Top of the Table Gala

Photos by Brian Mullins

On Sept. 22, the Triangle’s most savvy catering professionals went head-to-head in a tabletop design competition.

The Triangle Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives hosted its 2009 Top of the Table Design Competition and Silent Auction at Bay 7 at the American Tobacco Campus in Durham. The themes this year were inspired by the epic movie The Wizard of Oz.

Every year, the organization brings together leading industry vendors to vie for top honors and to raise funds to benefit the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle’s programs including the BackPack Buddies program, which provides children of low-income families backpacks filled with food for the weekend.

Tables were judged on the best use of color and texture, best interpretation of set themes and the most original and trend-setting design. The winner for Ruby Slippers children’s category was designed by EW Fulcher and Catering Works.

The winning table in the Wicked Weddings category was by the Washington Duke Inn and Floral Dimensions. In the open category of Green with Envy, top honors went to The Umstead Hotel and Spa’s Ami Wheelers and Kevin Milz Photography.

The Corporate Sponsor Table award went to Scott and Michelle Faber, with Scott Faber Photography. The table that won based on cash votes by guests was designed by Mel Day, of Dogwood Tree Floral Design, and Barbara Clark, of An Elegant Affair.