Join our mailing list:

White House Joins Trend Toward More Casual, Less Formal China Dinnerware

New study of the tabletop market reflects trend toward more casual, less formal dinnerware which was exactly the type of china that Laura Bush chose for the White House private quarters

Stevens, PA January 22, 2009 -- One of the last decisions to come out of the Bush White House is one that the incoming Obama family is likely to approve: Laura Bush purchased two new sets of White House china, one formal for state events from Lenox, and one more casual for use in the private quarters designed by Anna Weatherley. Previously presidential families have used the formal state services for their meals and entertaining in the upstairs private quarters, but in keeping with the trend toward more comfortable and casual dining, the new first family can enjoy a more informal, casual dinnerware pattern for family meals and small dinners.

"Laura Bush's choice of a more casual dinnerware service for the private quarters in the White House perfectly reflects a trend in the overall tabletop market that was discovered in the latest Unity Marketing survey of 1,165 tabletop and dinnerware consumers," says Pam Danziger, president of Unity Marketing and author of the new Tabletop Report 2009. "Mrs. Bush found that borrowing the formal state dinnerware for family events was no longer appropriate. She wanted something more comfortable and casual that fit the first family's lifestyle. So she, like so many American consumers, chose dinnerware that was less fuss and formal."

In the latest survey among recent tabletop buyers, the largest percentage of consumers (75 percent) agreed with this statement, �My lifestyle is more casual, so I prefer to set my table with more casual, less formal tableware.� This is a sentiment that could well have come from Mrs. Bush herself.

Today's consumers -- and First Ladies -- demand more casual, less formal dinnerware

In announcing the acquisition of the new more casual dinnerware service by designer Anna Weatherley, White House social secretary Amy Zantzinger said, "The china shows the taste of the day. It records history," and the history of dinnerware in 2009 is all about American's more casual lifestyles.

Danziger says, "Mrs. Bush's choice of a casual lifestyle tabletop that reflects a less formal style of living and dining is sure to meet with approval by Michelle Obama, as she, President Barack Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha move into the White House to start their historic residence in the White House. The Obamas, a modern Generation X couple, are going to appreciate the opportunity to be less formal in their daily table settings.�

�This is exactly what today�s tabletop consumers are saying in their purchases. They would rather invest a little more money in buying a casual set of china, more special than everyday tabletop, but more useable and less intimidating than formal china. Tabletop marketers take note: the inauguration season is also ushering in a new era of less stuffy, affordable china that can be used every day and supplemented with periodic additions and changes in style. Those companies spending their effort on augmenting their lines of traditional tabletop are likely to find those formal styles gathering dust, while marketers offering up more contemporary designs will get the business.�

Unity Marketing's Tabletop Report 2009 helps marketers take action

In order to bridge the gap between research findings and actionable marketing strategies, the Tabletop Report 2009 is packed full of advice and recommendations for marketers. Rather than leave the reader guessing, it shows marketers how to put the research-based insights to work in building their businesses and their connection with the target consumer.

The report analyzes the results of a survey among 1,165 consumers (average income $98,000; 66 percent female; average age 44.2 years). The results are compared with data gathered for the tabletop report in 2006, and augmented with data from the 2008 home furnishings and decorative accessories report. To learn more and order a copy, visit this link http://www.unitymarketingonline.com/cms_tabletop/

Off-the-shelf research reports give marketers immediate answers

Unity Marketing maintains an active publication schedule for new research reports. Studies recently completed and available immediately to subscribers via download include:

The Gifts & Decorative Accents Report 2008: Who Buys Gifts and Home Decorative Accents, What They Buy and Why They Buy (http://www.unitymarketingonline.com/cms_gifting/gifting/GDA_2007.php)
The Home Furnishings & Decor Report 2008: The Ultimate Guide to the Consumer Market for Home Furnishings' Marketers and Retailers (http://www.unitymarketingonline.com/cms_home/)

				Search: