Every year DIFFA brings together top talent to transform raw space into a plethora of fantastic, imaginative, sensational dining rooms. HOBNOB was there to explore the latest dining possibilities at DIFFA 2016.

In this year’s DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) we saw three major trends in the over-the-top room setups:

1. GREEN-ERY

So many rooms included green foliage on the tablescapes—in lieu of flowers. As a color, green is calming, lowers stress, and invigorates on a deep level, encouraging creativity. Nice mood for socializing! For a lasting effect, think about using living plants and giving them to guests as a parting gift or using succulents in a pretty grouping.

2. MONOCHROME

Scared of color? Just start with one. It’s less of a commitment when you choose accessories in statement color rather than on your permanent pieces. The single color ties together disparate elements into one.

3. OPULENCE

For those who can’t get enough, salivate over these examples of layers of accessories, tones, textures, and a luxurious statement.

We hope you will be inspired in future dinner parties to add some of the touches in these rooms. Here is what we saw at the event.

hobnobmag DIFFA 2016 table setting inspiration

RALPH LAUREN

A wall of live plants creates a natural, lush backdrop for dining.

hobnobmag DIFFA 2016 table setting inspiration

BACCARAT FOR MANHATTAN MAGAZINE

A fuzzy wave of bright green gets complemented by fine crystal . Our favorite table scenario of the bunch.

hobnobmag DIFFA 2016 table setting inspiration

DESIGN WITHIN REACH BY ICRAVE

Oversized leaves work to create a dividing wall and also grace the table.

hobnobmag DIFFA 2016 table setting inspiration

ECHO

A wild and rustic mood which truly brings the outdoors in.

hobnobmag DIFFA 2016 table setting inspiration

MARK BLACKWELL

Wheat-grass creates a lovely flat bed of green, with the bonus of adding skewered food or flowers.

hobnobmag DIFFA 2016 table setting inspiration

M MOSER ASSOCIATES

A terrarium with extra function. This piece can work on your table indefinitely.

hobnobmag DIFFA 2016 table setting inspiration

CRATE AND BARREL BY SPRING STREET SOCIAL SOCIETY

Tropical flora with oversized leaves create a beautiful silhouette and focal point.

hobnobmag DIFFA 2016 table setting inspiration

NYTIMES BY LLADRO + DARRIN VARDIN DESIGN

Rich pops of reddish hues enliven the black and white palette.

GENSLER + 3FORM + HERMAN MILLER

Hot neon and bright scatterings create a nightclub mood.

hobnobmag DIFFA 2016 table setting inspiration

SUNBRELLA BY GHISLAINE VINAS INTERIOR DESIGN

Moody indigo surrounds this low-lit space, creating a rich, moody cave for socializing.

STUDIO O & A + TEKNION

Blue-black tones offset a minimalist Asian pattern. A soulful and zen-like atmosphere.

hobnobmag DIFFA 2016 table setting inspiration

BENJAMIN MOORE + COSENTINO

A breathtaking study in white-on-white.

hobnobmag DIFFA 2016 table setting inspiration

LUXE INTERIOR AND DESIGN W LIAIGRE BY SASH BIKOFF

Exotic scenes, a surplus of greenery, and rich tones add up to a lush getaway.

hobnobmag DIFFA 2016 table setting inspiration

ARTERIORS

Layers of mirrors and bronze accent interrupt the serenity of a taupe and blue landscape.