Why don’t you…look into attending some of these great upcoming events in and around New York! First up is the International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show that started yesterday at the Park Avenue Armory. I love attending this show since the art, antiques and jewelry on display are the best of the best. The dealers are also extremely generous and will take the time to answer questions and educate you about anything in their booth. One of my favorites is Maison Gerard pictured above. This show is definitely worth checking out even if you can’t afford anything! Just be careful not to break anything!

I’m sure you have all heard of or attended the Kips Bay Decorator Show House but that’s not the only event they sponsor. This Tuesday, October 20th, they are hosting their annual Designer House Tour. I will unfortunately be in High Point and will have to miss this great event which includes homes designed by Philip Gorrivan, David Kleinberg, Bilotta Kitchens, Cetra Ruddy, and many more. Don’t forget to wipe your feet at the door!

Another exciting house tour coming up is the New York Junior League’s 15th Annual Fall House Tour! After meeting for breakfast, you are on your own to hit as many or as few of the open houses as you wish. One of them that I know I am excited to see is Estee Lauder executive John Dempsey’s amazing townhouse that was featured in the October 2009 issue of Elle Decor! This tour is a great way to peek inside the most fabulous homes in Manhattan to see how the other half lives!

A reader reminded me about the Rooms with a View weekend of events in Southport, Connecticut coming up November 5th -8th and I’m so glad she did! I’ve heard great things about it and can’t wait to experience it in person! The events include “These are a Few of My Favorite Things” vignettes created by designers including Alexa Hampton, Eddie Ross, Susan Oster Designs and many more, in addition to a marketplace with over 30 vendors. Wonder if Julie Andrews will be stopping by!

On display now through November 29th at The Metropolitan Museum of Art is Vermeer’s Masterpiece The Milkmaid on loan from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The exhibit also displays additional works by Vermeer and other Dutch artists and is cheaper than booking a flight to Holland!

When I think of Monet, I don’t usually think of the MoMA but now through April 12, 2010, the museum is exhibiting Monet’s Water Lilies. The exhibit features the full group of Monet’s late paintings in the collection and The Japanese Footbridge (above) is my absolute favorite! It’s a perfect representation of fall colors. Too bad it currently feels like winter in New York! If you decide to visit, bundle up and head inside to one of these great events!