Lenox – Butler's Pantry Gourmet
How have the Lenox collections become an important part of entertaining history?
Lenox Corporation is the only American manufacturer of fine bone china dinnerware. Since 1889, Lenox has held the high standards of excellence in artistry and craftsmanship set forth by founder, Walter Scott Lenox. Today, Lenox is among the oldest and most respected names in tableware and gifts– favored by presidents, displayed in museums, honored with awards, and enjoyed in millions of homes across America. As a continued leader in the home industry, Lenox has a rich history of beautifully designed dinnerware patterns that consistently rank at the top in both fine and casual dinnerware. Lenox is an American company designing for the American consumer, and we are proud to make all of our bone china place settings right here in North Carolina in the United States.
How has entertaining in America evolved since the founding of the company?
Over the years, our original focus on fine dinnerware expanded to include casual lifestyle collections, crystal stemware, stainless flatware, and bridal giftware. But beyond that, we have fantastic American design capabilities and really understand the pulse of today’s consumer. We offer the bride, self- purchaser and gift–giver great lifestyle products that are beautiful, highly functional and versatile. In response to customers who wanted a fully coordinated look, Lenox complemented its dinnerware with lead crystal stemware (in 1966) and with stainless flatware (in 1991) making Lenox the first American company to offer the complete tabletop.
When customers wanted convenience, Lenox was one of the first to offer freezer to oven/microwave to table (in 1972). And, when customers wanted heirloom quality collectibles, Lenox created the Collections division in (in 1981) offering sculptures, figurines, and jewelry. Lenox was committed from its earliest days to listening to consumers. Whether she is shopping on-line, in-store, reading magazines, tweeting or blogging, we have innovative products that answer her entertaining and gift giving needs. Today, people tend to select items that work for a more casual lifestyle. That being said, making any occasion more special with beautiful fine china is still a way to convey your particular style.
What type of "tableware characteristics" is the contemporary American homemaker seeking?
Something, which is distinctive and individual, with a style that’s not too fussy. Today’s home entertainer wants to show off her style when she has friends and family over for dinner. She may use an updated dinner plate in the coupe shape, a square accent, a more graphic pattern, or bold colors in her linens, to create a table that is hers alone.
Which are your top 3 classic, fine china patterns?
Opal Innocence, Federal Platinum and Vintage Jewel.
Choosing tableware can be somewhat overwhelming. Do you have tableware selection advice for the consumer?
Make it personal. In preparation of your Passover celebrations, you need lots of great serving accessories to present your meal. This is where you have an opportunity to mix up patterns and collections to personalize your table to your style. Your style is what you make
What's in the Lenox pipeline?
Bold florals just hit the stores. And new French provincial styles look perfect for a Sabbath dinner. As the industry leader, Lenox offers new items and patterns several times each year. Our state of the art design facilities, located in Bristol, PA along the Delaware River, are full of brilliant and innovative designers who are turning over exciting new concepts each month.
December 19,2011