Present Tense to close doors

Tabletop and accessory vendor Present Tense Home Artistry will cease operation at the end of this year, citing competition from mass marketers and lower-priced product.

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Sterling, Va., the company has offered casually styled hand-painted tableware and accessory designs.

"From our founding almost 20 years ago, our design philosophy has been to provide our customers with unique, high-quality tabletop and accessory products that were artistically designed and meticulously handcrafted," said Kimberley Kimball, Present Tense president. "We have observed over the years that the casual dinnerware market has dramatically changed with an emphasis today on mass marketing, decals and low price points.

"Rather than reinvent ourselves to fall into step with today's marketplace, we choose not to compromise our core value and mission of providing anything short of fine, upscale table artistry. For this reason, we have decided to cease operations at the end of this year."

Retailers may place orders (filled on a first-come, first-serve basis) until Dec. 1. All shipments will be shipped by Dec. 31, the final day of operation. The telephone number, 800-282-7117, and Web site, www.presenttense.com, will remain operational until the end of the year.