Dining By Design Does It Again! DIFFA NYC 2018
If you had a blank room with which you could showcase an over-the-top, dining area, how would you decorate it? What would you put in it? How would it look? Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS AKA (DIFFA), has been challenging designers to transform raw spaces within Pier 94 for as long as I’ve been in the event marketing business..that’s over 15 years. And I’ve enjoyed discovering all the well-thought out, creative details and have been totally inspired and wow-ed year after year. Here is a recap from my VIP press preview highlighting some of the most stunning displays of dining design!
My most favorite room of all, was a cozy nook hidden behind a royal blue wall and sheer curtains.
It felt truly lit from within and had such a happy, vibe. Luxe Interiors + Design described it as a “calm cocoon..a blooming space that brings to life the joy of springtime.”
Doesn’t this feel so cheery? I totally wanted to dine here.
The black and white graphic room below felt like it could have come from a Kardashian’s home, don’t you agree? I loved the art work.
Using Crate and Barrel items, they added a “fresh pop of color to the mix, a burst of gorgeous, inspiring green with just the right energy to spark fresh ideas, make the party buzz and bring the look to life.”
This matte black room felt so moody and cool.
Sometimes color is all you need in order to get that WOW effect. The School of Visual Arts incorporated “cylindrical elements to create a sense of unity and a celestial aurora that emphasizes the feeling of hope and prosperity.”
And sometimes it’s all about lighting or an interesting art installation. Here’s a room where you won’t be able to avoid talking about that elephant in the room. -Designed by the Pratt Institute.
Walking through the aisles of dramatic displays really gets my heart pumping. I love taking in all the floral arrangements, seeing the creative build-outs and studying the tablescapes. Thank you DIFFA for inviting me to cover this spectacular event again. It’s always a highlight of March!
To see past year’s tables, click here.
For more decor and design ideas, click here.
If you live in the NY area you can see this display along with Architectural Digest’s show through the 26th at Pier 92 and 94 off 52nd – 55th streets! Click here to purchase tickets. It’s the best way to get inspired, explore trends and shop the latest.
About Dining by Design
Dining by design is DIFFA’s marquee fundraising event showcasaing designers, manufacturers and creatives who bring their fvision and passion to the table. Dining by Design features an array of dining installations on displahy for five days, and includes exclusive special events. All event proceeds dupport DIFFFA’s mission to fight HIV/AIDS.
Let your venue’s natural surrounding and offerings help determine your party’s colors and/or choose the venue with your color theme already in mind and save money. Work with the venue’s set colors not against it.
For her 5th birthday, we played off the famous perfume, titling the event CC no.5. Thank you, 
Encourage guests to dress in theme and I promise, your pictures will really pop! If you have stylish friends like I do, it’ll be welcomed as a fun challenge. I love my friends. They’re always up for a fun fashion theme!
It serves as a natural ice breaker too to see and discuss how people chose to style themselves.
See 
Manis, pedis and a selection between makeup application and a facial was enjoyed by all! 
Read on 
“Everyday is a fashion show and the world is your runway.” – Coco Chanel 
<door sign below>
Even the hats were custom-made to match the decor with a giant crepe camellia. Thanks to Roniesia from 
Other fashionable details included pearl napkin holders that doubled as favors and quilted chain purses that doubled as favors and chair decor.
And what about these amazing Chanel stickers that I nabbed at the 
To match the invite, party theme and colors, I also worked with
They’re toppers so you add them with a little frosting (glue) to whatever cupcakes you want. Juliet and I had so much fun baking them the night before her party and then felt like professionals presenting them with these amazing toppers. Prettiest cupcakes ever!
And then there was the cake. What sort of birthday would it be without cake? It’s the star of the table and as elegantly made as this was, it surely did shine! 
Knowing that Juliet did not want any black on her cake, I opted for a black and white cake stand (a Sephora box turned upside down). And I asked 
Is this not the prettiest cake? Inside was white cake with baby pink frosting to match the decor. Thank you to all the vendors who participated in exchange for promotion. The party would not have been the same without you!
amanda 
lisa 
Wow, these are really inspirational! I want to decorate and entertain, RIGHT NOW!
I wanna throw a dinner party now.
You are right! That black and white room IS very Kardashian! lol