By Allison Zisko

Tabletop manufacturers at last month’s New York Tabletop Show focused on what they see as profitable niches in the market, such as small giftables, executive desk items for men, and introductions from partnerships with party planners and set designers.

Tabletop consumers enjoy setting the table, but they do so casually and often use paper plates when entertaining, according to a recent report by market researcher The NPD Group.

At the New York Tabletop Show this month Portmeirion Group will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Spode Christmas Tree, launch gift and entertainment-based collections in its Royal Worcester, Portmeirion and Pimpernel brands, and venture into the new category of cookware with Sophie Conran.

The Big Screen Scene
Attendees and exhibitors who used the hashtag #lightingmkt during January’s Dallas International Lighting Market may have had their tweet displayed on the Buzz Board, an LED screen on the fourth floor of the Trade Mart atrium that Dallas Market Center debuted at the show. The screen rotated a number of informative and engaging tweets throughout the show, such as the one displayed.

By Allison Zisko

Last month’s Ambiente fair in Frankfurt, Germany, marked a return to more luxurious and opulent products, conveyed through more elaborate and ornate finishes and a push for bespoke product. At the same time it presented many practical products, such as items that stack or nest; lots of food storage options; and technological innovations that have resulted in more durable, functional products.

By David Gill

Anna’s Linens is sending clear signals that it wants to be a bigger retail player in housewares and tabletop.

Back in December, the home specialty retailer brought on board Jeannie Wolf as senior buyer for hardlines. In this newly created position, Wolf is responsible for the buying of housewares and tabletop—categories she has had experience with as a buyer for Macy’s (where she spent 22 years) and as an account manager for Gibson Overseas.

By Allison Zisko

Ambiente, Messe Frankfurt’s massive international trade show, takes place this month, offering the tabletop and housewares industries, among others, the chance to showcase their newest goods to a global audience. Many are seizing the opportunity to highlight new colors, shapes and partnerships; to showcase to the world their creative abilities; and to underscore their brand relevancy.

By Allison Zisko

Tabletop and housewares vendors enthusiastically made a fresh start at the gift show in Atlanta last month, encouraged by a relatively strong holiday season and eager to help their retail partners draw consumers into their stores with new merchandising strategies.

Tableware designer Rosanna Bowles hopes to reinvigorate the tabletop business with a completely new venture—food. The new Farm Girl line of jams, jellies, honey, syrup, soaps and candles is produced exclusively in the Pacific Northwest and is meant to both support small American farmers and induce consumers to better understand and appreciate the food they eat. To help them savor and enjoy the food, Rosanna has produced a line of accessory tabletop items such as covered butter dishes and small bowls called Farmhouse Pantry.

These products look great, plus they have a feel-good aspect to them as they support nonprofit organizations—a winning combination in this season of giving.—Andrea Lillo

Bloomingdale’s
Meryl Streep designed this Christopher Radko ornament for Bloomingdale’s. One hundred percent of the $40 ornament benefits the Child Mind Institute. bloomingdales.com

By Allison Zisko

Flatware tends to be the tabletop category that registering brides choose last and consumers in general think about least. But the growing strength and sophistication of open stock flatware programs at retail has put the flatware business in a new, more desirable light.

Last month Saks Fifth Avenue hosted a holiday artisanal showcase focusing on the artistry and craftsmanship found in its luxury home department’s product assortment.

Designer Jay Strongwater; Mackenzie-Childs CEO Norina Coursey; and Lillian August’s President and CEO Dan Weiss and Senior Designer Thom Bellucci appeared in interactive demonstrations in tandem with master craftsman exhibitions from Joy to the World, Radko, Baccarat, Herend, Rizzoli, Mrs. John L. Strong and Glass Eye. Guests enjoyed live chair painting, ornament molding, metal techniques and handpainting of china.

Well Heeled in Paris
Everything about the Palace of Versailles is larger than life, and that includes “Marilyn,” a public work piece by Joana Vasconcelos. Part of a recently ended exhibition at Versailles, the giant pair of high heels was made with 312 pots and 670 lids and displayed in Versailles’ renowned Hall of Mirrors.

