Not again.

A so-called friend promised that she'd be there at the crack of dawn to spend a day scouring antique sales with you, only now you find yourself waiting out front with a cold latte in hand while the perfect botanical print is carted off to someone else's living room.

Looking for a more reliable experience? This weekend, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) has reinvented its annual Antiques Show into the Design and Antiques Fair, expanded to include Modernism as well as hundreds of authentic antiques.

You'll be able to scout furniture, accessories, silver, glassware, objets d'art, and design from the 17th to the 20th century for a range of tastes and budgets from dealers around the country. It coincides (not coincidentally!) with the "Chairevolution!" exhibit at the MIA.

For those looking for a guide, you can check out "Booth Camp," where dealers, curators, and special guests will provide fun and informative tours at half-hour intervals on Friday and Saturday afternoons.

All that and you won't have to drag anyone out of bed and ply them with coffee.

Design and Antiques Fair, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Paul Armory, 600 Cedar St, St. Paul. Admission is $10 or $5 for MIA members.

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