HOUSEWARES SHOW 2017 ~ PART TWO

(Photo By T. Herman)

I had the pleasure of attending this year’s International Home+Housewares Show; the world’s largest and most preeminent show of its type was held at Chicago’s McCormick Place; covering this annual show for this blog is something I look forward to each year. This annual show draws over 20,000 trade attendees from 100 countries that check out the latest in design, functionality and technology for all-things home and housewares from over 2,100 exhibitors.  The four-day event isn’t nearly enough time to see all of the exhibits, attend all of the workshops, and enjoy the multi-venues, which include a Cooking Theater that attracts the best and brightest in culinary chef-dom.  Once again, I barely scratched the surface in checking things out.  This show is where the next trends are uncovered and new designs are discovered.  It is THE place where buyers and sellers come to see firsthand the latest and greatest in products that will be on the shelves for consumers in the coming months. 

Products were categorized into exhibit segments, and included: Clean, Contain and Design ~ bath, cleaning, organization, seasonal products; Dine and Design ~ cookware, tabletop, gourmet foods, home decor products; Discover Design ~ tableware, flatware, cutlery kitchen and home collection products; Wired and Well ~ energy conservation, appliances, healthcare products; and, Global Crossroads ~ international pavilions.  Another major show component included the Cooking Theatre, which featured many outstanding celebrity chefs that shared with attendees the latest in cooking and food trends, culinary efficiencies, while featuring their branded products; food samplings and cookbook autograph sessions were also featured.

Once again, the show featured multi-layered trends and advancements.  One of the biggest product trends I noticed at the show this year was that of color in prep pieces, cooking vessels, and serveware. It seems that adding pops of color to the chore, increases the level of enjoyment of the chore.  Color is also a great way to break-up a chore’s tedium.  For me, using color for the cooking process is like adding the right blend of spices, herbs, and seasonings to the dish, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary and delicious. 

Other trends included products made from silicone, sustainable woods, and recycled materials.  Digital Other digital technology and connectivity to mobile devices was also a major trend, as was hydration with more and more filtration systems, infusers, and sport bottle designs.  Lastly, improving the ease of functionality and practicality of items for home cooks of all levels, including a return to cast iron, safe non-stick cooking surfaces, ceramics, and green and sustainability products were also prominent.

I had the pleasure of testing the following products, which were all exhibited at this show.  Each one offers a glimpse into some of the unique and innovative products that consumers will want to consider making a part of their culinary routines.  For more information on this show, visit https://www.housewares.org/show/

PRODUCTS WITH SOLUTIONS

Aquasana Glass Bottle ~ This is the perfect solution to plastic bottle waste.  Made of shatter-resistant glass, the entire bottle is covered with a decorative silicone sleeve that wicks away condensation, while allowing for an easy grip and no slippage.  For more information, visit http://www.aquasana.com

FlatBox Large 17x17 Lunch Box ~ These are ingenious and a Housewares Show Awardee for Innovative Design.  FlatBox designs are an attractive insulated Lunch Box that converts to a hygienic Placemat; they’re made from flexible neoprene material, making it easy to hand or machine wash; the flexible neoprene material also makes it easy to roll up for storage.  Safe for all outdoor use, including camping, boating, picnics, barbecues, and traveling; also great for school and work lunches.  For more information, visit http://www.flatbox-lunchbox.com

Ironwood Gourmet 6” Triangle Serving Plate ~ This beautiful Serving Plate is made from natural Acacia Wood is perfect for appetizers or noshes; the upturned curved edges add a nice design component.  Ironwood Gourmet is part of Fox Run Brands.  For more information, visit http://www.ironwoodgourmet.com/default.asp

Jarware Fruit Infusion Lid, Soap Pump Kit, and Firefly Kit ~ Clever products that convert glass Mason jars into repurposed and functional solutions like converting a wide-mouth Mason jar into a Fruit Infuser, or converting regular-mouth Mason jar into a handy Soap Pump Dispenser, or converting a regular-mouth Mason jar into a fun Firefly Bottle, complete with a mini-sized catch net.  All materials are made from recycled BPA-free plastic, and are both food safe and dishwasher safe.  Jarware is part of Fox Run Brands.  For more information, visit https://www.jarware.com

Knork ~ Knork knows how to combine the best of functionality and durability with design.  One of their latest designs is their beautiful Antique Copper Titanium.  These precision, ergonomically and ambidextrous designs are made from hand forged 18/0 stainless steel that’s coated with titanium PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition; an advanced plasma coating technology); this coating makes the finish scratch resistant and dishwasher safe.  On the more playful side, Knork has a Camping Fork Set that includes twelve brightly colored forks perfect for outdoor dining and casual entertaining.  Whether it’s casual or upscale, Knork has just the right eating utensil design for dining.  http://www.knork.net

