NPD: Consumers entertaining holidays at home

According to The NPD Group, 49% of respondents surveyed on holiday entertaining plans said theyplan to entertain family or friends in their home during the upcoming holiday season. Furthermore, casual dinnerware sales growth in the double digits in the past 12 months ending September 2010 show that the trend is toward less formal dining. Sales in the formal fine dinnerware segment remain down year-over-year.

Thirty-two percent of respondents told NPD that they entertained at their home less over the past year than in previous years, however, 11% said they entertained more.

“Consumers are finding different ways to entertain, in a more casual way. They are looking for flexibility, and affordability when purchasing dinnerware,” said Kathleen Cella, director of The NPD Group’s home division. “When it comes to the holidays, and entertaining family and friends, consumers are enjoying setting new trends and traditions as they set their holiday tables."