Harvest Time
The part of Grand Avenue known as the Design District pulls out all the stops this weekend for the third annual Design Harvest, co-sponsored by Chicago Home + Garden. Local furniture and home accessory designers, vintage and antique collectors, and local stores gather under a tent for what is basically a pop-up shop on steroids. You’ll find State Street Salvage, Urban Remains, Buckingham Interiors, Salvage One, and tons more. The free event, which is co-produced by the West Town Chamber of Commerce and Post27, keeps getting more and more popular (the first year had 2,000 people visit it and last year that number was 20,000). And it isn’t just shopping, although that is definitely the draw for me. There will also be fall activities such as hayrides and pumpkin painting, autumnal beverages including Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale and Crispin Cider, and live music. Check it out Saturday or Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Grand Avenue between Damen and Wood.
Party like a Pro
I don’t mean to stir up anxiety in the hearts of type-A party throwers, but we’re getting close to soirée season. Here’s an idea—instead of fretting over yet-to-be-organized fetes, head to Room & Board in Oak Brook (2525 West 22nd Street; 630-571-7801) on Saturday from 1–3 p.m. and get some expert advice on easy event planning. To celebrate the renovation of a brand new outdoor façade as well as the location’s 15th anniversary, Room & Board is hosting an event with Chicago party planner Debi Lilly. Lilly, who counts Oprah Winfrey among her clients, will be offering advice on throwing great parties as well as signing copies of her new book, A Perfect Event. The event is on the store’s new outdoor terrace and there will be appetizers, cocktails, and sweets. It’s free, but RSVP first to roomandboard@zapwater.com.
A Walk Down Kitchen Lane
It’s that time of year again—to head to Michigan and swoon over gorgeous kitchens while munching on delightful snacks! Mark your calendar for the 2012 Kitchen Walk on Saturday, October 13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Harbor County, Michigan. The walk will benefit Designs for Dignity, a charity that offers pro bono design services and in-kind material donations for non-profit organizations. Following the walk there will be a reception at Journeyman Distillery from 3 p.m.-7 p.m., with a silent auction. If you can’t make it to the walk, support the cause by purchasing a raffle ticket for a chance to win fantastic prizes for your home, including Cambria countertops or a Kohler sink and faucet. For more information and tickets visit kitchenwalk.brownpapertickets.com.
Mad for Modani
There’s a new—and affordable!—modern furniture store at 1574 Kingsbury St. (it had its official opening last week, but it’s been there for a few months, getting to know the neighborhood). Read on to learn more…
Make Your Walls Happy!
A new line of wallpaper and fabrics inspired by Scandinavian and mid-century modern designs is now available at shop near you. Read on to learn more…