Representing just 6% of the home accents universe are tabletop and tabletop accessories, with 2005 sales of $4.2 billion and estimated 2006 sales of $4.4 billion. Seemingly having survived somewhat of a transition in American tastes from formal to casual, the category is holding its own with estimated growth in 2006 of 3.7%.

The suggested demise of the department store in this category was somewhat premature. The massive Federated/May marriage was completed this year and Belk's aggressive acquisition of Parisian stores from Saks in October made it the largest privately owned department store in the country with 276 Belk stores and 38 Parisian stores in 19 states. Along with other stores, this channel has about 15% of the market at $650 million in 2005 and an estimated increase of 2.3% to $665 million in 2006.

Home accent/gift stores are comfortable in this category with 2005 sales of $820 million, expected to stay flat in 2006 with small stores closing doors. However, it is this category where consumers expect creative, design-driven product.

Younger consumers continue to embrace registries at stores like "Tar-zhay" and off-price retailers continue to stock their shelves with martini glasses, tureens and candelabras, making discounters and off-price stores No. 1 with 2005 sales of $1.3 billion. Expected to show growth of nearly 6% in 2006, the channel will hold its edge.