20th Dinning By Design for Diffa, Kansas City

For the past twenty years, an event that was started in Kansas City, Dinning by Design has been highlighting the area's premier designers and artists, as an extraordinary fundraiser.I've been fortunate to have designed a table every year of this event. Diffa is the design industry foundation fighting Aids, this supports individuals and families with HIV,giving a wide range of support and care in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Every year, I look foreword to the amazing environments that our talented designers create for this great event. I wish I had photos of all my tables...but this was started long before digital cameras were the norm, and snap shots get lost over time. My initial goal is to design an environment that is beautiful and fun to be at, conversation is a must, so I don't usually block the center with a too large arrangement for the event. Some designers don't care about actually EATING at the table; they go for drama only, and these are ridiculous to try and sit at, especially when you paid a tidy sum to do so! This year I again teamed up with the great contemporary design firm, Museo, and decided we would go chic picnic, and designed our environment to be enjoyed on the floor! Horsetail reed, custom planters, custom cushions and a woodland lily of the valley focus, gave us just the right vibe. This event has spread to other major cities, New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Dallas, Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle and Atlanta...all of which showcase their region's fine design. If one of these cities is close to you, you can attend as a guest for the main evening, or enjoy a preview- cocktail event the night before.