF was in full swing by today as all divisions officially opened, including Tabletop and Housewares.

“Stimulating” describes this season’s show, according to Jill Sander of The Trend Forecaster (www.thetrendforecaster.com). “So much of it was new and innovative, but not edgy; comfortable with a modern twist.”

“The highlight for me was the fancy melomine tableware from Bongenre (www.bongenre.com) — they are plastic dishes that seriously look real,” said interior designer Nathan Turner. “I also noticed a lot of Belgian-style natural wood and flax-linen looks popping up.”

In the tabletop category, the trend is feminine pieces, explained Elaine K. McCleary, of Juliska (www.juliska.com), with reference to its popular Black Glass Collection. “There is definitely a return to the feminine with shapes that are bubbly, voluptuous, and round; these pieces are then being layered with more structured tableware.”

Buyers are also trending toward items that are of excellent quality and durability, sustainable and locally made or produced in the USA, according to Frances Palmer of Frances Palmer Pottery (www.francespalmerpottery.com). “Neutrals and natural tones are also popular because they are elegant and they go with the organic trend,” she said.

“Happy and bright pieces have been doing well for us,” said Diane Seidle of Mustardseed and Moonshine (www.mustardseedandmoonshine.com.) “Our buyers are really wanting strong, cheerful colors. They have responded to our platter that comes in a blazing hot orange.”

“Anything that has a face on it does really well for us,” said Tony Moxham of DFC Mexico City (www.dfcasa.com). This was true for the company’s Mexican Icon Plates, which feature images of prominent Mexicans such as architect Luis Barragan and poet Pita Amore.

“There were a lot of pieces with metal and wire; bold colors and dramatic pieces were also huge as well,” Nanette Walsh, owner of Le Petite Maison (www.lepetitemaison.us) in Hingham Square, MA.