There are two big housewares shows every year -- Ambiente is held in Frankfurt, Germany in February and is geared towards the European market. The International Home and Housewares Show is in Chicago in March and is aimed at the U.S. market. Over 2,000 companies set up booths and show off their new products.
It's also part circus (last year there were folks demonstrating showers by, well, taking a shower), part celebrity watching (Alton Brown, Paula Deen, and Rick Bayless were spotted at the 2007 show), and part education (Pantone does a great display with their predictions of this year's trendy colors -- rumors are Burnt Orange is hot!).
We'll be heading out to Chicago this week to take in the scene. We'll look for what's new and interesting, and report back to you here starting on Sunday evening. Stay tuned for the scoop...
