Terri Welch, SueAnn Aronson, Sharon Woodward, Cindy Lewton, and Karen Wirrig present the IFDA donation of $20,000 to Dieter Gable, president of the Ryan House Board of Directors.

20 designer fantasy tables filled the ballroom of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess to the delight of nearly 200 guests at the IFDA Tableau 2010 held on October 9, 2010. The fourth annual event will benefit Ryan House, the first pediatric respite and palliative care home in the Southwest serving children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Event chair, Sue Ann Aronson said “I was so moved after visiting Ryan House and meeting the Cotter family that I was compelled to somehow get involved. Seeing that IFDA had made Ryan House their choice of charity, I decided to immerse myself in getting involved and to me, that meant to chair the event to bring it to a new level.”

She worked tirelessly for this entire year with a small committee of volunteers to produce a spectacular event that featured a Mad Men themed cocktail party including look-alike models in vintage fashion provided by Fashion by Robert Black, the Sterling Cooper Men’s Club with scotch tastings and custom cigars, a luxe silent auction while the guests also judged the 20 fantasy tables created by some of the Valley’s leading design professionals.

The dinner featured a delicious menu, remarks from our Honorary Chair Christi Warner-Beyer and a moving presentation by Jack Hebert, an attorney with Polsinelli Shughart Law Firm, who is also a speaker on behalf of Ryan House.

New this year was a live auction with Letitia Frye, star of the new TLC series Auctioneer$. Items included trips to exotic locations like Napa Valley via private jet and a gourmet tour of Slovenia. Tango dancers enhanced the mood when a week of tango for four in Buenos Aires came up for sale. A new work of art “Enduring Spirit” created especially for Ryan House by renowned artist Raymond Clearwater was purchased by a local family. In addition, Mr. Clearwater’s publisher, New York Graphics, provided 500 prints of this new piece directly to Ryan House for sale as a continuing means of income. Ms. Frye also conducted an auction to “Fund a Need” to make direct donations to support programs at Ryan House. At the conclusion of the program all the design awards were presented.

The evening continued with a private party for Tableau guests at Stone Rose Lounge with a DJ, specialty desserts, and the wonderful feeling that we had helped an important local charity that is the only one of its kind in the United States. Ryan House stands alone as a pediatric respite and palliative care home providing necessary services to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The doors to Ryan House opened in March, 2010 and IFDA is proud to have supported it for the past three years. For complete details on the event and to see all the pictures, please visit www.ifdatableau.com or visit IFDA Tableau on Facebook.

Award winning designers:
• Best Expression of a Theme: Leslie Colvin, Room for a View for table #15 “Spooky Little Thing”
• Most Sophisticated: Ryan O’Meara, Palavela Home for table #19 “An Intimate Affair”
• Best Use of Color: Rosie Cardenas, Baisch & Skinner for table #22 “Fall Splendor”
• Most Whimsical: Cindy Lewton, AZ Design Group for table #17 “Autumn Tea Party”
• Most Glamorous: Michelle Cook, Portobello Home for table #21 “A Night in Paris”
• People’s Choice co-winners: Karen Egan, Karlee Enterprises for table #4 “Through the Eyes of a Child” and Kim White, centriKdesign for table #5 “Dia de los Muertos”

The Arizona Chapter also held a Student Design Competition in conjunction with Tableau and this was won by Gabriela Jacobsen. She designed the incredible entry surround which perfectly set the tone for our Mad Men themed cocktail party. She will be awarded a scholarship from IFDA, AZ Chapter for her efforts.

Photo credits: Tables – Scott Sandler Photographic
Event – Ron Nachtwey

Approximately 17 colors were used on the walls and ceilings of the facility, with many receiving glazes, and overpainting for the murals.

Suzanne Hanson Interior Design
602-769-5672
This article reprinted with permission from Specs + Spaces, 2010 Volume 5, Issue 2 published by Dunn-Edwards Paints.

