Weekend Inspiration – Avery Graham Interiors

Category: Weekend Inspiration

Weekend Inspiration: Try Something New

Posted on April 10, 2015 by melissamuehlfeld

We are always looking for something new to do on the weekend. Here are a few things that we would like to try. What are your plans?

Taste A New Wine
The SF Vintner’s Market is happening at the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion this weekend. It is being billed by 7×7 Magazine as “the ultimate opportunity to discover new wines from top local wineries and boutique producers from Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles, Medocino, San Luis Opisbo, Russian River Valley, and more.” Since we love tasting (and buying) wine, this one sounds like it is right up our alley. $80-$150. Saturday/Sunday April 11-12: 12-4pm. Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason Center. To buy tickets, click here.

Eat Someplace New
We have heard great things about the food and cocktails, especially the cocktails, at BDK. It is in the old Grand Cafe space at the Hotel Monaco in Union Square. It is an American Tavern with “enhanced comfort food,” according to the website. Some of the fare includes: Thai coconut red curry popcorn, pickle-brined fried chicken thighs with coleslaw and mini buttermilk biscuits, and dark chocolate fudge cake with salted pretzel crumble. Based on that snapshot, something tells me that it doesn’t suck. Book now on the Website or Opentable.

Image courtesy of guardsmen.org
Do Something Good
After all the eating and drinking above, a little exercise couldn’t hurt. The Presidio 10 is a 10 Mile/10K/5K race in the Presidio. The 10 mile and 10 kilometer courses go over and back on the Golden Gate Bridge. The 5 Kilometer fun run goes to Fort Point and back. The finish line expo include awards for age divisions, hot breakfast, party tents from multiple sponsors, and live music. The Presidio 10 is one of San Francisco’s longest standing running races and celebrates its 31st year on Sunday April 12th 2015. All net proceeds benefit The Guardsmen, a 501 (c)(3) charity which supports At-Risk Bay Area Youth. Sign up here.

WEEKLY WRAP-UP:

We were pleasantly surprised to find some of our favorite shops in Palo Alto’s Town & Country Village. Take a trip down, you won’t be disappointed.
Planning a renovation? We’re sharing phase one of our most recent project. Take a peak if you are curious and stay tuned for updates.
Trying to enjoy the great outdoors in a small space? One of our bistro sets might be just the thing to help you do that.
Need to light up your life? Peruse our top ten chandeliers; they are certain to make a dim space dazzling.

Weekend Inspiration: Hanging out in "The Yard"

Posted on March 27, 2015 by melissamuehlfeld

Last week was the opening of The Yard at Mission Rock, a pop-up shipping container village located inside AT&T Park’s parking lot south of McCovey Cove. We didn’t make it to the opening festivities, but we’re excited to head over this weekend.
The Yard promotes itself as a “village” that houses local food and drink establishments, pop-up shops, public open space, cultural programming and events. Current tenants include Anchor Brewing, Peets Coffee, The North Face, and SF Made (one of our personal faves), and The Courtyard by Off The Grid. SFMade intends feature a rotation of four SFMade-endorsed companies, Les Mechantes, 3 Fish Studios, Lady Alamo and wildebeest. The first vendor, Les Merchantes (website here), is an apparel company and will be in the space until April 27.
The Yard is also offering Yoga classes sponsored by The Pad Studios (website here) at 10:00 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend. BYOM (bring your own mat).
The Yard is open 7 days a week 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

just in case you missed something earlier this week, here is the WEEKEND WRAP-UP:

There is no putting it off any longer, Easter is one week from Sunday. For menu inspiration in a hurry, here is what we’ll be serving.
Incurable sweet tooth? Get the scoop on Charles Chocolates (here) for amazing delicacies that are exclusively Made in SF.
If you aren’t sure about the rug you have, take a look at our recommendations for finding the perfect rug to fit your space (here).
Spring has sprung. Incorporate blooms into your home with these looks.

