More Photos From Diffa's Dining by Design in Chicago

November 12, 2010

Dining by Design, a benefit for Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, showcased 25 tabletop displays. As noted in our report, trends included farm-inspired decor, butterflies, Asian influence, and oversize light fixtures. Here are more photos from the event.

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Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash

Farm-style tables were popular this year. At the rustic display from Henricksen & Allsteel by Perkins and Will, paper menus topped slabs of wood.

Farm-style tables were popular this year. At the rustic display from Henricksen & Allsteel by Perkins and Will, paper menus topped slabs of wood.

Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash

Richard Abrahamson of RJA Designs decorated a table for the Design Center at the Merchandise Mart. His farm-inspired decor included centerpieces filled with broccoli and lemons.

Richard Abrahamson of RJA Designs decorated a table for the Design Center at the Merchandise Mart. His farm-inspired decor included centerpieces filled with broccoli and lemons.

Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash

White was a prominent color at several tables, including the one from CS Interiors by Neff of Chicago. Prop birds sat beside bowls of floating flowers at each place setting, and long centerpieces held bunches of white roses.

White was a prominent color at several tables, including the one from CS Interiors by Neff of Chicago. Prop birds sat beside bowls of floating flowers at each place setting, and long centerpieces held bunches of white roses.

Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash

Asian inspiration played into several decor schemes. An origami-like structure crowned the table from Halcon and Carnegie Fabrics by OWP/P Cannon Design.

Asian inspiration played into several decor schemes. An origami-like structure crowned the table from Halcon and Carnegie Fabrics by OWP/P Cannon Design.

Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash

Butterflies appeared in several displays. At the table from Holly Hunt by Gensler, the nature theme extended to include starfish and birds.

Butterflies appeared in several displays. At the table from Holly Hunt by Gensler, the nature theme extended to include starfish and birds.

Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash

Butterflies adorned the wall at the table from Herman Miller by Gensler, and the centerpiece looked like a terrarium.

Butterflies adorned the wall at the table from Herman Miller by Gensler, and the centerpiece looked like a terrarium.

Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash

The nature theme continued at the table from Turner Construction by Gary Lee Partners, where birds' nests formed a row down the center.

The nature theme continued at the table from Turner Construction by Gary Lee Partners, where birds' nests formed a row down the center.

Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash

Oversize light fixtures hung over several tables, including the one from Maya Romanoff by Design Collaboratives.

Oversize light fixtures hung over several tables, including the one from Maya Romanoff by Design Collaboratives.

Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash

David Stark also created unique centerpieces for the 2018 Robin Hood benefit, also held at the Javits Center. The event, which had a “Lights of New York” theme, featured three-sided mini marquee centerpieces that offered messages of gratitude and celebrated the organization's anniversary.

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In September, Blueprint Studios designed and produced the San Francisco Opera’s Centennial Celebration Gala. At the arrival reception and dinner, an indigo and goldenrod color palette found in the table linens and flatware was especially striking. The team at the San Francisco-based event production company also used a mix of periodic textiles such as velvet, leather, crystal, mirror, and ostrich plumes throughout. See more: Over-the-Top Design Inspiration From Two of San Francisco's Most Swoon-Worthy Galas

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Another inspiration tabletop spotted at DIFFA's annual event, this ethereal display marries feminine hues with metallic touches for a showstopping setting—certainly better suited for those with a go-big-or-go-home mindset. See more: 18 Dining and Tabletop Ideas From Diffa's 2019 Dining by Design

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Novita Communications partnered with design studio Maiarelli Studio to create an installation that aimed to connect reading with the feeling of empathy. Instead of plates, open overturned books covering the topic of AIDS occupied the place settings, and stacks of books served as table legs.

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