DIFFA KC Dining by Design

Hello friends! Even though it’s officially Spring it is snowing like crazy outside. We probably already have at least 8 inches and it’s not done yet! It may be cold and nasty out but I am dreaming about warmer weather. How does “April In Paris” sound??

Save the Dates designed by Hammerpress

“April In Paris” is this year’s theme for a major event called Dining by Design, which is put on by DIFFA. DIFFA stands for “Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids,” and this is their big fundraising event for the year. Here’s more information from DIFFA’s website:

“DIFFA’s DINING BY DESIGN is “the Cannes of tabletop,” proclaims avant garde filmmaker John Waters.
But what exactly is DINING BY DESIGN? It’s the signature fund-raising event for DIFFA KC, which showcases the personal passions of some of the area’s leading design talents. Each participant is given a set amount of space and the freedom to create their own dining environment.  DINING BY DESIGN was founded in Kansas City over 20 years ago and has become the signature event for DIFFA chapters nationwide. DINING BY DESIGN is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in our community and it has helped raise more than $2 million for HIV and AIDS education and prevention in the Kansas City area.”

This year’s Dining by Design will take place on Saturday, April 13 and will feature two events. The Dining by Design Gala is taking place at The Gallery and it will include wine, cocktails, an amazing dinner, live entertainment, a live auction with some incredible experience packages, a post party in the Kill Devil Club next door, and more. Conversations on Dining is the new daytime event which will feature some of KC’s most creative business people in a panel discussion about food, presentation, spaces, nutrition and trends. This will also be an opportunity to view the tables and talk with the designers. For more on the panelists see the invite below.


To purchase tickets for either event please visit Diffa KC’s website here
I became involved with this event as a result of my internship. I’m so excited to be a part of Dining by Design and to help raise money for such a worthy cause. I’m helping with the DBD committee as well as assisting my awesome boss, Katy Sullivan, with a Moroccan-themed table for the event.
Katy is also the chair person of the whole event and she designed a Coco Chanel inspired table that was featured in this month’s KC Magazine. If you’re in the Kansas City area make sure to pick up a copy (it’s free!).



Dining by Design actually takes place in several cities throughout the year. New York City just hosted their DBD Gala this past Thursday and it looked incredible! Check out some of the pictures of the tables from Habitually Chic (more on the website).







I can’t wait for April 13! It’s going to be amazing!