TABLE MANNERS:
A Potluck for Design

“Table Manners” is a design show centered around the collation of objects that contribute to the dining experience and the associated practical behaviors they impose upon us. 

Beyond sustaining our bodies, food acts as an intermediary for social gatherings. The tools we use and how we use them contribute to the efficiency of having a meal, perceptions of social status, ergonomic comfort, and most importantly how the food tastes. 

As a society, we have mastered the functional qualities of dining objects as the 20th century harbored a functional, aesthetic, and material design revolution.

So what’s left to consider?

We call on designers to participate in “mise-en-place” or “setting the scene”: To rewrite the rules, set the standards, and question the act of eating through a design object centered around the dining experience.

We are looking for a range of submissions including but not limited to table-top products such as cutlery, glassware, serveware, centerpieces, and home goods such as sculpture, art, and furniture.

Shelter: Mart Nouveau is a three-day gathering hosted by Afternoon Light for A&D professionals and design lovers to celebrate what’s new! Shelter is a cash and carry event, with the goal of exhibiting and selling your products alongside the industry’s best.

📅 When: May 17-19, 2025
📍 Where: Shelter: Mart Nouveau, Starrett-Lehigh Building, New York City.

See more
here.

As space is limited, we recommend submitting sooner rather than later as we will be accepting works on a rolling basis. The submission portal will close on April 25th.


Email exhibit@americandesignclub.com with any questions.

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Open Call!

Terms of participation:

  • $300/participant (space provided dependent on product)

  • The booth will present as a concept store.

  • Consignment stock to sell must be provided by the designer.

  • 70/30 (Designer/Curator) commission split on all sales.

  • Samples/stock are due by May 2nd, 2025.

Please contact us at exhibit@americandesignclub.com if you have any questions or concerns so we can set a time to talk and devise the best way forward.

All participation fees directly support the production of the show.