Weekend Inspiration – Mercury Rising

Posted on March 13, 2015 by melissamuehlfeld

The weatherman (aka my iPhone) is telling me that it is going to be 73 degrees in San Francisco on Saturday and 72 degrees in San Francisco on Sunday. What does that mean for my weekend? I’m spending as much of it as possible outdoors. Doing what? Nothing very specific. When the weather is this nice, maybe I’ll go for a run, maybe I’ll head for the beach, maybe I’ll take an urban hike . . . the options are limitless.
In case you would prefer a more certain schedule, here are a few events that are happening around town.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
On Saturday, San Francisco’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts at 2^nd and Market around 11:30 a.m. and makes its way to the Civic Center. You can find more information about the parade route and viewing tips here. Our advice is to arrive early; they expect 100,000 people at the event.

Celebrate Pi.
Mission Pie is getting in on the “Pi Day” action with a slice of pie (any flavor) for $3.14 on March 14, 2015 (3/14).

Pi Day at the Exploratorium – Head to the Exploratorium to celebrate this never-ending number, Einstein’s birthday, and a slice of pie! Check out the fun here.

Drink.
SF Weekly’s Drink 2015 Tasting Event at Roe Restaurant and Prive Bar. There will be tastings from local and international beers, spirits, and wines and entertainment by MOM DJs. Buy tickets here

Sunday, March 15, 2015
Off the Grid, Presidio – OTG has resumed its weekend parties and what better way to enjoy the sun than with a delicious feast and cocktails eaten on a grassy lawn? (11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Main Parade Ground lawn)

Whatever you do, I hope the weather does not disappoint and we can all get out and enjoy the sunshine!

Weekend Inspiration: On The Hunt For Spring Updates Large and Small

Posted on February 27, 2015 by melissamuehlfeld

Every year, when we get a hint of spring in San Francisco, I get inspired to refresh my home. This year is no different. We have had so many nice days already this year that it feels like it is time for spring. I want to shed my proverbial skin . . . out with the old, I say. What does this mean? It means that I am on the hunt for spring accessories for my home. But, as usual, I am on a budget. So, I need a plan. For me, it is a three-step process.

Image courtesy of dominomag.com
First, I like to figure out what pieces I need. Pinterest, Instagram, and my favorite blogs/online magazines are my preferred resources. When I am looking for seasonal updates, I try to find simple, inexpensive accessories that I can easily pack up when I am on to the next season. Sometimes, it is as easy as finding cooking tools in a new color (Williams Sonoma does a great job of keeping their products current), refreshing my desk accessories (some of my favorites are on Poppin.com), or changing out my living room pillow covers (love the Pillow Studio Shop on Etsy.com). But, even if I make these small changes, I am usually still looking for something more.

Image courtesy of SF.racked.com.
Next, I like to browse some the stores where I would shop if money were no object. SF.racked.com has a great list of the 38 “Best” Home Goods Shops in San Francisco. (Link here.) Most of the 38 really are the best and I am happy to go back to all of them. The list also includes a few that I have been wanting to visit and this is the perfect excuse.

Image courtesy of lotusbleudesign.com
Finally, I get down to the business of bargain shopping for one or two statement pieces. Sometimes I get lucky and find something great on sale (check out Lotus Bleu in Hayes Valley this weekend for a store-wide sale) and other times I rely on DIY or vintage items. Lucky for me, the Alameda flea market is on this Sunday, so I am hoping there will be some DIY in my future.
I can’t wait for the weekend to begin. I have a feeling that I might run myself a bit ragged, but it will all be worth it. What about you? What are you inspired to do this weekend?

Weekend Inspiration: Fog Design + Art 2015

Posted on January 16, 2015 by melissamuehlfeld

Thanks to SF.Racked.com for this great tip. Fog Design + Art 2015 is happening in the Festival Pavillion at Fort Mason this weekend. It promises to provide “endless” design inspiration including exhibits, custom installations, art, lectures and discussions (among other things). As an added bonus, Jane is providing a coffee lounge and Cotogna will have a pop-up dining area. So, go for the design and stay for the food.
Fog Fair tickets are $15 and $20 at the door. For more information, go to the Fog Design + Art official site, here. If you ask me, it sounds like the perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon.
Image courtesy of SF.Racked.com.