By Allison Zisko

By most accounts, the photo frame business has been flat in 2012, a victim of a still-weak economy and price deflation.

The wall business continues to be stronger than the tabletop frame business, and its higher tickets prices of $29, $39 and $49 offset prices for tabletop frames, which hover between $7.99 and $12.99. Within the wall business, vendors said, architectural and larger portrait frame sizes such as 10-by-13; collages that can be arranged over a couch or up a stairwell; and more decorative wire designs are popular.

Bond, James Bond
To commemorate James Bond’s 50th anniversary, Christie’s auction house is offering the chance to acquire a piece of James Bond memorabilia through Oct. 8, including the ice coffee table, candelabra, champagne bucket and prop champagne bottle shown here from “Die Another Day.”

Cookies for Brains
The Bone Collector Cookie Jar from Boston Warehouse serves up sweet treats with a ghoulish grin. Happy Halloween! bwtc.com

Kitchen appliance and cookware vendor Cuisinart will make its debut in the tabletop category with a two-pronged flatware launch, its first independent foray into the product category. Previously, Cuisinart had a licensing agreement in tabletop with Lifetime Brands.

As the race to the White House heats up, people can show their support with an array of party products for the home. Whether they are person-specific, party-specific or more generally based on the American flag and colors, these items cover both sides of the aisle.—Andrea Lillo

Paragon
The Allegiance textured plaque from Paragon allows you to display the stars and stripes indoors or out. It measures 29 by 41 inches. paragonpg.com

During the Tabletop Show, in The Café on Level A, Bridal Guide magazine will offer “Viennese delights” that are complimentary to guests. Hours will be Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 9 and 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and Thursday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

By Allison Zisko
The introduction of Kathy Ireland Home by Gorham—the latest license program by parent company Lenox—allows Gorham, which is 181 years old, to move in new directions and do “unexpected” things, said Vice President Jim Mylonas.

Kathy Ireland Home makes it debut at the New York Tabletop Show this month with a full suite of dinnerware, glassware and flatware positioned at the “very affordable end” of the casual upstairs dinnerware department, expanding Gorham’s presence in the dinnerware market and giving it entree to bridal registries.

By Andrea Lillo

Its sights set on becoming a premier destination for the gift and home industries, the International Market Centers will implement changes to World Market Center Las Vegas’ Gift + Home Market in a three-phase process, with the first being unveiled in January 2013.

The new strategy broadens Las Vegas Market beyond furniture. Half of the furniture buyers who come to Las Vegas Market buy only that category, but the other half is open to other products, according to Bob Maricich, CEO, IMC. “We’re building tomorrow’s marketplace.”

By Allison Zisko

Modern takes on Victorian designs, shades of gray and pewter, and embossed and debossed techniques defined many of the tabletop and gift introductions at the recent New York International Gift Fair.

It may be centuries old, but the rich history of handcrafted work in Mexico provides a fertile resource for today’s designers and manufacturers. Whether made in Mexico by local artisans or inspired by them, these products incorporate the intricate patterns, saturated colors and traditional motifs for which the country is known. —Andrea Lillo

See http://hfnmag.com/product-gallery/2622 for more Mexico trends

By Allison Zisko

With three-quarters of the year under their belts but the all-important fourth quarter just ahead, a handful of key tabletop vendors are considering 2012 a good year.

Good these days means flat, of course. “The tabletop business has seen its highs and lows this year as it has for a number of years,” noted Patrick J. Kelly, vice president, chief marketing officer for Mikasa.

The same rough spots still exist—formal dinnerware sales are weak, in particular—and the poor economy keeps expectations low, but there are bright spots.

By Allison Zisko

The recent merger of Burnes and Nielsen Bainbridge gives the frame makers a considerably bigger profile in the industry and plenty of cross-merchandising opportunities and cost-saving potential.

