# Grooved Tableware So You Don't Lose Your Cutlery By Pearl | Published 2008-07-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grooved-tableware-so-you-dont-lose-your-cutlery References: [julianinterior](http://julianinterior.com/2008/07/grooveware-by-tokyo-based-designer-ross-mcbride/) & [normaldesign.net](http://normaldesign.net/) If you've ever tried balancing your [cutlery on your plate](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-utensil-set) at some function or party, you'll appreciate this [tableware set](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-of-tangible-spaces). It's got recesses in the plates to hold either a [fork, spoon or even chopsticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evolving-spoon) so your utensils stay put better while you are busy talking. The chopsticks plate is understandable; the American-born designer, Ross McBride, lives in Tokyo with his Japanese wife. The fourth plate is an ashtray which holds the matchbox. He calls his design "Grooveware". ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 6% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Functional Tableware:** Design tableware that has multiple functions to make dining experiences more convenient and enjoyable. - **Customizable Utensils:** Create tableware with customizable features to accommodate different cultural settings. - **Eco-friendly Tableware:** Invent tableware made of sustainable materials that promote environmental protection and reduce waste. ### Where This Applies - **Home Goods:** Develop and sell tableware sets for home use that cater to specific dining needs. - **Restaurants:** Incorporate the use of functional and customizable tableware in the dining experience to improve customer satisfaction. - **Event Planning:** Integrate eco-friendly and novel tableware designs in event planning services to add value and differentiate from competitors. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Aesthetically Functional Chopsticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/restless-chopsticks-tableware.md) - [Chic Stackable Tableware Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tableware-ecosystem.md) - [Table Manners-Teaching Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baby-tableware.md) - [Zero Gravity-Dining Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zero-microgravity.md) - [Interchangeable All-in-One Cutlery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinchy-cutlery.md) - [Coordinated Children-Focused Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tableware-bundle-for-children.md) - [Durable Sustainable Cutlery Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lollo.md) - [Card-Size Travel Cutlery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/travel-cutlery.md) - [Machine-Made Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gcode-flatware.md)