So Haute!: A Peek Inside Dining by Design 2009

This past weekend I was so excited to check out the displays at Dining by Design. It was my first year attending and was blown away with all of the creativity on display. If you're not familiar, Dining by Design is an annual fundraising event for DIFFA, the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. Each year, talented designers in various cities collaborate with sponsors to create amazing dining installations that are put on display and proceeds from the events benefit DIFFA's AIDS awareness, prevention and treatment programs. The photo above shows what was probably the most elaborate tablescape on display. Designed by Michael Tavano, the theme of this vignette was "Fine Dining, Urban Living." The juxtaposition of the edgy graffiti backdrop combined with the fine china and crystal chandelier is quite striking.

Here's a closer look at the table setting. The giant chandelier is by Schonbeck, the china and napkins are from Lovegrove & Repucci, the silverware is by Christolfe, the glassware is by Orrefors and I love the chairs which are from Baker.

This next table was by Ralph Lauren Home. I wish I had a better photo but I loved the teak table and display beneath the gauzy striped tent. The setting screams chic safari lodge dinner party.

This dining installation is by Brad Ford. The theme here is "Change is Good" and the idea is that a little extra change in your pocket could be donated to DIFFA. (I also think he may have been making a subtle political statement as well).

It's hard to see in the photo but the table was designed with slots to drop your change into and you can see all of the change beneath the table's lucite top. I also think Brad was making a subtle political statement as well. In keeping with the theme are various piggybanks which are arranged as the table's centerpiece. I loved this table and the concept was extraordinarily creative.

Here is a simple, yet stylish table installation by Eric Warner.

This sleek display is by Razortoothdesign...

The china here is from Michael C. Fina and the tablescape features the infamous Jeff Koons puppy vase.

Kravet's table had a fun spring garden party theme!

I love, love, loved fashion designer Tracy Reese's table! Her design had a pink fairy-tale like feeling and was complete with flirty floral dresses from her collection draped over each chair...a clever touch. I especially loved the pretty china she chose. Below is a closer look.

It was really a lot of fun seeing all of the beautiful tablescapes at the event. Each one was so unique and there was so much creativity and thought put into them. I wish I could have taken photos of every table to share with you but I would have been there all day! I'll leave you with a peek at a few more of my favorite tables from the event and hopefully you can check out Dining by Design in your area very soon! Visit DIFFA.org to view the listings of dates and cities for the 2009 Dining by Design tour.