Design For A Great Cause

Last night I attended the inaugural JLT DelecTable Designs fundraising event, put on by the Junior League of Toronto, and it was buzzing with designers and industry guests eager to contribute to a great cause. Well-known designers like Julia West, Harvey Wise, Lisa Worth, Dee Dee Taylor Hannah and Anita Wiklem mingled with guests, media and Junior League members, and shared their displays of upcoming tabletop trends for 2012. Here are some of my snapshots from the party last night:

Julia West Home has a gorgeous outdoor set-up with plenty of texture, pattern and pops of pink.

Also at the Julie West Home table, this dark grey chair cover that would look equally chic indoors.

Lisa Worth of Worth Interior Design has a rustic, casual theme going on. I love the metal chandelier.

Dee Dee Taylor Hannah is featuring a more formal display with a patterned tablecloth, polished silverware and layered plates with intricate prints.

Jennifer Brouwer’s tablescape is fresh and clean, with accents of that coral-orange we’re seeing everywhere in 2012.

Nathalie Gluckstein layered a marble table with textured chargers, Asian-inspired cutlery and fun lime-and-aqua napkins. The combination of styles would be a perfect conversation starter at a dinner party.

This minimalist table setting by Tara Fingold strikes just the right balance of colour and texture. Hammered metal dishware is also everywhere this year.

This blue and white scene by Jacaranda Tree & Co. really caught my eye. The raw wood table, fish-printed plates, chevron-patterned napkins and oversized mason jars combine beautifully. The salad bowl made of sticks is perfect for outdoor entertaining this summer.

Samantha Baillie has a cosy outdoor tablescape with woven straw chargers and accents of green and wood.

And finally, Rafters of Muskoka has set up a nautical-themed dinner party complete with striped awning, navy placemats and striped seat cushions. I could sit here until well after sunset!

For three days this weekend (starting today!), the public can visit JLT DelecTable Designs to see how these talented interior designers, stylists and boutiques redefine table decor with their high-style dining vignettes. Designers from previous showhouses — see our photos and videos of the 2009 house here — along with some new up-and-coming designers will be putting their tablescapes on display. Tickets are only $20, and you can draw inspiration from over 25 unique dining installations, browse fabulous interior design boutiques onsite, and enjoy talks where top Canadian designers will share tips and discuss industry trends.

JLT DelecTable Designs takes place at Heritage Court, Direct Energy Centre today from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tickets are $20 per person, and proceeds will benefit women’s involvement in communities across the GTA.

The Junior League of Toronto is a women’s charitable and educational organization dedicated to building better communities in the Greater Toronto Area. They’ve contributed millions of volunteer hours and more than $4 million to support over 400 community programs and projects. They strive to develop women’s potential and nurture effective leadership and action of trained volunteers. The Junior League of Toronto is one of 293 Junior Leagues in Canada, England, Mexico, and the United States, representing more than 170,000 women.

Photo credits:
Gwen McAuley