An elegant rendition of a desert landscape and a dreamy tribute to the renowned blue water of California's Lake Tahoe were the two winning tabletop designs at The Special Event's annual Tabletop Gallery, held earlier this month in Los Angeles.

Eight tabletop designs were selected by the editors of Special Events Magazine to be showcased on the exhibit floor. Members of the magazine's Advisory Board picked the two winners.

In the category "Tabletops Under $1,000 Each," the winner was "Desert Chic," created by the team at Fiore Designs, Studio City, Calif. (photo above). Iridescent copper linen was accented with a "runner" of sand and desert plants such as cacti. Square translucent chargers, gleaming silver flatware and clear glassware completed the polished look.

FEELING BLUE

JCD Atmospheric Studios of Modesto, Calif., won in the category "Tabletops $1,000 Each and Above" for "Sapphire: The Mountains, Sky and Water of Lake Tahoe" (photo at right). Swags of iridescent cobalt linen on the backs of wood chiavaris and over the tabletop suggested ripples of water, with clear and watery green plates continuing the nature theme. A dramatic blue lamp arched over the tabletop, suggesting blue skies over the lake. Rustic floral completed the look.

The May issue of Special Events will offer photos of all competing tabletops along with interviews with their creators.

Photos by Catch the Moment