Double Take: Spring Tabletop Edition

By Bessie Nestoras and Maria Weiskott -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 4/25/2008 2:15:00 PM

Traffic was steady at The New York Tabletop Market at 41 Madison and The New York Tabletop Week at 7 West earlier this month. Show management, both at 41 Madison and 7W were pleased with attendance, although some buyers were a little disappointed with the shift in dates (the show ran from Wednesday through Sunday). Others, mostly the department store and big box groups, were happy with the new dates. Carole Dixon of 41 Madison said a survey may be conducted to reevaluate the show dates. Chris Collins, vice president and general manager of 7W, was pleased with the turnout, especially with the response to the building’s new Market Suites temporaries saying, “Our Market Suites initiative is off to a phenomenal start and has achieved the market changing impact that we expected.”

There were many new and exciting things to be seen throughout market. Some of the trends spotted were Asian, gold tones, as well as yellow – which is enjoying its day in the sun on the fashion runways as well. Of course, tabletop is not just about dinnerware. There were plenty of gifts to be found as well. 

Villeroy & Boch introduced a new gift line called Benedikt & Friends and Royal Crown Derby continues to add to its gift line, this market with picture frames and Christmas ornaments. Speaking of Christmas, the Spode Christmas Tree is celebrating its 70th anniversary. This spring market saw introductions of several new dinnerware patterns including Rudolpho from Vietri, Every Day Elegance from Noritake and Christmas House of Mickey from The Zrike Company for the young at heart.
-Bessie Nestoras and Maria Weiskott

Asian Inspiration Asian motifs continue to go strong in tabletop with many manufacturers offering Asian-inspired collections. Lalique’s new China Mood found its inspiration in company founder René Lalique’s encounter with Asia while creating an Art Deco ornament for the Peace Hotel in Shanghai. L’Objet also looked East for  new pieces including Kyoto, a collection of plates and serving platter. View the Gallery here	Everything’s Coming Up Roses and  Peonies and Tulips… Dinnerware just wouldn’t be the same without a selection of floral plates. This market, floral prints are rooted in tradition, whether incorporating large or small graphics, there is no mistaking the elegance of the patterns. View the Gallery here
All That Glitters Gold seemed to be edging out platinum this market. While both metals were shown, and many patterns are offered in both; gold appeared to be the was the favored hue. View the Gallery here	Mellow Yellow Fashionable hue yellow is finding its way onto tables. This market several manufacturers donned the sunny shade on many of its dinnerplates. View the Gallery here
Gifts Tabletop manufacturers continue to offer and expand their gift lines. Villeroy & Boch’ new Benedikt & Friends tells the story of Benedikt, his wife Rosemarie and their two children Max and Lucy. Manufacturers also offer fun gift sets, such as Abbiamo Tutto’s Mukkina and Ritaenhoff's new coffee sets. View the Gallery here	Displays One of the best, if not only ways to get shoppers excited about a new table setting is to show them. Create tablescapes in your store incorporating all of the items available for sale in your shop. Or you can get creative and display dishes in an imaginative wall display like Andrea by Sadek. Either way, shoppers will be intrigued. View the Gallery here
It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like… …Christmas. Tabletop manufacturers introduced their Christmas lines at this spring’s market. Take a look at what you want for your wish list. View the Gallery here	Aubergine Regal, earthy, Mediterranean sunsets and cuisine delicately prepared – whether you call it upscale aubergine or delicious eggplant, we found the color alone and in accecnts in several showrooms. View the Gallery here