This past weekend I was so excited to check out the displays at Dining by Design. It was my first year attending and was blown away with all of the creativity on display. If you’re not familiar, Dining by Design is an annual fundraising event for DIFFA, the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. Each year, talented designers in various cities collaborate with sponsors to create amazing dining installations that are put on display and proceeds from the events benefit DIFFA’s AIDS awareness, prevention and treatment programs. The photo above shows what was probably the most elaborate tablescape on display. Designed by Michael Tavano, the theme of this vignette was “Fine Dining, Urban Living.” The juxtaposition of the edgy graffiti backdrop combined with the fine china and crystal chandelier is quite striking.
This next table was by Ralph Lauren Home. I wish I had a better photo but I loved the teak table and display beneath the gauzy striped tent. The setting screams chic safari lodge dinner party.
This dining installation is by Brad Ford. The theme here is “Change is Good” and the idea is that a little extra change in your pocket could be donated to DIFFA. (I also think he may have been making a subtle political statement as well).
It’s hard to see in the photo but the table was designed with slots to drop your change into and you can see all of the change beneath the table’s lucite top. I also think Brad was making a subtle political statement as well. In keeping with the theme are various piggybanks which are arranged as the table’s centerpiece. I loved this table and the concept was extraordinarily creative.
Here is a simple, yet stylish table installation by Eric Warner.
This sleek display is by Razortoothdesign…
The china here is from
Michael C. Fina and the tablescape features the infamous Jeff Koons puppy vase.
Kravet’s table had a fun spring garden party theme!
I love, love, loved fashion designer Tracy Reese’s table! Her design had a pink fairy-tale like feeling and was complete with flirty floral dresses from her collection draped over each chair…a clever touch. I especially loved the pretty china she chose. Below is a closer look.
It was really a lot of fun seeing all of the beautiful tablescapes at the event. Each one was so unique and there was so much creativity and thought put into them. I wish I could have taken photos of every table to share with you but I would have been
there all day! I’ll leave you with a peek at a few more of my favorite tables from the event and hopefully you can check out Dining by Design in your area very soon! Visit
DIFFA.org to view the listings of dates and cities for the 2009 Dining by Design tour.
Yesterday while checking out John Robshaw’s new collection for Barnes & Noble I discovered that the book retailer has dipped its toe in the water of the home market with the introduction of the Barnes & Noble Home Collection. The product offerings include lighting, entertaining and tabletop items, desk accessories, wall art and decorative accents such as vases, bowls, candlesticks and more. I was actually impressed with their selection of lighting which included lamps from the best brands in the category like Robert Abbey, Visual Comfort and Arteriors Home. There were also a few vases and entertaining pieces I liked and all were priced at a great value. An added bonus for Barnes & Noble members is that you can use your member discount on these home items as well.
What do you think? Should Barnes & Noble stick to books or do you like the idea of the company offering home products too? Curious to hear what others have to say. Below are some of my picks from the Barnes & Noble Home Collection and you can click here to see more.
Robert Abbey “Porter” Table Lamp in Antique Brass, $279.16
Robert Abbey “Harriet” White Glass Table Lamp, $156.76
Arteriors Home Milo Marble Accent Lamp, $183.96
Jonathan Adler Claridge Crystal Table Lamp with Black Silk Dupioni Shade, $384.76
Visual Comfort Tripod Table Lamp in French Wax with Natural Paper Shade, $167.96
SEO Glass Vase, $23.96
Williamsburg Chinois Set of 5 Mini Vases, $23.96
Bamboo & Nickel Plated Cheese Knives, $39.96
Walnut & Slate Cheese Serving Board, $55.96
Arteriors Home Antique Brass and Leather Oval Gallery Tray, $295.96
John Robshaw is one of my favorite textile designers so I was excited to learn that he recently launched a collection of eco-friendly stationery and gifts for Barnes & Noble! Below is a look at some of my favorite items. I especially love the elephant notecards! All items are available at Barnes & Nobles stores nationwide or at bn.com.
Elephant Handmade Paper Notecards, $14.95
Indigo Madura Journal, $14.95
Handmade Paper Wrapped Colored Pencils, $9.95
Metallic Goa Natural Canvas Pencil Pouch, $6.95
Peacock Hand Painted Natural Canvas Tote, $19.95
