Williams-Sonoma opening this morning at Bethesda Row (Photos)

We're T-minus two hours away from the Grand Opening of Williams-Sonoma at Bethesda Row this morning. The high-end kitchen, cookware and home decorating store is teaming up with Bethesda Avenue neighbor Georgetown Cupcake all weekend to celebrate.

This is one of the first Williams-Sonoma stores in their chain to sport this particular interior design and layout, which the chain will eventually roll out in other select locations. The first thing you'll notice upon entering is the table setting for pumpkin season straight ahead. That's just one of many fall, pumpkin, and Halloween-themed items you'll find around the store.

But if you stop by this weekend, you'll probably notice the pumpkin aromas wafting out onto Bethesda Avenue before you even go inside. General Manager Travis Montgomery says they'll be baking and preparing pumpkin treats all weekend at the store. On Thursday, a coffee display was set up ready for demonstration as well. The other reason you'll notice the aromas at a distance? Williams-Sonomas' storefront can open like the front of Redwood during nice weather.

You can custom order one of
these French stoves, entirely
hand-made, for around
$23,000

Also up front is a hand-made stove from France. Like everything but the walls, floor and cash registers, it is for sale. That's right - if you see a table, a chair, or anything else you like in the store, it's for sale.

At the same time, there
are many affordable items
available, like these
$6 plates in their
Open Kitchen line

 The new store at 4824 Bethesda Avenue will replace the one at Mazza Gallerie, and also features many new proprietary products, such as.... Montgomery said Williams-Sonoma is expanding its proprietary product offerings, which are being sold alongside the top brands you're used to finding at their stores.

One of many new
Williams-Sonoma brand
products for sale

In fact, there's one display dedicated to a brand Williams-Sonoma has been associated with from its earliest days, Vitamix.

Vitamix

The stove in the center of the store is gas, and is brand new. Employees were testing out the burners Thursday when I stopped by.

Employees fire up the
gas burners

Demonstration kitchen

The stove is the
centerpiece

If you stop by today, Saturday or Sunday, you'll be in for a treat - literally.

They'll be giving away Georgetown Cupcakes. Get a Williams-Sonoma Open Kitchen tote bag with any $25 purchase.

On Saturday at 12:00 PM, there will be a Georgetown Cupcake technique class for all of you cupcake fanatics. These types of classes will be a regular weekend event at the store.

Gifts for the ghoul
in your life

Lots of Halloween food
products and decorations

Stick around, because from 1-4 PM, the store will participate in the Bethesda Row Perfect Pairings event. Enjoy Williams-Sonoma treats specially paired with appropriate wine selections. Make a purchase, and you'll get a free set of wine glasses (while supplies last).

Come back Sunday for a bake sale with Georgetown Cupcake, with all proceeds going to the worthy charity No Kid Hungry.

Store hours will be 10 AM to 8 PM Monday to Saturday, and 12 PM to 6 PM. However, they will take appointments for wedding registries and other personalized services in advance for 11:00 AM Sundays. Montgomery said you can even have store employees come to your home as a free service, to advise you on kitchen makeovers and interior decorating.

This store will feature some Bethesda-based companies' products, including Gordy's Pickle Jar and Dear Cocoa Chocolate.

Finally, make sure to pick up some of the seasonal catalogs. You'll find interesting ideas for Halloween, like this impressive ghost cake - and the molded pan you need to bake it.

These aren't just
standard display
shelves... 

...look closer and find
they are vintage French
baking pans 

Signs of life at Williams-Sonoma, Kit and Ace at Bethesda Row (Photos)

New signage for two high-end retailers coming soon to Bethesda Row was on display yesterday along Bethesda Avenue. The permanent sign at Williams-Sonoma, which was installed a few days ago, finally was lit last evening above the storefront.

A few doors down the block, window screens made a larger Coming Soon announcement for sports and leisurewear retailer Kit and Ace.

New signage at Williams-Sonoma at Bethesda Row (Photos)

Williams-Sonoma isn't open yet, but more signage has been added to the storefront on Bethesda Avenue at Bethesda Row.  The upscale cookware and kitchen retailer is expected to open this fall. Their space was formerly home to Parker's and Tara Thai.

Inside the demolition of Parker's and Tara Thai at Bethesda Row (Photos)

Parker's and Tara Thai are being demolished on Bethesda Avenue. The wall between them is being knocked out, so the restaurants can be combined into one larger retail space for Williams-Sonoma. Tara Thai will reopen this fall at Westfield Montgomery Mall.