Crystal and china are on the decline

The 2010 Housewares report, released by The NPD Group, called last year a “challenging” one for sellers of crystalware and fine china, which is defined as bone china or porcelain with a metal band accent.

A study by the Port Washington, N.Y. market research group said that consumers tended more towards “quality casual” stoneware and earthenware, while tabletop items like glass (including tempered and ceramic), and plastic dinnerware were also popular. Combined, quality casual and other “value-based” items accounted for 83% of the tabletop market in 2010. 

Cookware, bakeware and cutlery sales each grew between 4% and 5% last year, after suffering 11% declines in 2009.