Scottsdale, Ariz – You’ll fly away if you’re the successful bidder at the upcoming IFDA Tableau 2010 gala being held on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. In addition to the fantasy tablescape design competition and dinner, the event also features a live auction with three incredible trips. This event will benefit Ryan House, the first pediatric respite and palliative care home in the Southwest serving children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Wine Lovers – trip for 4 to Napa aboard a private jet; 2 rooms for two nights at the luxurious Meadowood Resort, meals, spa treatments, wine tasting excursion with Master Sommelier Gilles de Chambure.

Taste Slovenia – six days and five nights for 2 on a magical journey through Slovenia. Private tour guides, 5 star accommodations, wines and exquisite cuisine as you travel through one of Europe’s best kept secrets. All inclusive except for international air fare.

Tango in Buenos Aires – seven days and six nights for 4 in one of the most romantic cities in the world beginning at Palacio Duhua Park Hyatt, sumptuous dinners, wine tastings, private sightseeing of the city, and then the finest Tango show in Buenos Aires. A private tango lesson at the mansion of Mayoral and Elsa Maria, world famous dancers, custom art tours, professional sommeliers at private wine clubs, and personal shopping guides will enchant the lucky winner of this amazing experience.

For more information about IFDA Tableau 2010 please visit the website at www.ifdatableau.com or call 480-443-4886.

Christi Warner Beyer

Scottsdale, AZ – Christi Warner-Beyer has been named as Honorary Chair of the IFDA Tableau 2010 fourth annual event being held on October 9, 2010 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess to benefit Ryan House.

“I am so thrilled to be asked to be the Honorary Chair of the Tableau Event this year. I am a big fan of the work Ryan House does and hope our event this year will raise awareness and much needed money for this wonderful organization,” said Christi. Ryan House is the first pediatric respite and palliative care home in the Southwest serving children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Ms. Warner-Beyer has a background in the furnishings and design industry because of the former family business, Warner Furnishings, as well as a strong commitment to children’s charities. “She is the perfect choice for our event this year”, according to Sue Ann Aronson, IFDA president-elect and event co-chair. “This event will be the most unique charity gala in the Valley featuring a professionally designed fantasy tablescape competition where guests are the judges and then dine with the designers, a “Mad Men” themed cocktail party, “men’s only” cigar and scotch lounge, surprise entertainment and live auction plus after-party.”

The International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA), Arizona Chapter is a professional association comprised of executives and business owners from all aspects of the Furnishings and Design industries. For information about this upcoming event please visit www.ifdatableau.com.

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Wine lovers will enjoy the fabulous trip to Napa aboard a private jet, luxurious accommodations, and private wine tastings along with gourmet cuisine. Just one of the exciting live auction items available at IFDA Tableau 2010 on October 9, 2010 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

CitationAir will also be hosting a pre-event party for top level sponsors and VIP guests at a private hangar at Scottsdale Air Park on October 8, 2010. For the perfect Tableau sponsor opportunity for your company please contact: Echelon Experiences Patricia McLemore – 949.466.3526 ~ Sarina May – 949.212.9032

and we are thrilled to partner with this important facility which serves children and families in the Southwest who face life-limiting pediatric illness. Extraordinary silent auctions, specialty cocktail bar, and, new this year, a “men’s only” cigar and scotch tasting lounge all set the mood before dinner while guests vote for their favorite tables, then dinner will be served and the awards announced, live entertainment and exciting live auction, closing with the new IFDA Urban Lounge to keep the cool vibe going until midnight! You never know who you might see over the rim of a martini glass!

 (1.) “I wish I was young, thin and gorgeous.”

(2.) “I wish I could own one of those stunning vintage gowns.”

(3.) “Oh. . . how I wish someone would let me “borrow” a $1.4 million necklace and earrings!”

 Believe it or not, one of your wishes just might be granted!  Lucky us. . .Scottsdale has it’s own resident genie whose specialty is granting wish #2 – glamorous vintage gowns and elegantly tailored vintage day wear. 

