Introducing Umi: The Art of Elegance on Your Table from Maxwell & Williams [Plus a Steamed Mussel Recipe]

Say hello to the Maxwell & Williams Umi range – a beautifully crafted porcelain collection, designed to add elegance to every meal, features a stunning reactive two-tone glaze that adds visual depth and striking contrast, perfect for enhancing any table setting. With a variety of items including plates, bowls, dinner sets, mugs, and serveware such as dishes and platters, Umi offers a handmade, artisanal feel with a luxurious edge.

Tips for Incorporating Black and Grey Crockery into Your Table Setting

Contrast with Light Colours: To make the black and grey tones of Umi crockery pop, pair them with lighter table linens such as white or cream. This contrast will highlight the elegant two-tone glaze and give your table a sophisticated look.
Use Metallic Accents: Integrate metallic elements like gold or silver cutlery, chargers, or napkin rings to add a touch of luxury. These accents complement the dark hues and enhance the overall elegance of the setting.
Add Natural Elements: Incorporate natural textures like wooden placemats or centrepieces made from fresh greenery. These elements bring warmth and balance to the dark tones, creating a harmonious and inviting table.
Play with Textures: Combine different textures for added visual interest. A mix of smooth porcelain with textured linens or rustic elements can create a dynamic and stylish setting.
Layering: Layer your table settings with different items from the Umi range. Start with a large plate, add a smaller salad plate, and finish with a bowl. This not only looks elegant but also provides a practical setup for multiple courses.

The Perfect Dish to Serve: Mussels

To showcase your new Umi serveware, consider serving mussels. Their rich, briny flavour pairs wonderfully with the sophisticated look of Umi, making it an ideal dish for impressing your guests.

How to Know if Mussels are Fresh

Check the Smell: Fresh mussels should smell like the sea—clean and slightly salty. Avoid any that have a strong, unpleasant odour.
Look at the Shells: The shells should be closed tightly and undamaged. If a shell is slightly open, give it a tap. If it snaps shut, the mussel is still alive and fresh. If it stays open, discard it.
Feel the Weight: Fresh mussels should feel heavy for their size, indicating they are full of seawater.

Preparing Mussels

Clean Them: Scrub the mussels under cold water to remove any debris. Remove the beards (the stringy fibres sticking out of the shells) by pulling them towards the hinge of the shell.
Discard Unusable Mussels: Discard any mussels with cracked shells or that do not close when tapped.

Simple Steamed Mussel Recipe

Ingredients:

1 kg fresh mussels
1 tablespoons olive oil
½ onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
a pinch of saffron threads
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add the white wine and bring to a simmer.
Add the mussels to the pot and cover. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Discard any that remain closed. Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately in a large bowl, using the Umi serveware for an elegant presentation.