4 minute read
Retail Column
Rosenthal meets Versace
Bite-sized buying
From small plates through to charcuterie boards, the trend towards bite-sized foods has led to a whole new entertaining trend, which Michele Trzuskowski is capitalising on…
Costa Nova In retail, as many of you know, trends come and go. When they come around, I’m always questioning their validity. But I have to say, the charcuterie and small bite entertaining trend is one I really love for several reasons. It promotes a different level of entertaining (which I’ll explain later) and has introduced an awareness of additional tableware items to accommodate the trend. It also introduces several subsidiary categories that retailers can layer into the sale of the tableware.
The trend seemed to coincide with when the restaurant industry introduced small plates as the “new entree” in dining. At the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019, small plate menus were one of the largest growing trends in restaurants – and this has continued – not only for restaurants, but also for in-home entertaining.
According to research in early 2019, 74 per cent of millennials were more likely to order small plates and appetizers when dining out. grazing format found its way quickly into homes and in-home foodies could now experiment with small bite recipes and serving styles.
When I said before that small bites offered a different level of entertaining, I was speaking to the fact that, as a host, it’s easier and less intimidating to approach entertaining “snack style” then having to conform to a sit-down dinner party for twelve – trying to coordinate the right temperature and right time to serve food can prove extremely challenging! Plus, small bites offer more opportunities for testing new flavours and experimenting with both options in food and serveware.
As a result, tableware manufacturers have responded to this growing trend and have come out with many products to support it. From small bowls to canape plates, to charcuterie boards and utensils, it runs the gamut.
Take for example Costa Nova’s Brisa
Maple Leaf for the Home This cultural trend also impacted health-conscious customers who appreciated small bites, or the option for shared portions, not only because of cost, but because in many cases it offered more variety in offerings as well as more appropriate serving sizes. Plus, when it comes to most consumers bigger isn’t necessarily better anymore. When classic favourites turned miniature and became innovative bite-sized formats and shareable options, their popularity rose.
This new innovative trend for variety in almost a snacking or Collection, it’s filled with small plates and multiple small bowls, along with small oval platters in two sizes, all perfect for serving small bites. Equally perfect, especially if you prefer white to colour, is Vista Alegre’s Buffet collection which again offers some great narrow platters in multiple sizes and cool shaped oval bowls.
For “small bite” entertaining, great canape or appetizer plates are a must. I like Versace’s square canape that comes in over six designs, but for more casual entertaining, my go to is something like Bordallo Pinheiro’s Artichoke Green Bread Plate for it’s
About T is for Table
T is for Table is a luxury independent boutique, with a focus on tabletop, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Open more than 20 years, it offers an experiential and inspirational space dedicated to helping customers tell stories, create traditions and celebrate life. The boutique offers everything from fine pottery, china, glass, serveware and table accessories, to home décor, jewellery and body products, and delivers a custom service with its custom engraving, home visits and gift registries. www.tisfortable.com
more novel design, or Vietri’s colorful Pesci Colorati small fish plates. There are so many to choose from and any china patterns’ bread and butter plate works just as well and offers a perfect use for them versus waiting for that formal dinner party.
Then there is the perfect charcuterie board, again, another must have to show off small bites or rather creating a smorgasbord of grazing miniatures. I love the wood ones by Maple Leaf for the Home who engrave the board with the actual word “charcuterie” on it or personalize it with your name. Though any large platter, round or small, work great as well.
Entertaining in this way layers on the additional categories such as gourmet food. And of course, layered on to that you will need great serving utensils. And if you’re not serving finger foods, some appetizer forks, and spoons might be necessary as well.
In our store we’ve held events such as “Tips for building your own Charcuterie Board” where we’ve sold canape plates, gourmet food, serving utensils, and custom boards in several sizes. In addition, for the event we had several books on creating the charcuterie experience. There are now numerous books on the subject.
In any case, as a retailer, it is not too late to get on board with this trend to take advantage of the many selling opportunities in more than one category. And isn’t that all what we’re here for - finding great products that offer great sales!
