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George Little Management (GLM) made a valiant effort to provide retailers and manufacturers with a fall housewares show October 8–11. And although the reviews were mixed, the show did provide a healthy opportunity for new markets and product introductions. With the opening of The New York Gift Market (7 W. 34th Street) and the possibility of the Fall Tabletop Market shifting its dates to coincide with the event, House to Home Week just may turn out to be an interesting new venue.


Show Picks
The New York Gourmet Housewares Show honored the best new products during the event. The Best of Show winner was a folding kitchen island created by Oasis Concepts. First introduced at The Gourmet Show in San Francisco, the butcher-block top design has two hardwood shelves and comes fully assembled. Folding to just 5.5 inches in width for easy storage, it now also features a wine rack.
In the cookware category, newcomer Ronneby Bruk captured an award for its new Maestro series of cast iron cookware. Named for the town in Sweden where it's made, the collection is being brought to the U.S. by Destiny Sales & Marketing International. Designed by renowned Swedish designer Sigurd Persson, the collection is preseasoned with 100% organic vegetable oil and features cool-touch stainless steel handles and lids.
Back to Basics Products was recognized for its Disney Smoothie machine and Popcorn Popper, while William Bounds Ltd. received an award for their Sili Gourmet Oil Jar and Brush. The Sili Brush line includes a 15-inch barbecue brush with a long stainless steel handle and silicone bristles, as well as a sturdy yet delicate 71/4-inch Gourmet Basting/Pastry Brush. All Sili brushes can withstand heat up to 500 degrees, feature flexible bristles, and are nonporous, easy to use, and easy to clean.
Rainsford & Gale's kitchen pot racks garnered their own attention. Both ceiling and wall-mount models are available in various durable powder-coated and natural stainless steel finishes.
In tabletop, NOW Designs was honored for its Tapenade set of plates, coasters, napkins, and tea towels. New introductions from NOW Designs include two trend-setting collections, framboise and kimono. The colorways of framboise follow the chocolate-and-pink combo that's still the rage, while kimono incorporates turquoise, orange, browns, and greens. Both patterns dazzle with their fresh and sophisticated turns and carry a touch of whimsy, such as in the bandana-patterned dishtowels. Philmore USA, Inc. was recognized for its beautiful blending of sterling silver, shells, coconuts, pearls, and coral tabletop to create its Tropical Silver Collection.

Table Settings
It was difficult to select the top trend-setting table designs at the show. From Front of the House (FOH) to ASA Selections to BIA Cordon Bleu, there were plenty of styles and mediums to choose from. FOH brings unconventional materials to the table with the added bonus of being designed for restaurant and hotel applications, resulting in a more durable statement for home users. Capiz, wire, bamboo, palm wood, and rattan are just a few of the materials used by this Miami-based design house. Colors such as berry, turquoise, persimmon, apple green, and champagne are incorporated into the range highlighting the trendy colors of 2005.
TAG introduced a pattern that utilizes the trendy turquoise-rich colorway of 2005. Its Magnolia pattern of textiles, gifts, and more combines blue, orange, and apple green. TAG's line comprises everything from candles to floor mats to dinnerware.
ASA's new chocolat cafe collection of porcelain cappuccino and espresso cups tells the story of the cocoa bean alongside decadent dessert temptations. The photographic transfers have a sophisticated touch and a sweet, subtle style. ASA is also expanding its bone china A Table line to include square salad plates, three rectangular-shaped plates, an espresso cup, a creamer, and an oversized serving bowl. Eye-catching colors are part of ASA's pop-up and pomp and circumstance collections -- a combination of orange and red giftware, beverageware, and dinnerware with white accent pieces. The collection is accented with red textiles for holidays or any occasion. The Bohemian textiles feature gold or silver accent-threads and sewn-in mirrors reminiscent of the Indian-peasant tops popular in the '70's.
France International is creating everything from unique breadbaskets to unusual trays and custom dinnerware baskets in beautifully woven Nito. The range is now made to complement Pillivuyt Bakeware, Pyrex Casserole Holders, wine accessories, ice buckets, and more. Newcomer macFABhome brings a range of tabletop accessories made of a UV-safe and therefore, fade-resistant polyvinyl material. The range includes placemats, runners, coasters, and even kitchen mats.
