You could see right through many of the design ploys at this year's Dining by Design benefit. That's because translucent materials were everywhere. Many of the top-notch designers who put together more than 50 different dinner table designs used clear plates, stemware, chairs and tabletops—a direct contrast to last year's event, which had plenty of elaborately patterned plates and colored glasses. That movement aside, the fashion, interior and event designers who participated in the event—most backed with cash and products from corporate sponsors—came up with wildly divergent ideas for their 11- by 11-foot areas.
Sponsored by Elle Decor and Champagne Taittinger, the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (Diffa) fund-raiser began with a champagne reception, where reality show makeover zealots such as Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's Carson Kressley, Trading Spaces' Douglas Wilson and Surprise by Design's Robert Verdi (who did Taittinger's table) mixed with fashion and design types like Barneys New York's Simon Doonan and potter Jonathan Adler. After dinner—when guests messed up all those fussed-over creations—came the Bubble Blast after-party.
Overseen by Diffa's Mark Beckham, the fund-raiser—which started in Kansas City 14 years ago—has seen its designers become increasingly extravagant, creating entire environments with tents, walls or curtains surrounding their over-the-top creations. Clearly, it's an inspiring eyeful for any event professional.
—Chad Kaydo
More Photos From Diffa's Dining by Design Event:
More Great Diffa Designs
Diffa Trend: Clear Plates
Diffa Trend: Transparent Materials
Diffa Ideas: Cool Place Cards
Read our coverage of last year's event...