Spring 2022 - 83

DISPLAY INSPIRATION
G
athering around the table has taken on a special
new meaning in the last two years. As large
holiday gatherings, parties and dining out were
all put on hold, consumers put extra energy and creativity
into their personal mealtime at home with their families.
This has left many consumers hungry for an exciting
escape from the norm, a departure from the traditional
tabletops they grew up with and the opportunity to start
fresh and make it their own.
ENTICE CONSUMERS
Consumers seek beautiful accent pieces that can be
used to serve the meals and snacks that they so lovingly
prepared, as well as pieces that can double as home décor
items. This consumer habit opens the door for showcasing
tablescapes in-store that are both eye-catching and eyeopening,
by highlighting how giftable accessories can
add a special, personal touch and provide add-on sales
for the retailer.
" Any hostess loves a beautiful table, but not everyone
knows just what to buy to create one, " said Deborah
Shearer, founder Table + Dine, " Set inspirational tables
in store. All the customer needs to decide is how many of
each item she needs. Remember to include add-on items
such as place cards, flower vessels and even coordinating
cocktail napkins to help her see the full vision of the table.
And, always add in an element of surprise, with maybe a
small gift wrapped with pretty paper at each place setting
and have that gift close by your table display for customers
to purchase. "
Lauren Brekke, vice president of merchandise for Mud
Pie echoed this sentiment and said that home accessories
can be just the thing to elevate a table, bringing new
interest to a standard tablescape.
" When spicing up standard tabletop offerings, I like to
keep a few key elements in mind - height, texture and
pattern, " Brekke said. " Utilizing candlesticks or colorful
glass vases with pampas grass, will draw the eye to the
products merchandised both high and low. When working
with simple dinnerware, draw customers in by utilizing
striking linens to make the tablescape pop. Opt for texture
with woven placemats and cloth napkins and add velvet or
beaded napkin rings for a layer of interest. "
In addition to adding in accessories, Heather David,
chief operating officer, Le Cadeaux, said to think about
merchandising and accessorizing tableware with gift sets.
When selecting the dinnerware, it's always a good
idea to go with new stock, however, you needn't be too
selective on the pieces you use. Textured plates and bowls
are very on trend with customers but plain dinnerware
that allows customers to play with patterns for a mix-andmatch
effect are also grabbing attention.
" Always tap into your creative voice when it comes to
setting your table, " said Lisa Knierim, chief development
Salerno and Verona Collections. Pampa Bay. Circle 299.
Los Cabos Drinkware. Fortessa Tableware Solutions. Circle 298.
Cabana Stripe Table Runner and Napkins in Sky Blue by Solino
Home through Table + Dine. Circle 300.
GIFTSHOPMAG.COM 83
http://www.GIFTSHOPMAG.COM
Spring 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spring 2022
