Gorgeous settings

The New York Design Center partnered with the New York School of Interior Design to bring to life a quintessential New York entity, the subway. The vignette featured bare-bones table settings with plastic takeout containers and Metrocards, as well as arched lighting that gave the appearance of an underground tunnel.

Design firm Gensler and Knoll's space featured a colorful rainbow of origami cranes suspended above a dining table.

Tile manufacturer Florim, in collaboration with HOK architecture firm, Teknion lighting, and Studio TK, created a circular dining atmosphere that was inspired by the concept of time.

The School of Visual Arts’ Red Room incorporated cylindrical elements in an effort to create a sense of unity all in the representative color of the H.I.V./AIDS movement.

Place cards at each table setting included conversational phrases such as “We need to talk…” and “I have some news….”

Inspired by Franke’s kitchen sinks and faucets, Marc Thorpe Design presented the “Gallery of Franke” with the company’s products serving as artwork.

Jeffrey Beers International’s design was a tribute to David Bowie and his alter egos Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane. Inspired by one of Masayoshi Sukita’s photos of Bowie (in which he wears a samurai-like costume), the dining setup featured custom wall covering that mimicked the design on his jumpsuit, tiles reminiscent of a stage, and a custom fixture with glass beads by Focus Lighting that ran down the center of the table, capturing the drama of stage lights.

Interior Design magazine continued to use bold graphics and inspiring messages for its tablescape. This year, with the theme "the light within," the design featured bright yellow cubes and light bulbs as tabletop decor.