Bring a little magic rather than mayhem to teatime with our pick of the best children’s tableware...
Liewood
Based in Copenhagen ethically-minded Liewood’s bamboo tableware means even the messiest mealtimes become a pleasure. Created in 2015 by Anne Marie Lie Nielsen (she worked in the fashion industry for 15 years) it has a clean, Scandi design that brings a feeling of order to the chaos. We love the whole range – check out the Dante beach set and the sweet swimwear and towelling capes.
Rice
“Everyday magic at your table” is the slogan of playful tableware brand Rice, and there is something reassuringly pleasing about the chunky, colourful melamine designs that are durable enough to be reused for many years. You will find every print/colour imaginable, all BPA and phthalates-free. And Rice is also a brand with a conscience, taking an active part in various social projects around the world including a three-year collaboration with UNICEF and by supporting theLakshya Foundation in India.
SHOP: RICE By RICE
Nana's Manners
Created by primary school teacher Kathryn Baldrey-Chourio, Nana’s Manners’ ergonomically designed cutlery helps children to hold their knife and fork independently. With their perfectly shaped handles, they are great for little hands and there are also colourful stickers to gently guide children how to hold them correctly. “Returning to teaching after having my son, I found myself trying to get children in a class of 30 to eat a hot meal with a knife and fork,” says Kathryn. “Only two children had an idea of how to hold and use the cutlery. As a teacher I have used pencil grips, training scissors, easy-grip rulers, yet there was no cutlery out there that works this way – so I set about designing some myself.”
SHOP: Nanas Manners
Buddy + Bear
For modern families who long to bring streamlined simplicity to the dining table, may we introduce Buddy and Bear? Designed by husband-and-wife team Jon and Sarah from their home in West London, you will find educational themes such as time-telling, shapes and letters, to employ the power of learning through play. The monochrome or muted hues make a change from the usual Disney/Frozen prints – the playful eggcups are a must – and it definitely makes mealtimes more tempting.
SHOP: Buddy + Bear