The new license agreement between Isaac Mizrahi and Gibson Overseas has created an additional path for growth for Gibson’s flatware business, the company said.

Since establishing its partnership with Mizrahi and Xcel Brands earlier this year, Gibson has continued to see evidence that flatware is one of the fastest-growing segments of the company’s business.

By Allison Zisko

Southern Living magazine features a lot of three-layer cakes in its pages and on its covers, but despite a prop closet filled with tabletop items, it couldn’t find the perfect cake stand on which to showcase them. Nor could it find a trifle bowl with a lid, or a number of other pieces typically used or desired by Southern hosts when entertaining, said Southern Living Editor Lindsay Bierman. So it decided to create its own collection, in collaboration with Ballard Designs.

Prouna

Centuries of Silver
Sterling silver through the centuries—from a Dutch beaker made for a Van Rensselaer family member in 1598 to a Hanukkah lamp crafted in a Bronx workshop in 1999—are showcased in the New-York Historical Society’s new exhibition, “Stories in Sterling: Four Centuries of Silver in New York.” The exhibition is divided into seven sections, including Converging Cultures in Colonial New York, Drinking in Style and Elegant Dining.

 By Allison Zisko

In the ever-expanding world of celebrity chefs there is something for everyone.

There is a devoted and loyal audience for each chef. There are housewares manufacturers interested in enhancing their brands by making licensed goods for those chefs. And there are retailers happy to sell those goods to consumers who relish the idea of cooking like the pros and having the proper equipment to do so.

Oneida

Oneida returned to the stemware business at this market, unveiling a collection called Couplets geared toward the upstairs market. Market research revealed that the Oneida brand name is well-regarded by consumers, who were under the impression that Oneida already offered stemware, according to Ross Patterson, business director–tabletop for Robinson Home Products. “It’s a good time to re-look at the category,” he said, noting that Oneida has offered glassware in the past. “We’re trying to leverage the success of the Oneida brand.”

By Duke Ratliff

In the public eye for decades, Priscilla Presley is known for a lot of things. Most obviously, she’s the former wife of Elvis Presley and the mother of Lisa Marie Presley. She’s acted in a slew of television shows and movies; as a businesswoman she helped turn Graceland into a moneymaking powerhouse; and most recently she competed in Dancing With the Stars.

Simon Doonan, creative ambassador at large for Barneys whose latest book is titled “Gay Men Don’t Get Fat,” will headline a breakfast seminar at Forty One Madison Wednesday, April 18, part of the many offerings and events planned for the New York Spring Tabletop Show this month.

“Simon Doonan is guaranteed to start everyone’s day off in high spirits,” said Laurie Burns, senior vice president and director of Forty One Madison. “His skewed vision is irresistible, and we’re excited to be able to host him at The New York Tabletop Market.”

Host of the Food Network’s “Mexican Made Easy” Marcela Valladolid is partnering with Prima Design to develop a serveware and food prep line that will launch at the New York Tabletop Show this month.

“Prima Design is absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Marcela Valladolid,” said Evan Hakimi, president. “Marcela is a bona fide talent in the culinary world and an influential personality in the Latino community.”

By Allison Zisko

It may be coincidence that fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi will move into a new home at about the same time he unveils his new home collection, but the timing couldn’t have been better. The designer said he thinks about home all the time, but never more so than when he started developing the tabletop portion of his new home collection and started envisioning his new kitchen cabinets and all the additional space he would have for more dinnerware.

By Allison Zisko

Tabletop and housewares vendors preparing for this month’s Ambiente fair in Frankfurt, Germany, regard the show as an opportunity to showcase their brands to a much wider audience and display their ability to produce trend-right, design-oriented product.

By Allison Zisko

Oneida has a bright future under its new owner, with big business opportunities overseas and in the glassware business, said departing CEO Jim Joseph, who remains on the company’s board of directors and will be involved in building “a truly global tabletop company.”

Oneida was acquired by Monomoy Capital Partners late last year. Monomoy is a New York-based private equity firm that also owns glassware company Anchor Hocking.