S.F. Imports showed off its Gourmet Collection of food-safe ceramics with rustic white wash and traditional shapes. Footed dipping bowls featuring figural fruits and vegetables are a great addition to any kitchen whether for dips or to hold pretty soaps and sponges. The company's wide range of glassware and ceramics fills needs from the kitchen to the table.

Utilitarian Kitchen
Kitchenware products were abundant at the show. From charged-up small electrics to innovative new gadgets, retailers were able to discover some interesting new designs.
Vita-Mix Corporation puts the power of the professional into the hands of the home chef with the introduction of its Vita-Mix Professional Series Blender. The Professional Series Blender features a continuous variable speed dial that ranges from 1,000 to 24,000 rpm to allow for greater control when handling tasks from pureeing whole foods to quickly crushing chunks of ice. The patented accelerator tool enables the user to blend dense ingredients. The 2-plus-peak horsepower motor cranks up a 240-mph blade speed (1,380 watts) with a high speed of 37,000-rpm bare motor speed. The 64-ounce polycarbonate container's patented design creates a powerful vortex that forces ingredients up from the blade and back down the center into the blades to ensure all ingredients are properly processed. The Professional Series Blender offers a soft-touch container handle, a function dial, and switches.
Cook-Zen is an interesting new product for the microwave. Available through Skater Co., Ltd., the microwaveable cooking pot can steam vegetables, cook rice, and even prepare roast beef. The product, designed to reduce fat intake and over-cooking, was created by TV cooking host Machiko Chiba.
More fun and function comes from Associated Technology and its Genius Universal Slicer and Flip 'N Serve introductions. The slicer, precise enough to slice a grape, has 10 stainless steel blades with serrated edges to ensure clean, quick slicing. The Flip 'N Serve eliminates the mess encountered when diving for pickles or olives. Made of high-impact plastic, the container keeps liquids and solids separate when upright, and then combines the product with one flip for long-lasting storage.
The Pump-N-Store is another innovative product that creates vacuum storage via a simple built-in vacuum system that does not require an external device. Created by Creative Gear, food is vacuum-sealed in self-contained stackable storage units that can be microwaved, stored in the freezer, and washed in the dishwasher.
Fresh Wave keeps the kitchen smelling good by naturally eliminating odors with its earth friendly, natural, nontoxic sprays, candles, and continuous-release gel forms. Now under development are gift sets that match Fresh Wave product with kitchen utensils, such as Architec No-Slip Cutting Boards.
The CulinArt Platinum Cutlery line includes 11 knives and a signature diamond-coated sharpener. The knives feature a sleek yet durable ergonomically contoured grip handle that withstands constant daily use and is enhanced by a brushed stainless steel accent. Blade, bolster, and tang are forged of a single piece of stainless German steel to give the knife balance and strength. Made of the highest-quality stain-resistant high-carbon alloy, each knife is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Excel, now a division of Lifetime Hoan, added stainless steel cookware to its DBK range. Designed in conjunction with Chef Daniel Boulud, Generation cookware has a copper core and DBK brand stamps in copper on the handles for a sophisticated look.
After the successful launch of its original two-pound capacity enameled cast iron Mussel Pot, Staub debuted a Family Mussel Pot that can hold up to six pounds of shellfish with the same distinctive features and benefits. The Staub 43/4-quart Family Mussel Pot's clever mussel-shaped design includes a built-in stainless steel strainer, which effectively corrals the mussels, and a practical, easy-to-clean knobless lid that can be inverted to double as the perfect plate to nest empty shells.
Jaccard released several interesting new products -- an 18/8 Stainless Steel Professional Mandolin, a Corn Butterer, and a Meat Tenderizer. The mandolin features Jaccard's patent-pending Safe Hands food receptacle that protects fingers from accidental slippage. The Corn Butterer allows the user to butter corn without the corn touching the butter, and also offers separate chambers for salt and pepper. The patent-pending Meat Tenderizer has rows of stainless steel knives that pierce meat for deeper and quicker penetration of marinades and rubs.
Silvermark premiered its new Mince & Chop tool designed to finely chop and mince in a bowl. Perfect for garlic, shallots, and herbs, the ergonomic tool makes it easy to prepare ingredients for dressings, marinades, and sauces.
