As shopping editors dedicated to kitchen gear, our focus extends beyond new appliance launches and technological advancements. We constantly seek out home and tableware brands that consistently deliver exciting and thoughtful innovations to their existing collections, making our kitchens and dining rooms more beautiful. Throughout the year, we review countless pitches and lookbooks, identifying standout items. The following seven brands have truly earned our recognition as tabletop champions in the inaugural Gear of the Year Awards.
Heath Ceramics, a California-based company, has been crafting exquisite dinnerware since its first Coupe Line launched in 1948. Seventy-seven years later, this iconic collection remains in production, showcasing Heath's enduring commitment to innovation in dinnerware. A notable highlight from the past year was their collaboration with Herman Miller, a renowned furniture company, which emphasized the shared dedication to creating timeless pieces that seamlessly blend practicality with artistic design. Similarly, East Fork has cultivated a devoted following for its signature mugs since 2019, building on a foundation of ceramic dinnerware production that began in North Carolina in 2010. Founded by Alex Matisse, a descendant of the famous artist, East Fork has consistently expanded its offerings to include glassware, table linens, and enamelware. Each year, the brand introduces limited seasonal glazes and special collections, such as the jewel-toned Malachite and glossy Sepia colorways, or the vibrant Matisse collection, all characterized by thoughtful and beautifully designed new releases. Jono Pandolfi, an acclaimed ceramic designer, has evolved from producing commissioned pieces for New York City restaurants to leading a 30-person company in a expansive studio in Union, New Jersey. Despite its growth, the brand maintains its dedication to artisanal craftsmanship, with every piece being hand-thrown and undergoing a unique production process. Jono and his team continuously explore new glazes, techniques, and forms, often releasing these as special-edition items, such as marbled bud vases or the colorful serving set created for a James Beard Award collaboration with San Pellegrino.
Glasvin, established in 2019, quickly became a preferred glassware brand for both restaurants and consumers seeking high-quality, handblown glass without the exorbitant cost. David Kong, the founder, transitioned from a career in finance to create Glasvin, continuously introducing new product lines and glass shapes. Starting with a versatile Universal glass designed for various wines, the brand has since expanded to include dozens of other products, such as the durable GV Home glassware line and a Ceramics Collection featuring elegant porcelain cups. Among the year's favorites are the Whiskey Glass, praised for its excellent nosing capabilities, and the Parr Glass, a collaboration with celebrated sommelier and winemaker Rajat Parr. Each Glasvin piece is meticulously handblown from lead-free crystal by skilled artisans with whom the company collaborates directly. Seattle-based housewares brand Holcomb, a venture by inventor David and digital marketer Ariel Holcomb, seasonally releases new collections that seamlessly integrate form and function. Since its launch in 2023, the brand has garnered anticipation for each new offering, which includes a cohesive range of products crafted from wood, glass, stone, and stainless steel. Early favorites like the stainless steel Puddle Coasters remain popular, alongside newer additions such as a green marble Nest Spoon Rest and a set of sage-handled Wedge Cheese Knives, perfect for holiday entertaining and gifting. Big Night, initially a brick-and-mortar store in Greenpoint Brooklyn, has expanded into two physical locations and a thriving online shop. The brand offers a curated selection of home goods, tableware, kitchenware, barware, glasses, and pantry items, many of which are highly acclaimed and frequently featured in various gift guides. Beyond its retail operations, Big Night produces its own line of unique items, including produce-inspired spoon rests, vibrant striped napkins, and distinctive tiled coasters. The brand also collaborates with small businesses to create exclusive products, such as a hand-painted ceramicware line with Valsa Home and recent additions like handblown Luce glasses and a spicy cocktail salt in partnership with Jacobsen Salt Co. Lastly, Haand's artisanal ceramicware has found its way into numerous kitchens and over 175 restaurants and hotels across the country. Founded in 2012 by high school friends Mark Warren and Chris Pence, Haand has grown into a significant operation with a 13,000-square-foot facility and a 20-person team. The brand’s core collections encompass dinnerware, kitchen essentials, and decor, often featuring collaborations with chefs and stylists. This summer saw the launch of the Hestia Coupe line, which elegantly merges design elements from two existing collections to create dinner plates that appear to float on the table, embodying grace and sophistication.
The brands highlighted this year exemplify how creativity, dedication to craft, and thoughtful design can elevate everyday items into objects of beauty and utility. Their commitment to innovation not only enhances our dining experiences but also enriches our homes with pieces that tell a story of artistry and passion. Embracing such quality and design contributes to a more mindful and aesthetically pleasing lifestyle, reminding us that even the simplest objects can bring joy and inspiration.