Table Top

The table settings at the Herman Miller space had a retro 1950s look. Place cards were attached to wooden tops with twine.

A wall of paper flowers formed a dramatic backdrop for a charcuterie station at the event.

Small, lightweight, and energy-efficient, the Pixie machines come in six different bright hues, a palette MAS Event & Design employed throughout the event.

For a chic, outdoorsy feel, set tables with items available in Chicago from Tablescapes (or go for a similar look): Vintage Crystal Basketweave charger, $7.50; Cutout Lace plate, $3; Christian silver flatware, $0.80 each; rectangular plate, $1.50; Traditional silver demitasse spoon, $0.65; mini glass jar, $0.90; Vintage Etched glassware, $2 each; Rust Satin napkin, $2.50; Silver napkin tie, $2; Aged Farm square tabletop, $45.

Tablescapes also has pieces that work for a whimsical, rustic look: Bronze Iridescent runner, $12.50; Ivory Hemstitch napkin, $3.60; Dancing Garden charger, $7.25; Sevres salad plate, $2.25; Mother of Pearl flatware, $0.90 each; Mother of Pearl napkin ring, $2.50; Aged Farm square tabletop, $45.

The Mint Agency used sand, shells, and bowls holding live fish as centerpieces at the September premiere dinner for Spring Breakers during the Toronto International Film Festival.

At a Belvedere-sponsored event during the 2012 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, chevron-patterned linens topped cocktail tables, and sunflower bouquets served as centerpieces.

LoLo Event Design offers hand-painted handkerchiefs that can serve as table numbers at a garden event. Set alongside flowers in a terra cotta pot, tables get a more casual feel than an elaborate formal centerpiece—just right for an alfresco event.

At Barbra Streisand's fund-raiser for the Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Center in Malibu, colorful floral arrangements in wooden vases played off the outdoor setting.

For the Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Centerdinner, held inside Streisand's home, neutral tones and fresh-picked centerpieces formed a summery setting.

At Diffa’s Dining by Design event in Chicago, an attention-grabbing booth was Haworth's table designed by 4240 Architecture. Inspired by the concept of urban agriculture, the table had a wall aquarium and live flowers, vegetables, and greenery.

Also at Diffa, Sarah Dippold Design's table had small tureens that held earthy arrangements of mosses, berries, and succulents.

At a Chicago launch party for wedding registry site Poladora.com, Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event set a festive, colorful table with Mexican inspiration.

At Diffa’s Dining by Design event in New York, Croscill's table resembled a canopy bed. It was covered in a bright pink quilted tablecloth and surrounded by clear Chiavari chairs.

At Girari Sustainable Event Furnishings’ tabletop design competition at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, event producer Alexandra Rembac-Goldberg of Sterling Engagements designed a showcase table with a bubble theme. The entire look was placed inside a clear bubble structure from Casa Bubble.

Also at Diffa in New York, Rachel Laxer Interiors with Robert Kuo designed an ode to Rococo painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard with a centerpiece of moody floral arrangements and fresh fruit.