Microplane introduced a new extra-coarse tool with the original Microplane zester grater handle. In addition, its new colorful red and black rotary and zester graters will be available as open stock items in 2005.
Cuisinart's new kitchen tool and gadget line from Acme International Enterprises is a winning combination. Sleek black or red options are offered in ergonomic shapes and functional styles with a 5-year warranty and the Cuisinart brand image.
Harold Import Company launched its new Sil-pin in a range of bright colors and great designs. The weighted silicone rolling pin features stainless steel ball bearings. Harold's Lekue line of silicone bakeware and utensils has expanded to include individual mini-muffin molds and a new oven mitt with a patented textured inside to create an additional heat barrier.
New silicone bakeware from iSi's ORKA brand has a stiffer, commercial quality, while still retaining its flexible features. The patent-pending stiffeners are built into the handles to keep the bakeware from collapsing while the batter is firming up. The nonporous bakeware is stain resistant, hygienic, and can be folded for storage. Also new from iSi is its BASICS Silicone Tipped Tongs and an ORKA Petite Oven Mitt.
Lamson & Goodnow has expanded its Hot Spot line with the introduction of a Silicone Handle Holder that fits any pot handle and keeps it cool to the touch with a slide-resistant grip. Also new from Lamson is the pairing of its knife line with The KnifeSafe -- beginning in January, all LamsonSharp knives will come with one of the locking KnifeSafe covers.
SiliconeZone signed on to the bamboo trend by pairing silicone to create stylish and high-performing kitchen spatulas and cooking spoons. The brightly colored utensils can take heat up to 900° F and feature 11.75-inch bamboo handles, food-grade silicone, and durable surfaces. Also new from the company are stylish placemats and coasters in contemporary, bold patterns that combine geometrics, swirls, and trendy colors.
The Seige Chemical Company helps keep silicone at its best with a new spray cleaner that keeps silicone bakeware and kitchen tools looking their best. Introduced at the show, the new Silicone Cleaner is available in a 12-ounce spray bottle.
Newcomer Home Sense launched its first product -- sinksense, a designer sink freshener that fits all kitchen sinks and emits fragrant scents for two months.
Also created to help you clean in style comes the LOVE COLLECTION -- a cleaning line from Beverly Feldman. Designed as 'kitchen toys to play and clean with,' the line includes leopard-spotted brooms, denim-clad dust mops, and lip-shaped sponges. Loofah-art also made news at the show with a new USDA Organic seal and fun new SKUs, including trivets and scrub brushes.
A fun line of Pop Molds in three shapes from Tovolo gives you Shooting Stars, Rocket, or Groovy Pops to enjoy at home. With an oversized design, Popsicles is set in an insulated plastic sleeve inside an innovatively designed base that allows for removal of a single pop.

Coffee, Tea, or Cocktails?
Coffee and barware continue to be part of the ever-popular entertaining trend and new introductions were plentiful at the show.
From classically elegant to ornate and whimsical, Classic Coffee & Tea offered a wide range of beautiful patterns of demitasse cups and cake and dessert plates. Cupid's Bow, Flower Bouquet, Butterfly Garden, and Rose Petal are feminine and whimsical patterns that bring formality and elegance to the table. Pearl evokes the roaring '20's with its simple yet elegant opalescent shimmer. Rainbow boasts a spectrum of strong solid colors. All demitasse sets come in beautiful gold hatboxes.
Columbia Home Products' Joyce Chen division continued with its successful Tetsubian Teapot collection by introducing its 7th design signifying the Year of the Rooster. Ultimately, the collection will offer 12 designs.
Planetary Design's Desk Press is a double-walled stainless steel, thermally insulated mug from which the beverage can be poured or sipped directly. The Desk Press incorporates Planetary Design's patented plunger that features a double filtration system that assures the highest caliber brew. New for the show were tabletop French press versions, along with a unique Double Shot commuter model that incorporates a secret compartment for extra tea or coffee for a second brew once you reach your destination.