Robinson Home Products ~ All of these brands offer practical solutions for prepping, baking, maintaining, and entertaining needs.  Squish 1 Qt. Collapsible Colander; Sunbeam Stainless Steel Coffee Measure; Oneida Non-Stick Silicone Coated Aluminum 10x15 Cookie Sheet, and Terrace Collection Flatware; Chip Clip Sports Frame Set; and, Sink Things Large Sink Mat.  For more information on Robinson Home Products, visit http://www.robinsonus.com

Smart Cart ~ This successful contender from the popular entrepreneur reality show, “Shark Tank”, has been a huge success with their innovative products that make transporting “stuff” effortless.  Walking the massive Housewares Show, a constant dilemma for me was lugging brochures, samples, and other personal belongings in a few weighty large bags flung over my sore shoulders.  In hitting the North Building of the Show, I came across this booth space and had a brief conversation with CEO Richard Eldin.  He took compassion on my aches and pains, and gave me a Smart Cart to keep and finish out the Show.  The Smart Cart design features include the ability to hold up to 110 pounds; has a telescoping handle that’s ergonomically designed; the long handle is curved for ease of weight distribution, and it’s easy to grip and hold onto for lengthy periods of time; its soft rubber wheels maximize maneuverability, easily rolling over carpeted and hardwood floors; there’s also a handy front pocket to hold miscellaneous “stuff”; and, it’s made of easy to clean waterproof canvas; folds easily and collapses down to two-inches; and, it weighs less than three pounds.  I can appreciate why the “Sharks” gave the CEO $2,350,000 as an investment for his new company; it was a wise decision for them to do.  For more information, visit https://www.dbest-products.com

Stor-All Solutions Press N’ Click Lunch Box and Go! Lunch Insulated 4.9 Cup Cooler Bag ~ These designs are a great way to safely store lunches; the Lunch Box also includes eating utensils that compactly fit into the lid; the silicone ring makes for an air and water tight seal; they’re freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe; made from BPA-free plastic; cleanup is also easy.  The Cooler Bag is insulated neoprene and keeps contents cold and hot; comes with a 4.9 Cup Press N’ Click container.  For more information, visit http://storallsolutions.com

INTERVIEW

Christy Rost “Celebrating Home, A Handbook for Gracious Living” ~ Christy Rost is a highly regarded lifestyle expert, chef, television and radio personality, food and wine expert, teacher, home restoration expert, journalist, author, and Registered Nurse.  She is also the host of the highly acclaimed program, “A Home for Christy Rost: Thanksgiving”, which was produced for American Public Television.  The one-hour holiday special airs nationwide on PBS and Create TV, reaches millions of households, and has made her a greatly anticipated celebrity.  The beautiful program is a celebration and journey into the restoration of she and her husband’s beloved 1898 historical mansion, “Swan’s Nest”.  Throughout the program, she also shares her passion and expertise on entertaining, her love of family, friends, and food.  This holiday special also includes her expert tips on decorating, shopping for just the right holiday touches, setting the ideal tablescape, and of course, sharing her cherished recipes that are perfect for the holiday.  For many, including myself, this program has become a Thanksgiving Holiday Tradition to watch; and, no matter how many times I’ve watched this program since it first aired in November 2009, I always manage to learn something new about history, restoration, decorating, lifestyle, and cooking.  She recently published her fourth highly successful book, “Celebrating Home, A Handbook for Gracious Living”.  Her latest is indeed a comprehensive “handbook” that includes “celebration with family, friends, and memorable occasions”.  Each main section of this beautiful book delves into aspects of lifestyle, decorating, delicious recipes, and entertaining.  The exquisite photography of Rick Souders makes this book a feast for the eyes!  Christy also emphasizes that taking care of self by creating “rituals” is an important component to lifestyle and relaxation.  And, as a recognized spa expert, I totally agree!  Lastly, I sincerely hope that eventually she’ll have her own regular show on PBS, so that more folks can have the opportunity to follow her, learn from her, and see how easy it is to live a gracious life that touches all aspects of family, friends, and self.  For more information, visit http://www.christyrost.com

~ In Closing ~

(Image from www.foodsafetynews.com)

I’ve enjoyed testing these products in my home, which are available at traditional brick and mortar retailers, as well as online retailers.  Be sure to also check out each brand’s website, as well as their social media platforms to obtain additional information about their entire product lines.

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  Happy creating…happy cooking…happy eating!

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN continues perfecting her passion for food and wine.  She has been covering culinary related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events such as International Home+Housewares Show, National Restaurant Show, Sweets and Snacks Expo, United Fresh, and Food Marketing Institute.  She has served as a food judge at the Bellavita Italian Expo Excellence Awards (Chicago).  She has been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle, and is frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content.  She has also presented at major industry conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory boards.  She has a background in strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach also includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, Terry’s Second Helpings.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

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(Photo credits as indicated, or as represented by the specific brand.)