PHILIPPI : Trio

Trio of bowls with wooden tray

Three bowls, one tray and suddenly someone's staying for a drink

Chips in the large bowl, nuts in the middle one, olives or pistachios in the smallest – and a spontaneous snack suddenly looks remarkably well planned. The PHILIPPI TRIO bowl set combines three differently sized snack bowls in shiny black polished stainless steel with a long serving tray made from dark mango wood. Designed by Steve McGugan, the set is all about the interplay of its materials: reflective bowls bring depth and light to the table, while the dark wood creates a warm, calm foundation. Measuring 38 cm long and 16 cm wide, the tray sits comfortably on a dining table, coffee table, sideboard or garden table. Precisely shaped recesses keep all three bowls neatly in position, while their contents can be rather more flexible. Serve snacks, dips, fruit, biscuits, sauces or sweets separately while keeping everything together as one considered arrangement. There is also a clever detail behind the pared-back appearance: the stainless steel bowls have a double-wall construction. An insulating layer of air helps cold food remain cool and warm food stay warm for longer. Very sensible for a set that otherwise has a remarkable talent for making the evening feel slightly less planned.

From the first aperitif to the rather late last drink

TRIO is one of those pieces that quickly earns a regular place on the table without being tied to a single purpose. Fill the bowls with olives, nuts and crackers for an aperitif, use them for dips, sauces and small sides with dinner, then bring them back for chocolates, biscuits or something sweet with coffee. Fruit and colourful sweets also create a striking contrast against the black stainless steel. The three bowls can be presented together on their wooden tray or used individually around the table. That makes this PHILIPPI serving set equally useful for a small gathering, a buffet, an evening with friends or relaxed snacks outside in the garden. Three different sizes naturally bring a little order to proceedings, without making the table look as though someone has been excessively organised.

Black, mango wood and a rather good idea

TRIO was created by designer Steve McGugan, who has more than 30 years of industrial design experience and began his career working for Bang & Olufsen in Denmark. His approach to good design centres on objects that are easy to understand while still creating an emotional connection. TRIO expresses that idea without unnecessary complication. Three cleanly shaped bowls, a precisely considered base and two contrasting materials are enough to give the set its character. PHILIPPI itself is known for home accessories and gifts with a restrained design language and a particular affinity for metal. Here, that approach moves naturally onto the dining table. It is exactly the sort of object we appreciate at LIVOSY: useful by design, without looking as though it is about to give you a lengthy explanation of why.

Snacks are allowed to dress up occasionally

On the table, TRIO pairs beautifully with clear glassware, understated tableware, linen and other natural wood elements. The dark mango wood brings warmth to the arrangement, while the shiny black bowls provide a crisp graphic contrast. Combine the set with other PHILIPPI bowls or bar accessories for aperitifs, relaxed dinners and whatever comes afterwards. And because all three bowls work perfectly well on their own, there is no obligation to bring out the entire ensemble every time. Perhaps tonight only calls for olives. Perhaps it is very much a chips, nuts and pistachios occasion. TRIO does not judge. It simply provides three bowls.