Grainware, Inc. and Carlisle Home Products showed off a united barware story complete with the Maximizer Portable Bar. The ergonomic two-step bar and countertop has a 56-inch serving area that keeps drinkware, condiments, and bar tools within reach without blocking the prep area. This bar makes a great in-store display and special-order item for gourmet retailers wanting to add some spice to the already hot barware category. Carlisle also offers a full array of commercially designed bar tools from ice buckets to cocktail shapers to Store 'N Pour. Its Grainware division complements the bar line beautifully with new Sequence Teak Barware comprised of heavy-cast crystal-clear acrylic accented with teak.
BonJour showed off their new compact wine refrigerators, tabletop, and hand-held lever-style wine openers, and gift-ready boxed wine accessories. BonJour's new fall wine collection includes: the "Wine Cube" and "Wine Tower" space-saving compact refrigerators, the "Chateau Deluxe" Tabletop Wine Opener, the "Chateau Deluxe" Wine Opener in a gift box, the "Chateau Royale" Wine Opener Set, the "Corks & Caps - The Complete Bottle Opener Set," and an improved, all-metal gear design of the company's popular "Chateau" lever-style wine opener.
Take your entertaining on the road with Picnic Time's Encore one-bottle insulated wine tote with a stainless waiter-style corkscrew and a nickel-plated bottle stopper. More barware raves include Ravenscroft Crystal's lead-free European crystal. Its mouth-blown Sommelier Collection provides an alternative to the top players in the field. Each shape is perfectly formed with a strong balance and clean production. Steel Cork will seal those sparkling evenings tight with an expanding o-ring bottle stopper that locks in champagne bubbles for weeks and allows users to store the bottles on their sides without having to worry about leakage.
Finally, Lushlife will stir things up with its new Flower or Celebration Swizzle Sticks and Glass Suctions. The flowery, frivolous swizzle sticks are complemented by similar patterns that stick to the side of glassware, thereby turning otherwise mundane drinks into exciting conversation pieces.

A Season of Change
There were fun new giftable items for everything from Valentine's Day to Mother's Day and beyond at the show. Retailers could get their orders in for everything from last-minute Christmas ideas to setting the stage for summer.
From Byrd Cookie Company comes new Valentine's cookie tins with a conversational theme. Conversation Cookies are four shortbread cookies imprinted with hearts, plus a confectionery ink marker for writing personalized Valentine messages. To get customers in the mood for warmer weather, Byrd introduced its new Spring Tins featuring beach bag-themed art in bright tropical colors available with Key Lime Coolers, Coconut Cookies, or Cheddar Biscuits.
Our Name Is Mud also allows for personalized gifts with its Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Pens -- revolutionary new ceramic pens that enable personalization in a home oven. Users can add text and then fire the item in the oven for 35 minutes at 350 degrees and the piece becomes dishwasher, microwave, and food safe. Sold separately, the pens are also included in new product developments, such as the new Teacher's Rule and Bridal Platter introduced at the show.
Ready for Graduation Day are two new books from Aspen West Publishing -- Where's Mom Now That I Need Her? and Where's Dad Now That I Need Him? Both are cleverly created books that mix snippets of wisdom along with cooking tips, recipes, and buying guides. Perfect for children of any age, these books make a great add-on purchase for starter cookware sets and hot pots for college dorm rooms and first apartments.
Mum's Creations' new Party Markers comprise a set of five beaded wire markers that hold reusable cards for identifying foods on party trays or buffets, as well as placecard holders. Packaged in a gift set, they make a great hostess gift.
Giftable products for the pet-lover from Unique Produx, Inc. include new hip pet bowls with fun sayings like "A Little Watering, A Little Loving, and "A Little Feeding." A variety of new treat jars was also added to the line. From Búzia comes new hand towels and cocktail napkins with smart sayings, including Until Further Notice -- Celebrate Everything, and a crisp look.
Getting kids in the kitchen will be easy with Shape-Its heavy-gauge aluminum food molds that allow you to cook everything from pancakes to cookies to pizzas in fun shapes. The food forms' oven-safe handles fold down for storage. The new product's slogan is 'Play with Your Food' and comes in open stock, as well as Easter, Holiday, Sweetheart, Halloween, and Barnyard kits.
With all of these new product introductions and even more to see at the co-located The New York Home Textiles Show, EX•TRACTS, and SURTEX Gallery, the development of the 2005 edition of House to Home Market Week is worth watching.