Infusing grandeur into otherwise drab Monday mornings with five things/ideas/events for the week:

I.  On the cusp of holiday season, I find myself constantly craving comfort food.  While visions of truffle mac + cheese, brandied eggnog, and gingerbread cookies dance through my head, I must remind myself of Kate Moss’s oft-quoted adage: nothing tastes as good as skinny feels. (Sigh). To appease my appetite, I concocted a relatively healthy recipe that turns Greek Salad ingredients into a Greek Quesadilla.  The dish comes together in minutes and pairs perfectly with tzatziki for dipping.

II.  Continuing holiday discussion - I know that many of you are beginning to plan events.  My go-to celebratory method is hosting dinner parties throughout the season.  A trouble area that my friends run into is lack of adequate table settings.  Pro-Tip: rent.  Rather than running out and buying fifteen wine glasses, plates, and napkins, look up your local event rental company and borrow the pieces you need for less than a dollar per piece.  I’ve already placed my order for Thanksgiving, including this gold flatware (so excited!!)

III. Without jewelry, a girl looks underdressed.  Whether you’re in the market for new baubles or like lusting after precious pieces, I hope that you’ll join me at Coleoptere’s holiday party on November 12th in Jackson Square.  A favorite of Lauren Santo Domingo, who recently featured a trunk show for the brand on Moda Operandi, Coleoptere already has a following in New York and London.  Together with Du Jour San Francisco Editor, David Nash, I’m co-hosting the company’s west coast launch.  I’m smitten with the fine jewelry house’s elegant pieces, crafted exclusively by female goldsmiths using FAIRMINED and recycled metals.  Check out the collection and RSVP to rsvp@coleoptere.com.

IV.  Over the weekend I decided to redesign my office space.  The area was already beautiful, but after living in the same apartment for three years I needed a little change.  My favorite addition to my desk is a DIY gilded berry basket for collecting paperclips and pens.  I found the idea on a fun new blog called Peaches + Salt.  The site gives easy-to-follow instructions on how to turn leftover containers into chic objet d'art. 

V.  In case you haven’t already heard, the work of legendary artist Keith Haring will be on display starting November 8th at the de Young museum.  The exhibit, titled “Keith Haring: The Political Line” will feature 170 pieces, many of which haven’t been seen publicly since the artist’s tragic death at 31 years of age in 1990.  The work depicts Haring’s strong views on racial inequality, capitalism, environmental degradation, and his personal fight to end the AIDS epidemic. Incredibly influential in New York - hundreds of his drawings lined subway walls in the 80’s, and here in San Francisco, the show will surely be equally emotionally provocative and visually thrilling.

Have a wonderful week!  xx tt