Whether entertaining inside or outdoors, eight in 10 consumers say they entertain at home, according to “Outdoor Entertaining Trends 2010: Consumers Bring the Indoors Out.” Twelve percent of consumers told research firm The NPD Group that they entertained at home more this year than in past years, and 37 percent said they entertained about the same amount as in the past.
“Consumers continue to spend more time at home, and entertaining at home is a cost-effective way of getting together with family and friends,” says Kathleen Cella, director at The NPD Group. “With increased frequency, and more casual gatherings in general, the table is following suit with cost effective, convenient, and casual options.”
Dinnerware:
• The casual segment, which represents more than half of dinnerware sales, experienced four percent growth in the 12 months ending February 2011, while the category as a whole continues to show declines.
• Color and ease of cleaning have grown in importance among dinnerware purchase motivators.
Beverageware:
• In the 12 months ending February 2011, acrylic/plastic beverageware grew 18 percent over the previous year, accounting for more category dollars than the crystal segment.
Flatware:
• Flatware and serving utensil sets grew in the 12 months ending February 2011, with dollar sales up seven and two percent, respectively; this growth came primarily from the casual segment.
• Price and value are among purchase motivators growing in importance, along with dishwasher-safe, easy to clean, and matching other items.
Linens:
• Overall, kitchen and table linens were down during the 12 months ending February 2011, but placemats gained 14 percent in dollar sales compared to the previous year.
• Among table linens, solid dark colors and patterns/prints are gaining popularity, with 11 and 9 percent dollar sales growth, respectively, compared to last year.
Source: The NPD Group / Consumer Tracking Service
