After successful events in Toronto and Vancouver, Monogram Dinner by Design made its debut in Calgary last week in the main lobby of ACAD. The unique event – the brain child of The Social Concierge, highlights well known and respected interior designers, decorators and other members of the design community by bringing them together to create incredible three-dimensional dinning installations. Seven talented local designers, including Alykhan Velji, Connie Young and Amanda Hamilton, created lavish and elaborate one-of-a-kind custom dinning spaces. And they were beyond fancy.
I attended the media preview/cocktail party on Thursday night, cleverly described as the ultimate “pop-up cocktail party,” when the custom dinning spaces were unveiled. Guests were treated to delicious appies from popular Calgary chef Nicole Gomes of Nicole Gourmet, wine curated by Blink Restaurant and awesome cocktails featuring Absolut Elyx. It was a fun night, catching up with friends while admiring all the design talent in the room. The following night, a chic sit-down dinner took place in the extravagant dinning environments where attendees enjoyed a five-course meal by Cocktails & Canapés. Proceeds from both evenings went to support ACAD and Contemporary Calgary – two important local organizations dedicated to supporting and growing the local design and art communities.
Co-founded by GEʼs Monogram® appliances, Monogram Dinner by Design aims to redefine the traditional cocktail dinner party by featuring dinning spaces created by well known members in the design industry, while also raising awareness and funds for various charities across the country that make a positive difference in local communities.
I have yet to throw my own grown-up dinner party – given that I don’t cook and have never used my oven – but when I do, I’ll make sure to use the many awesome ideas I saw at Dinner by Design as inspiration.
Check out the video below to get an idea of what it’s like to attend this unique and progressive event.
Casey Wagar 