Like many of us, I like to surf the web and personally enjoy checking out furniture & design websites for event inspiration.

Recently while killing time on the ipad, I  found DuffyLondon…A unique London based, hence the name, manufacturer and designer of furniture, lighting, mirrors, wall coverings, etc…aka…really cool stuff!

One of my favorite items on the website is the “Swing Table”.  Basically its a four post table that uses its frame structure to suspend an overhead dining lamp and eight hanging chairs.

If I owned one, I’d have swinging dinner parties all the time…and yes, the pun was intended.

Bon Appetit.

Last week I produced the annual charity event “Cool Comedy Hot Cuisine” benefiting the Scleroderma Research Foundation (www.srfcure.org) at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.  This is an event I do every year and is very close to my heart.  My mother passed away from Scleroderma in 1994 and I’ve been involved with the foundation and their efforts ever since.

The evening was amazing, a great success!  The benefit raised more than a half of a million dollars for medical research. Hosted by Bob Saget (uncle Bob to me), with special guests, Bill Bellamy, Dana Carvey and a very special performance by Counting Crows.

The night had deep meaning for me…when my mom was dying from Scleroderma and suffering for about two years, I listened to Counting Crows a lot…so needless to say, the music hits an emotional cord.

To create intimacy the ballroom underwent a complete transformation.  Guests were surrounded by white sheer drapery, highlighted with a glow of yellow amber lights.  Tables were handsomely dressed in silver textured linens with butter yellow napkins, silver wood infinity styled chairs and a variation of vibrant yellow & white floral center pieces.  The large white gloss stage wowed the guests as the entertainment was broadcast on two large projection screens.

A delicious meal was served by Top Chef Master Susan Feniger of STREET Restaurant, a great live auction, followed by Dana Carvey and a heartfelt performance by Adam Duritz and Counting Crows…Wow, what a night!