Colonial Candle is unveiling a fresh look during the winter gift markets that includes updated candle labels and packaging, a new showroom design and contemporary display fixtures.

“For more than a century, Colonial Candle has set the standard for premium candles and on-trend fragrances, and we’re honored to bring our retail partners a new, updated look designed to appeal to their customers,” said Beth Sturm, Colonial Candle director of brand development.

By Allison Zisko
Cutlery block sets are not static. They evolve and change—in size, shape and configuration—according to consumer needs and expectations.

By Allison Zisko

Last month’s acquisition of U.K.-based Creative Tops gives Lifetime Brands a foothold in the U.K. and Europe as well as additional private label and sourcing opportunities, according to Lifetime CEO Jeffrey Siegel.

At the tabletop market in New York last month, vendors expanded their floral offerings, layered in more visual texture and highlighted dressmaker details like netting and lace. Neutrals like taupe and gray cropped up in showroom after showroom, while on the other end of the color spectrum, soft blues and greens were the combo of choice.—Allison Zisko

Meyer Corp.

By Allison Zisko

Last month’s New York Tabletop Show was positive, upbeat and trend-forward, with an impressive number of introductions, new licensing agreements and strategic positioning by companies responding to marketplace demands.

By Andrea Lillo

For companies looking to expand their reach in Europe, Messe Frankfurt’s Tendence was the place to be in August. The show was fully booked up this year with 2,100 international exhibitors showcasing the latest worldwide trends and products in home and gifts.

Permanent showroom building Forty One Madison has rolled out the welcome mat to a bevy of new tenants while renewing leases with several long-term ones. Both newcomers and existing tenants are readying their spaces for the New York Tabletop Show this month.

By Allison Zisko

The hand of the artisan was evident everywhere you looked at last month’s New York International Gift Fair.

Some of the most compelling tabletop introductions at the Fair were handcrafted either at home or abroad by artists interested in tweaking conventional designs, playing with the juxtaposition of materials or making a statement about throw-away society. The business goal, according to vendors, was to offer retailers a way to differentiate themselves with goods they believe American consumers now better appreciate and understand.

By Allison Zisko

Sheer will and determination have earned tabletop newcomer Darbie Angell a high-profile spot at retail, a situation many big-time brands would covet.

Angell is the founder and president of Cru Dinnerware, a three-year-old company based in Georgetown, Texas, whose upscale-yet-affordable products are sold at Macy’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Dillard’s, among others. Just a few years ago, however, she was a lawyer daydreaming about a design career.

Luxury French crystal maker Saint-Louis is tapping the popularity of beer varietals with a new line of beer glasses inspired by the cristallerie’s beer services that were popular 200 years ago.

Les Confidents (The Confidents), the second introduction in the company’s Chaud/Froid line, is a collection of six beer glass patterns developed in partnership with the International Glass Art Centre of Meisenthal, which supports and promotes glass artists. 

By Sharyn Bernard

Burnes of Boston unveiled its line of home decor products at the Gift & Home Furnishings Market in Atlanta last month. The line, called Burnes Interiors, includes frames, mirrors, candleholders and other items designed by several prominent interior designers—Candice Olson, Vern Yip, Paige Hemmis, Kenneth Brown and Genevieve Gorder.

By Sharyn Bernard

The mood was decisively upbeat at the recent Atlanta Gift & Home Furnishings Market here as vendors reported increased traffic, more and higher orders and an overall positive and optimistic mood among buyers at the show.

By Allison Zisko

Last month’s New York tabletop market was reportedly a satisfying and successful event, marked by a slew of new licensed programs and a trend direction that moved straight through the greenhouse door.

In general, vendors seemed pleased with the market and many remarked on “good meetings” and “back to back appointments” that resulted in solid business.

Su Hilty, vice president of marketing for 7 W New York and a familiar friendly face in the gift and tabletop industry, will retire in June.

