Seven 20 Life branded Star Wars teapot and teacup combos, photo by Erica Dermer
Teaware made a lasting impression March 2-5 at the International Home and Housewares Show (IHHS) in downtown Chicago. More than 2,200 exhibitors showcased their goods at the annual trade show that takes place at the McCormick Place exposition center.
Teaware expressing a mélange of art and engineering, functionality and style was on display.
Here are some trends and innovative products that stood out.
A few teaware brands featured new teapot-teacup combinations in which the teapot fits securely on top of the cup, which is a fun, practical style for tea lovers. Pinky Up has a pot and cup combo in pink with palm fronds. Seven 20 Life offers branded Star Wars and Harry Potter tea pot/cup combos. Both have a $19.99 MSRP.
Rose gold and cacti themes remained hot throughout the show. Pinky Up featured rose gold teaware.
KitchenAid’s Precision Gooseneck Kettle
This year, KitchenAid’s Precision Gooseneck Kettle was selected as a finalist in the Kitchen Electronics category in the International Houseware Association’s Global Innovation Awards. The sophisticated digital version of the stainless steel kettle adjusts temperature based on the kind of tea to be steeped. Its gooseneck spout has three flow rate settings that create precise pouring, while a brew range thermometer on the lid monitors the water’s temperature while being poured. The kettle is also ideal for pour over coffee. The kettles will be available in August and the suggested retail price of the electric model is $119.99 and the stovetop model’s MSRP is $99.99.
SMEG partnered with Dolce and Gabbana to create the Sicily is My Love housewares line that includes a beautiful electric tea kettle decorated with colorful intricately designed lithography. Its interior is made of stainless steel, has a filter and holds 7 cups. It also turns off automatically. The kettle is manufactured in Italy and sold at Neiman Marcus for $600 dollars.
Minimalist sensibilities appeared as well, represented by BonJour’s ceramic teaware line, which comes in solid white or solid blue with teak accents.
