A Sea Inspired Christmas Table

Created by Robert Rufino, vice president of creative services and visual merchandising for Tiffany & Co.

"I wanted to feel as if I were on my own big private ship heading somewhere wonderful.  Some evenings I'd have a formal dinner table.  On others, I'd want something colorful and lively.  I like the idea of bringing a collection of seashells and starfish onto a table with beautiful china, crystal, and silver.  Formal with casual works because it's s-o-o-o relaxing."

And he believes that a sense of humor and "wit, as in intelligence," are keys to every aspect of design, especially tables where people gather to dine and relax.