dinner theme

“The tablescape was conceived with a nod to the game Clue and the weapons game pieces,” explained Richard Cassis, principal and creative director of Sparc Inc. The display’s murder mystery dinner theme featured glass cloche vignettes, which contained items such as a replica Civil War revolver balanced on a stack of 8 balls, a sterling silver candlestick atop a set of plates and linens, and an antique wrench hidden in a bouquet of white roses.

Slithery snake napkin rings served as the focal point of Circa Lighting’s vibrant place setting.

Students from the Illinois chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers went with a woodsy theme, using natural elements like branches, seashells, moss, and animal hides throughout their showcase.

Kravet featured the bold patterns from its exclusive fabric collection by fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg. The home furnishings company’s vignette was designed by Lee Jota and Brunschwig & Fils.

Bright accent flowers, a black-and-white-patterned table, and gold seating popped against the grass flooring at the Cambria display, which was designed by Fredman Design Group.

A bowl of goldfish sat in the center of Cambria’s table.

J. C. Anderson, along with Valerio Dewalt Train Associates, designed a dining room representing the lives of those living with AIDS. Fractured planes and mirrors served to “remind guests of the beastly nature of the disease” and that “even a seemingly broken life can be beautiful.”

At the J. C. Anderson table, each setting signified a different demographic affected by the epidemic, spanning sexual orientation, age, wealth, and race.

White vinyl records replaced plates and Skullcandy brand headphones dangled from above at the DJ-inspired Steelcase vignette designed by Gensler.