Tabletop Set for Manhattan

The showrooms around Madison Square will showcase the latest tabletop lines and designs.

Edited by Matthew Kalash -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 10/1/2000

New York is the destination for connoisseurs of tableware and tabletop accessories this fall, as buyers return to the Big Apple for the semiannual New York Tabletop Market, October 28-November 2. The fall market offers long-standing favorites such as china, crystal, and silverware for those whose tastes run to the traditional, as well as the latest accents to appeal to buyers with a more eclectic palate. But no matter what your tastes, the market-taking place at 41 Madison Avenue, 225 Fifth Avenue, 230 Fifth Avenue, and other participating showrooms around Madison Square Park-is bound to offer a number of tantalizing options.

The market runs October 28 to November 1 at 41 Madison Avenue, the New York Merchandise Mart, located at the corner of 26th Street and Madison Avenue. Lobby settings at 41 Madison will be arranged by Elle Décor, a French-based magazine celebrating its tenth year of publication in the United States. Margaret Russell, editor-in-chief of the magazine, will direct the presentation, which will be entitled "Fashion for the Home."

On Monday, October 30, 41 Madison, in conjunction with the Wall Street Journal/Weekend Journal, will sponsor a breakfast seminar entitled "The Changing Landscape of Luxury Retailing," featuring Teri Agins, senior special writer for the Wall Street Journal, and author of the book The End of Fashion. Agins, an award-winning journalist, will discuss the lifestyle and cultural trends that have sent fashion in a new direction, and how this new direction is likely to effect the tableware industry. This complimentary seminar will follow an informal continental breakfast beginning at 8 a.m., on level A at 41 Madison Avenue. Reservations are recommended; call (212) 686-1203, or fax (212) 779-7105.

Arranged by 225's visual marketing director, displays in the lobby of 225 Fifth Avenue will present a product showcase with a medieval enchantment theme. Harp music will greet buyers entering the lobby, where the displays will combine rich hues and fabrications recalling the luxury of medieval settings fit for a king. All the product will be sourced from showrooms in the building. At 8 a.m. on Sunday, October 29, there will be an informal breakfast in the special events room at 225 to allow the presidents and principals of tabletop companies to network and exchange ideas. This event is by invitation only. To attend, call Kristen Kuhnlein, 225's director of advertising and public relations, at (212) 684-3200 ext. 150. Later that day, the enchantment theme continues with a "Surreal Mysticism" cocktail reception from 4 to 6 p.m. in the lobby at 225 Fifth Avenue. Renaissance-inspired comestibles and Shakespearean music accompany the reception. Buyers are invited to an orientation on the NOMAD (NorthOfMADison Square Park) area of New York, which includes the tabletop district. The program, presented on October 30, and November 1 and 2, from 9 to 10 a.m. in the special events room at 225, will offer an overview of the 225 building, as well as strategy tips for shopping the tabletop district. Coffee will be served at the free orientation program.

Buyers can also explore the showrooms at 230 Fifth Avenue, where product on display includes candlesticks, picture frames, pasta dishes, table linens, and other treasures. A summer 2000 building directory will be available at the registration desk.

BUYER AMENITIES

Limousine service, courtesy of Wedding Bells, will transport buyers to uptown and downtown destinations. October 28-30, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Refreshments. 225's Café Atomico will serve complimentary breakfast every day from 8:30-10 a.m. during the market. Buyers can pick up breakfast tickets at the registration desk. The buyers' lounge at 225 Fifth Avenue will offer herbal tea and coffee all day during market, and fresh popcorn from 2 to 4 p.m.

Cappuccino, espresso, and regular brews will be served along with light fare, October 28 and 29, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., and October 30, noon-4 p.m., at Caffe Italia in the 41 Madison Avenue building. Complimentary trade and consumer magazines in the bridal, decorative home, and epicurean fields will be provided in the media distribution center, at the buyers' lounge, level A, at 41 Madison. Phones, restrooms, and coat checking services are also available.

Buyers can enjoy free continental breakfast in the rear lobby lounge of 230 Fifth Avenue, 8:30-11 a.m., as well as afternoon refreshment, 12:30-2:30 p.m., every day during the market. Tickets are available at the registration desk in the front lobby.

Free tote bags filled with "Fifth Avenue Goodies" will be provided by 230 Fifth Ave.

Drawings for gourmet housewares appliances will be held Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, at 3 p.m. in Caffe Italia, 41 Madison Avenue.

$5 parking rebates are available to all buyers in the buyers' lounge at 225 Fifth Avenue.

SHOW INFO

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Address: 41 Madison Ave., 225 Fifth Ave., and 230 Fifth Ave., New York.

Call: 41 Madison: (212) 686-1203

225 Fifth Ave.: (800) 235-3512 or (212) 684-3200, ext, 290.

230 Fifth Ave.: (800) 698-5617 or (212) 532-4555.