# Play Plates Eating becomes a fun and lighthearted event with novelty dishware. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Sep 19, 2012 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/play-plates ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.7/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Play Plates trend? **Play Plates:** The home is where consumers can have fun and relax, which is why more home decor designers are turning meal time into a more playful and family-friendly affair with the creation of novel and lighthearted dinnerware and kitchen pieces. These cute and artistic plates appeal to a consumer's inner child while also helping parents to keep their children's attention during dinner time. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 9 to Sep 14, 2012 - Published: Sep 19, 2012 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Play Plates trend ### Playful Mealtime Designers are creating novel and lighthearted dinnerware and kitchen pieces to make meal time a more playful and family-friendly affair. ### Dishware Artistry Artistic dishware designs are encouraging creative plating and expression while eating. ### Childlike Creation Ceramics and related products are being created with a childlike sensibility that results in engaging and whimsical pieces. ## What the Play Plates trend means for industry ### For Home Decor Home decor designers are creating playful dinnerware and kitchen pieces that help parents keep children's attention during mealtime. ### For Art and Design Artists and designers are incorporating quirky designs and humor into dishware that inspire creative expression and playfulness. ### For Education and Behavior Dishware designs that help teach children about healthy eating and food groups are gaining traction in cafeteria and home settings. ## Trend signals for Play Plates Trend score 2.7 out of 10, from popularity 35%, activity 37%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 35% - Activity: 37% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Play Plates trend 6 featured examples from Jan 9 to Sep 14, 2012. - [Food Artistry Plates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transportation-plates): Boguslaw Sliwinski's Plates Encourage Food Play (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The ceramics industry has an opportunity to design and manufacture creative and interactive food plates that cater to the trend of turning mealtimes into art experiences for indiv… - [Attitude-Filled Dinnerware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intervention-ware): The 'Intervention-ware' Plate Series Provides Quirky Sayings (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating unique and personalized dinnerware that offers humorous or personalized designs. - [Puzzle Piece Plates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/altered-perspectives): The 'Altered Perspectives' Collection by Little Owl Designs Transforms Dishes (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The 'Altered Perspectives' collection could disrupt traditional fine art by merging it with everyday objects like dishware. - [Quirky Cuisine Dishware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/claudia-pearson-plates): The Claudia Pearson Plates are Hilariously Merchandized (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation: Utilize unique and eye-catching dishware designs to create standout home decor products that cater to consumers' desire for personalized and… - [Childlike Ceramics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charlotte-mei): Camberwell Graduate Charlotte Mei Creates Personality-Packed Plates (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Manufacturers of art supplies could capitalize on the trend of artists using multiple mediums and create new products that cater to this trend. - [Tin Can-Like Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/din-din-stainless-platter): The Din Din Stainless Platter is Made for Children and Picky Eaters (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Dinnerware companies can create minimalist designs that subtly educate people about nutrition. ## Recent trend clusters - [Sensory Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sensory-packaging) (Art & Design) - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Fruit-Inspired Cleaning Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vilada-punch) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) - [Textural Furniture Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fall-designs-blu-dot) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)