Matt's Idea Book

The P.G.A. Merchandise Show regularly asks its exhibitors about their objectives and works to create solutions that address those needs.

At Diffa’s Dining by Design in Chicago in November, an elegant tailgate party inspired the vignette from Sparc Inc., designed by Richard Cassis and Hunter Kaiser.

The Epicurean Hotel opens in Tampa December 18 and will include a culinary classroom that can be used by groups. The 2014 forecast predicts demand for hotel space for groups will outpace supply in North America.

Cambria, a natural-made quartz producer, brought in a bar to showcase its product. Servers mixed champagne vodka, then garnished the drinks with sugar rock crystals and served them in branded cups.

At a table from DL Couch designed by Harken Interiors, woven textures were juxtaposed with patterned napkins; leafy plants, feathers, and stones added a natural feel.

Interior Investments' booth was designed by Partners By Design. The space was meant to evoke a cafe in Havana, and featured wallpaper printed with palm leaves. Some guests ducked into the space during the opening-night "Cocktails by Design" event, and had snacks and drinks at the low-top tables.

The Havana-style booth also had a bar cart stocked with plants and a bright pink flamingo. Though this bar cart was merely a prop, a nearby bar served drinks from sponsor Patron.

Art For Life Chicago designed a table for Knoll. With a graffiti-inspired design and a yellow, black, red, and white color palette, the piece was inspired by the Richmond Mural Project in Virginia.

The artsy plates echoed the graffiti motif.

One of Modern Luxury Interiors Chicago's tables was designed by Casa Sapzio with SuzAnn Kletizien Design. The nearly all-black decor comprised busts, glossy wine glasses, and stone balls. In the background, a white brick wall gave way to a painted forest view.

Bright red butterflies added spots of color to the booth—and to place settings.

A butterfly motif also appeared in a table Roche Bobois designed with Kaufman Segal Design for Modern Luxury Interiors Chicago. The space had a giant, leafy chandelier that hung low over a picnic-style spread.

The bright spread comprised bowls of fruit, charcuterie on a slice of tree trunk, and tarts and pies.

The Ruder Group's table, designed by Nelson, reminded guests of the event's cause. On either side of the table letters spelled out "Strength" and "Courage." A design in the shape of the red ribbon that symbolizes AIDS awareness ran down the center of the table.

Guests could take a piece of red ribbon, write a message of hope, and affix it to the giant-red-ribbon centerpiece.

A table by Stone Source had an apparent steampunk theme. Vintage pilot goggles adorned place settings; the table was strewn with gears, elaborate keys, and glittering skulls.

Gensler designed a booth for Teknion/Studio TK. The installation had imagery inspired by broken mirrors, with custom wall coverings on either side and projections of glass shards along the back wall. The round table had white, textured linens, and bright green floral arrangements.

Drink Company's God Save the Queen is a classic martini with gin and dry vermouth, served with a souvenir crown.