Mary Berry new tableware collection is perfect for summer

Before she was a treasured Great British Bake Off judge, Mary Berry was once the Food Editor of Ideal Home. There are stacks of Ideal Home archive copies from the 1970s packed with Mary’s advice and recipes, so it’s fair to say that we know first-hand just how dedicated she is to the art of hosting.

Just in time for summer, Mary’s new tableware range At Home has arrived at Next and it is packed full of Mediterranean charm. In an interview with Ideal Home, she told us all about her work behind the scenes on the collection and what inspired her.

So, if you want to imagine yourself on a sunny balcony in Greece from the comfort of your back garden, I think this range might be the best way to do it. Here’s a look at the pieces you’ll want to add to your wishlist asap.

Mary is one of Ideal Home’s most celebrated alumni, so it felt fitting to ask her about how involved she was in the creative process behind her tableware collections.

‘It started with my Signature range – a simple classic design, which is timeless, and shows off the food so well,’ Mary begins. ‘One of my new tableware collections, Botanical, features elegant ferns decorating fine china without detracting for the food.’

She goes onto say ‘I’m immensely proud of it. I’ve been involved from the start, throughout the stages of design.’

With such longevity working in food preparation and styling, I guessed that Mary must have seen plenty of tableware trends come and go. So does she feel like the emphasis on functional tableware rather than just pretty pieces has full circle?

‘I feel they can be both,’ says Mary. ‘As both my ranges are functional, whilst also being attractive (without being overpowering). I like the food to stand out, and for my Signature collection, the design is subtle but elegant.’

As for her new collection, ‘The At Home tableware range is vibrant yet modern and can be displayed decoratively in your kitchen.’

Just as when she was responsible for Ideal Home’s food pages, it’s clear that there’s no cutting corners with Mary’s output. ‘Quality is so important’ she says. ‘And ensuring attention to detail. For example, the handles have to feel right when held and the lids need to fit perfectly.’

From the looks of the collection, the emphasis on high-standards is definitely there. I for one am eyeing up the pasta bowls to make it feel like I’m on Mediterranean shores this summer!