Weekend Inspiration: Renegade Craft Fair

Posted on November 7, 2014 by melissamuehlfeld

We are so excited to take a trip to the Renegade Craft Fair at Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion this weekend. It is the perfect holiday shopping kick off event. It promises to have everything from housewares and one-of-a-kind jewelry, to holiday inspired gift wrap and stationary. We plan to pick up unique pieces for our hard-to-buy-for friends and family . . . and maybe one or two things for ourselves. For details, here is the website. We hope to see you there!

In case you aren’t ready to start your holiday shopping quite yet (some think that being prepared is overrated), you may be interested in the “Bon Appetit Grub Crawl” that is happening on Saturday, November 8 in Hayes Valley and the Mission. More details here. We won’t make it to this one; if you do, please report back.

Finally, we’re going to take some time this weekend to start thinking about our Thanksgiving plans. Check back next week for posts about our holiday decor ideas and menu planning.

Have a great weekend!

Weekend Inspiration: The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show

Posted on October 24, 2014 by melissamuehlfeld

If you have some time between World Series games, make plans to visit the San Francisco Fall Antiques Show. This Saturday, October 25, is “Designer Saturday” at the show. Several designers, along with San Francisco Cottages & Gardens editor in chief, Alissa Carroll will lead tours to talk about what they love, why they love it and how they would incorporate these pieces into their homes and décor. During the cocktail hour, there will be complimentary wine and a panel of interior designers will discuss “How to Shop an Art and Antiques Show”. This event is right up our alley, hopefully we’ll see you there.

GO GIANTS!
Image courtesy of SFFAS.org.

Tripping: St. Regis Monarch Beach

Posted on October 23, 2014 by melissamuehlfeld

Image courtesy of www.stregismb.com.

It takes a lot for me to get excited about a hotel. I travel a fair amount for work, and after a while, one hotel begins to blend into another. This week, I was unexpectedly impressed by the St. Regis in Monarch Beach, California. My family (me, my husband, and our children ages 2 and 4) spent two days at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure and, after that memorable but exhausting experience, we spent two days at the St. Regis in Monarch Beach. We booked the trip using Starwood points and our intent was to enjoy a couple of relaxing days after a trip to Disney. The St. Regis was better than we could have imagined. The property was beautiful, the staff was attentive and accomodating (to us and our children), and the food was delicious. We arrived in the afternoon and immediately went to the family friendly pool. After we splashed around for a few hours, we rode the resort’s “tram” to the Monarch Bay Club for an ocean front dinner. The next day, happily, was more of the same.

There was something about the interior decor of the hotel that was immediately relaxing. It was beautifully appointed but also warm and comfortable. We enjoyed it so much that within thirty minutes of arriving, my husband and I starting plotting our return. We cannot wait to try Spa Gaucin, Stonehill Tavern (the property’s Michael Mina restaurant), and play a round of golf. In the meantime, here are a few photos that might inspire you to take a trip down the coast.

*Indicated images courtesy of www.stregismb.com.

Weekend Inspiration: Party Time!

Posted on October 10, 2014 by melissamuehlfeld

This weekend I am hosting a cocktail party on somewhat short notice. With two small children, and now essentially two jobs, I have not had very much time to devote to planning. Thankfully, over the years I have put together a cache of party staples that help me pull together small parties without too much hassle. So, I got to thinking about what my go-to items are for these “affairs,” and thought I would share the list.

1. Nest candle, Blue Garden

2. Six-packs of wine, champagne & water glasses

3. Chafing dish

4. John Robshaw Jats tablecloth

5. Appetizer plates

6. MYDrap luncheon-size napkin rolls

7. Galvanized beverage tub

In addition to having my supplies ready, I keep my sanity by making sure that the food and drinks are simple (it is only a cocktail party after all, not a sit-down dinner). I rely on really good cheese, crackers and bread paired which charcuterie and fruit. Sometimes I order fresh spring rolls from the local Thai restaurant and arrange them nicely on a platter. You can also never go wrong with caprese salad on bamboo skewers (i.e. fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes and basil leaves with good olive oil drizzled over the top). For a little something sweet, I pick up some Lindt truffles or one-bite cupcakes. Then I open some bubbly and call it a day.

When I am feeling uninspired, I turn to several blogs that consistently provide inspiration for seasonal décor and recipes. Here are few I’ve seen recently that have great party inspiration.

Avery Graham Interiors