A couple of my favorite design-based happenings hit town this week. Both feature art and involve two things I'm crazy about: flowers and fine homes.

Bouquets to Art launched its almost week-long stay at the de Young museum with a gala last night. Although I missed the party for the first time in memory, I assure you I will be there at least once before the event is over. It involves top regional floral designers using blossoms, foliage and props to interpret artwork in the museum's collection. Some of the arrangements are quite literal in their recreations, others are thought-provoking in their vision and there are always a few that are just plain head-scratchers, but each one challenges you to look at paintings and sculpture you've seen many times with fresh eyes. Read more...