See what happens when you bring a hot tub to a design conference? Mayor Gavin Newsom jumped in after this woman led the way out to the post-programming party after his surprise speech. Blue skies and warm breezes draped over Dwell's outdoor showroom--a refurbished parking lot with all traces of asphalt expertly converted into prefab lots and patio furnishing vignettes. There were strappy chaise lounges, shiny glass shards that crunched underfoot like shattered bottles, squares of penny tile over the bars (fabulous idea), and a DWR Airstream (designed by none other than Dwell founder Lara Hedberg Deam's hubby Chris Deam).

We commiserated with the Chronicle Books squad (and UnBeige readers!) Jodi Warshaw, Christina Amini, and Alan Rapp (who we wrangled into snapping these photos for us, merci). LA editor Frances Anderton introduced is to more of the Dwell crew, including pres and publisher Michela O'Connor Abrams, and editors Amber Bravo, Aaron Britt (who used to work for word god William Safire!) and new hire Geoff Manaugh, who's adjusting to San Fran life quite nicely. He's got the intellectual take on the conference over at BLDG BLOG. We're also reading Emily Pilloton's coverage on Inhabitat but haven't found her curled up in a Fatboy yet.

The orange human crock pot above, by the way, is by our friends at Dutchtub, comes in six colors, and yes, that's a little skillet to sear your grass-fed bison steaks while you prune up appropriately.

More Dwell on Design coverage.