What is Neutral?

Almost any discussion of design or color composition includes "neutral" either as an identifier for a specific color or as a catchall for something that has no loud voice of its own. During previous generations of fashion and architectural design, the term neutral was used to tag the central color around which all others were placed, as in "black is the perfect neutral - anything goes with it" or "ivory is the perfect neutral, you can't go wrong with something so quiet". Neutral has become the spin-word for any color that doesn't scream at the others standing nearby. Neutral has become the vehicle upon which the "excitement colors" ride into a picture and steal the show. In my personal definition of neutral I include any color - period! When you really think about it, we start off with 3 neutrals around which any other color can live with grace and harmony. These three are green, blue, and brown. Odd choices, you may think. Well, not really - blue is sky, green is grass and leaves, brown is dirt or soil, and there is almost no color that we recognize that isn't embodied in a flower somewhere on the planet. Neutrals to me create a sense of harmony so that the colors in any palette don't end up overshadowing one another. Neutrals are the intermission between acts. Neutrals are fresh "tastes" between courses of a meal. Neutrals are the "times out" between clashes of personality and muscle. We use neutrals everyday in our lives. When we take a "breather" to escape the intense concentration of a long discourse or the tediousness of detail work we are actually seeking our mental neutral. It is where we go before we change gears, so to speak. This week I will spend some time elaborating on my concept of "neutral" and where and how it fits into our everyday life - and how it is the "neutral" that can be what makes our everyday "special".

Let Them Eat Cake...or Pie

Sometimes it isn't what you are serving that makes the difference, it is the way in which you serve. And that brings us to the topic of flatware serving pieces. Pie servers, cake servers, serving spoons, meat forks and pierced serving spoons. There is just something rather magical about the shine of sterling silver and silverplated pieces. They can take the ordinary into the realm of the truly mystical. Imagine your pleasure at picking up that spoon or knife and feeling the smoothness of the silver. Imagine the tickle on your finger of the pattern that is carved or etched into the surfaces and made even more impressive by the years of patina and , yes, tarnish that slides into the deep recesses of that pattern. Brand spanking new silver is always a treat, but it is the time worn pieces that truly show their beauty. A bit of history at the table each day only helps to center us in the "right now" of the present. When we receive such pieces as gifts it is almost a part of the routine that we won't really appreciate them until much time has passed. One day we dig into the drawers that shelter our treasure and we bring them to light. At once, we see something that we can use - perhaps for its intended purpose, perhaps not. And what difference does it make? To enjoy them most, we must use them more. And each time we do, that same smile slides across our face.

I have shown here just a few examples of the wonderful pieces that we have collected and hope that they are passed on to future recipients with a good wish and a good recipe. I can think of no finer gift for a new bride, a new homeowner, a budding chef, a dreamer of dreams, or just the guy next door! Give us a call and we will be happy to help you discover new and exciting ways to use your old and treasured pieces. These are some of the best ways to make everyday special!

Spanish Baroque

Spanish Baroque by Reed and Barton Sterling is one of those things that sings to me. It has had that magic ability since I first saw it over 30 years ago. I have had and treasured many pieces of sterling silver in this pattern and every single time that I have held it, washed it, eaten from it, or just gazed at it there has been a certain magic about it. I have just begun to really investigate the many different patterns that are used to decorate those most used utensils that we encounter everyday. Many of the most beautiful patterns are no longer in production which only makes them all the more special. To start the day with such a beautiful implement to serve up the daily yogurt or cereal is a real treat, not to mention what a good stir to the caffeine can do if you are holding an historic pattern as you swim towards the surface of the day and the beginning of the daily grind!!