Market Report: NY Tabletop

The jury may still be out on brides of the New Millennium and their personal style regarding tabletop, but it didn't take the jury long to render a unanimous verdict about the spring Tabletop Show: a success.

Considering this market consists of one category, the lobby crowds at 41 Madison were a bit reminiscent of some of the winter markets, with lines at registration. Ditto for 7 West, which debuted its Market Suites initiative. And although there was a schedule shift this season, with the show running Wednesday–Sunday, 41's Carol Dixon told Gifts & Decorative Accessories that the response was positive. Nevertheless, Dixon did mention she might conduct another survey after the market to evaluate the situation. The department store and big store groups were very happy with the new timing, but new dates were not as well received by the independent tabletop retailers, such as Geary's, George Watts, Luxe, Bond & Green and others, who preferred the traditional timing.

Early on, Chris Collins, vice president and general manager of 7 West, told us the market was far exceeding “all expectations so far. Our Market Suites initiative is off to a phenomenal start and has achieved the market changing impact that we expected. Our attendance for the first few days has far surpassed previous shows and we have attracted a new core of buyers to this market.” He added that the bar would be raised further for the October market.

Although we heard mixed reviews, we did find traffic to be steady and buyers were introduced to several new vendors, including Abbiamo Tutto, HL Creations, Rolf and Grant Dawson Collections.

At 41 Madison, we also found traffic to be steady and several showrooms were exceptionally crowded: Noritake, Royal Doulton, Ambiance and Gibson Overseas, to name a few.

Also steady was the conversation about what brides want these days. In fact, the theme seemed to carry from showroom to showroom and was as consistent as the showing of cups, saucers and wine goblets! Depending on whom we talked to, today's brides: prefer classic patterns for their formal table, prefer patterns for casual dining, prefer colors, prefer white, prefer off-white, don't register anymore, are registering in greater numbers, mix and match patterns, prefer mugs over tea cups (if that's any help). No matter what, however, all brides — whether first or second timer — need and want tableware, glassware and serveware; therefore providing impetus for a category that continues to remain central to the gift and decorative accessories business and continues to be innovative market after market.

In terms of product there were several introductions this market. Thomas O'Brien introduced Austin Floral in indigo and ivory for Reed & Barton. The botanical pattern was inspired by a 19th century European set of transferware dishes. In indigo, the pattern takes on a traditional look, but the ivory updates the look of the setting, giving it a more modern look.

Following the success of last market's Simply Fine collection, Lenox expanded the line with three new dinnerware patterns and a stemware line. Batik is inspired by textiles and features a cinnabar-colored flower; Glimmer combines white, platinum and gray micas for a shimmery effect and Canary features a yellow rim adorned with coral flowers. The company also introduced three stackable collections meant to be mixed and matched. Pour it On!, Serve it Up! and Dish it Out! will coordinate with a Simply Fine place setting to create various serving options.

Ambiance offered a diverse array of tabletop and serveware inspired by the romantic side of Europe; among them Toscana, San Remy and Venezia. The company also introduced a line of metallic pieces — including Sunburst and Ritz — that were resplendent in rich, warm colors. The company also launched a line of licensed Saturday Evening Post cups and other table items.

Asian styles are still going strong in tabletop. This market Lalique introduced China Mood, a collection of bowls, vases, figures and jewelry that was inspired by company founder René Lalique's encounter with Asia while creating an Art Deco ornament for the Peace Hotel in Shanghai. Traditional Chinese symbols and motifs, such as lanterns, fans, bamboo and dragons, are used in a subtle way in the formation of the pieces. For instance, one of the China Mood bowls resembles an inverted conical straw hat and is ornamented with stylized hills or clouds.

Noritake's new Everyday Elegance collection is reflective of the Asian mood with patterns like Twilight Meadow and Verdena, which features metallic sprigs of wild flowers that almost look inlayed.

A limited edition Buddha is one of the 14 introductions in Herend's Reserve Collection. The sitting Buddha features a chinoiserie design that was created in 1996 and is limited to 250 pieces.

L'Objet, found in The Richard Cohen Collection at 7W, also turned to Asia for inspiration. Kyoto, a dessert set of plates and a platter, is styled in orange with a gold design. A selection of lacquer platters in black and red feature traditional Asian symbols and can be used as a decorative piece or a functional tray.

For the complete New York Tabletop show report, visit www.giftsanddec.com and click on “Direct from Market.