Above Left: From the folks at Antiquaire this setting really speaks to the country connoisseur a pounded octagonal charger with a simple white plate, decorative appetizer plate and a tweed napkin with matching napkin ring. Above Right: From sponsor table Gabbiano Winery this golden striped setting has a simple sensibility with a lot of design appeal.

Last week at The Merchandise Mart Chicago, over 50 designers displayed their design talents while inspiring the masses. The annual Dining by Design Event is a fundraiser for DIFFA. (Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS)  The event has three main events including Cocktails By Design, the Table Hop and Taste and the Dining By Design Gala. During the three events there is a silent auction featuring donations from many of the Mart Showrooms and all proceeds go to support the further research and development of a cure of AIDS. This is a look at some of the most inspiring table settings of the event. To See full tables please follow the link here.

Above Left: From the creative mind of Kathy Taslitz simple equals stunning. Black place settings with green accents and simple glassware create a classic look that really speaks to designs. Did you notice there aren’t any plates? I like it. Above Right: this is a sophisticated look from Richar Interiors INC. the dark gold rimmed plates, simple stemware, silver beer mugs and petite floral arrangements really create an intimate setting. The candle lantern and striped napkin really finish the feel of the look.

Above Left: From The Merchandise Mart Design Center this setting has holiday couture written all over it. The red glass dinner and salad plates are unique and really come together well with the leaf appitizer plate. Green napkins folded into a skinny rectangle with berries wraped around in place of a tradition napkin ring finishes the look. Above Right: From the design masters at RL Home really sings. The Designers current look and feel really speaks to the design on this tablescape. A winner completely.

Above Left: For a more modern look Check out this look from Vesta Hearth and Home Multiple layers of china from the wave dinner plate, orange accent plate, black bowl, and small appitizer plate placed at the bottom of the bowl. Finishes with a set of Chopsticks this is a great modern setting. Above Right: from the Student Designers at Harrington College of Design This is a stylish wave design acheved by placing two plates side by side to create the simple form. The blue ribbon and white napkin help create a line that connects all the elements together.

To see more images from the event check out Klick_it’s Photostream on Flickr