Green St. John Knit Dress - circa 1970's

YSL Black & White Chiffon - circa 1970's

 About eight months ago Robert Black, a very familiar name in the local fashion scene, conjured up a unique fashion concept.  He would collaborate with his friend, Doreen Picerne to create an avant garde boutique filled with clothing from bygone eras to create a very special shopping experience, Fashion by Robert Black.  Both Robert and Doreen have been collectors of all things glamorous for many years and I suspect the passion of their years of collecting probably crystallized into this wonderful new retail market.

Tadashi - circa 1980's

1980's Coat Dress - Adore by Doreen (House Label)

Some of the vintage fashions are cultivated from the Phoenix area, but the majority are carefully culled from other parts of the U.S. and Europe.  The beauty of vintage couture clothing is that it allows today’s modern woman not only a vehicle to exhibit her own unique sense of style in a one-of a kind design, but seamlessly juxtaposes more modern accessories with all the timeless glamour of years ago.      

Madame Gres White Silk Crepe Dress - circa 1950's

As you can see from these beautiful photos, there is no fear that Robert and Doreen will send you out into the cold, cruel world of fashion looking like you are “in costume”.  These classic and beautifully constructed garments are not only on the leading edge of current fashion, but were designed to be worn for generations.

 IFDA Tableau is simply delighted to be able to partner with Fashion by Robert Black and models by the Ford-Robert Black Agency to bring you a most stunning and glamorous gala fashion show that is certain to be a huge success.  “Thank You” -  Robert, Doreen and Sheree of Ford–Robert Black Agency for your kindness and generosity!

Picnics are no longer the bucket of KFC, liter bottle of Coke and the family size bag of Lays potato chips of our youth.  Not even close.  This  designer has taken the humble picnic to a new level of elegance!

A Jan Barboglio bird’s nest might make an interesting organic texture

As Sharon explains, this fantasy table design represents what the French do best – exquisite style and culinary delights.  This dreamlike story involves traveling through the French countryside via barge while indulging in the best that France has to offer.

Wine decanters are très nécessaire for a picnic

Sharon experiments with layers of chargers & plates

Her table design is the happy marriage of the delicate rococo personality of Juliska dinnerware coupled with the smartly earthy style of Jan Barboglio tabletop accessories.  Even in the midst of all this picnic grandeur, she has a cheeky little surprise just waiting for all her guests – I suppose you will just have to wait and see!  Suffice to say, there is no grass growing under Ms. Woodward’s feet!

More than $5,000 in proceeds donated to Ryan House

Imagine designing – then dining at – over-the-top tables fit for Marie Antoinette or Scarlett O’Hara. Some of the Valley’s best designers did just that at IFDA’s second-annual Tableau designing, dining and gaming event on Friday, November 14 at Chaparral Suites Resort Scottsdale, benefiting Ryan House.

“More than 200 guests joined the designers and literally became part of their dining fantasies,” explains Karen Sugarman, president of IFDA’s Arizona chapter. “First, they dined with the designers at 24 fabulous tables and then they placed their bets – Monte-Carlo style – at gaming tables.” The event also featured wonderful raffle prizes and gave guests the opportunity to vote on their favorite tabletops. Design winners included:

• Best Use of Color – "Kaleidoscope" – Adrienne Hart/Maggie Anderson, H2Originals
• Most Entertaining – "Soir Extraordinaire" – Leslie Colvin, Room for a View
• Most Unique Use of Materials – "Glimpse of Peace" – Christine Norris, Your Home-Your Sanctuary/Karin L. Crawford, God’s Garden Treasures
• Most Hollywood Glam – "Venetian Carnival" – Dana George, Cielo Interiors
• Most Creative – "Let them Eat Cake!" – Celia Schauble, In Pursuit of WOW
• Most Elegant – "Dinner at Versailles" – Karen Wirrig, Karen Cole Designs

In addition to recognizing Tableau designers, the event also honored Ryan House, Arizona’s first children’s palliative care home scheduled to open in 2009. A portion of the proceeds generated by the fundraiser, resulting in $5,000, was donated to the development of Ryan House.

“Ryan House would not be possible without the exceptional support from our community and charitable donors, such as IFDA,” says Nancy Martin, Ryan House executive director. “The Tableau competition was a huge success and we feel honored to have been the beneficiary of such a fun and unique event.”