I think its an unusual color for tabletop in theory (somehow it doesn't sound super appetizing, does it?) but in person, at the show, the pieces in this color were very attractive and homey, in a sophisticated, somewhat Scandinavian-style way. The grays of choice are fairly light, and cool, with undertones veering more toward green/blue than brown.
The gray dishes, bowls and serving pieces look especially lovely on white, which would make coordinating for a party a snap. I think a table set with gray dinnerware, a white tablecloth, gold flatware and creamy warm white roses would be breathtaking. So, yes, I was convinced by the trend (maybe not enough to abandon my standby of Willow, but definitely tempted enough to daydream up this possible party plan). I have to say, it beats the lime and purples of the past for a shot at longevity, it's simply easier to live with, long term.
Sources for the examples shown in the pics above, all taken at the show yesterday:
1. Brabantia ( I didn't even know that they made dinnerware!? Anyone else?)
2. Jay
3. Bormioli Rocco
4. Boska
5. Gibson
6. Waverly
7. Mario Batali/Dansk
8. Teroforma
9. Kinto
10. Gibson
11. My Drap (tear off cloth placemats on a roll)
12. The Paper Table (wineglass tealight paper lampshades)
13. Teroforma
What's your take on gray for tabletop? An modern entertaining staple on the rise or too dismal for dinner?
PAST YEARS COLOR REPORTS FROM HOME & HOUSEWARES:
• Green is THE Color at Home & Housewares in 2011
• Housewares Color of the Year? Purple!
• Housewares Color Trend: Darker and Earthier
(Images: Janel Laban)
Must-See Small Cool Homes: Week Two
Beth's Romantic & Retro Residence
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Commercial Flour Sa...
How to Cook Moist & Tender Chicken Breasts Every Time
How To Cook Tender, Chewy Wheat Berries on the Stovetop
I'll stick to white.
yeah, no thanks.
We registered for greyish-taupe Vera Wang Naturals for our 2010 wedding -- the color was called "Graphite," I think. We get compliments on them all the time. I think that the brown undertones help them relate better to foods -- blue/green undertones are a little less food-y feeling to me.
I have black, and food looks great on it, just as black is a great foil for colors in other ways. So grey might have a more subtle but similar effect.
What I want to know is how many people actually BOUGHT those previous year's featured colors? Just because trend creators decided to push them doesn't mean the public fell for it!
Pretty! I do think that gray was big in 2011 for all things fashionable. I am sure it will change & white is classic go-to! I love the gray & think it is a perfect neutral.
Don't think this one is going to grab me--or too many other people, for that matter. A silver stripe on a plate might be nice, or a gray & white patterned mug. This makes me think of last year's gray nail polish trend. Boy did it look spiffy on five or six people! But on most of us, most of the time...no.
Love it. Especially with yellow.
I really prefer solid white, but I can see mixing in a piece or two - especially those Boska bowls with the white-ish interiors.
Yuck.
I'll pass. I'll stick with white or black.
I have light grey plates and bowls and i love them! They are neutral and warm enough that all food looks good on them
I love the smoky glasses in 3 & 5, those are seriously cool.
I love the gray but it does seem a bit too Dickensian for most people.
love those waverly dishes! always down for moroccan pattern, but not so big on gray. i already have two sets of dishes: white porcelain with red/orange/blue/yellow striped rim and a dusky blue with paisley (http://www.replacements.com/webquote/22FCHB.htm#6208001 )
I like the smoked glasses.
The glasses remind me of the ones we used to get from the gas station - Shell Oil, I think.
Who buys dishes based on a trend???
Looks great -- on a table in a store with fabulous lighting and no food in sight.
Russell Wright made some pieces in gray, lighter than most of the above and heathered, which are affordably available on eBay.
Sorry, none of this is appealing to me at all. Smoked glass reminiscent of the 50's and not in a good way. I will stay with my yellow, green, brown, and blue, all in very uplifting and happy shades.