Hilty joined the showroom building in 2004, after serving as vice president of marketing for the 225 Fifth Ave. showroom building. MMPI, 7 W New York’s owner, credited her with playing a crucial role in establishing the building as a showroom location for vendors in the gift, home-furnishings, tabletop and textiles industries.

By Allison Zisko

Ralph Lauren is on a roll.

As the spring show season begins, Ralph Lauren Home executives are confident they now have all the components needed for an integrated lifestyle presentation, with two distinct brands that do not overlap in price point or design yet share a common viewpoint.

Since assuming the Ralph Lauren tabletop license in 2009, Fitz & Floyd has worked to ensure that every piece that sits on the table is brand-right.

“The business has grown and changed significantly in that period of time,” said Steven Baram, president and chief executive officer of Fitz & Floyd, and as a result has penetrated more doors in department and specialty stores across the country. “Primarily we have updated and changed the way the product looks in many ways,” Baram said.

By Allison Zisko

Ambiente’s global reach, the window it provides into other cultures and cuisines, and its reputation as a trend incubator have cemented its position as one of the most important international shows for tabletop and housewares executives.

The trade fair, which takes place in Frankfurt, Germany Feb. 11-15, has grown as an international event in the housewares category, and has evolved as a critical platform for both tabletop and housewares vendors eager to expand globally.

By Allison Zisko

Carefully edited and considered collections debuted at the New York Tabletop Show here last month, reflecting vendors’ ongoing efforts to offer product that is saleable, price-conscious and practical, but also beautiful and inspirational.

The new licensing partnership between Nambé and Gibson grants Gibson entrée to the high-design and bridal markets and Nambé the opportunity to focus on its core category of expertise, metals.

Under the terms of a licensing agreement signed earlier this fall, Gibson will handle manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and sales for all Nambé dinnerware beginning in April, 2011. Existing patterns will continue to be shipped in the same Nambé packaging and under the Nambé brand.

By Warren Shoulberg

Mention the name Donna Karan and you think of the iconic little black dress, her Zen-via-Queens approach to design and life and maybe even her line of home textiles that echo her signature fashion looks.

Now you can add tabletop and giftware to that list.

This month, Lenox will introduce its line of Donna Karan branded dinnerware, giftware and related tabletop products, marking one of the most anticipated debuts in the business.

By Allison Zisko

Come spring, everything in tabletop will be coming up roses. Or hydrangeas. Or some other bright, blooming flower.

Florals—bold, brightly colored, and either stylized or sentimental—are one of the most prominent design statements being made by the industry, evidenced by the product introductions unveiled at the New York Fall Tabletop Show this month.

In addition to thousands of new products, Icon Honors: Celebrating Global Innovation is set to premiere this month at AmericasMart’s Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market and Atlanta International Area Rug Market.

The awards program celebrates extraordinary manufacturing, sales and retail achievement. Icon Honors will recognize innovation, contribution and achievement in the manufacturer, sales representative and retailer sectors across all home and gift categories and business lines.

The creative juices are flowing through the tabletop industry again, fueled by optimism that business is, at last, on the upswing. This was evident at the recent New York Spring Tabletop Show, where vendors put their best foot forward in every category of business, offering exciting new collections and concepts. Here the HFN Awards of Excellence highlight some of the most noteworthy products.

CASUAL DINNERWARE

Wedgwood

Beyond seeing people and products at the show, companies also discussed the possibility that the Chinese government may revalue the renminbi.

“We’re concerned about that; it means manufacturing costs will go up and there’s such intense competition at home,” said Troy Anderson, co-founder, FilterStream. “Retailers don’t want to hear about price increases.” In addition, companies would get less production per dollar, he added. 

By Allison Zisko

Buoyed by a strong start to the year and a perceived improvement in consumer mood, tabletop vendors are heading enthusiastically to the International Home & Housewares Show in Chicago this month.

Mindful of the economy, vendors remain focused on offering value, “better products at an affordable price” as one manufacturer called it, as well as design-oriented, fashionable items.