The Color of Spring

Spring comes in many colors - but green is the one that leads the parade. Green calls out to us in many different ways. The green of the grass in full sun is a far cry from the green in the shade under the canopy of the newly leaved trees. A full range of green can be seen in the vista viewed across a front yard into the neighbor's gardens. Green provides the backdrop to the rainbow of flowers yet to blossom. Green is the whisper of a promise of what is yet to come. Green is the color we use indoors as well as outdoors to create an environment that is relaxing, cool, and that becomes the base for our punch of contrasting color. Green is one of the "neutrals" that allows us to paint with a bold stroke as we introduce the full rainbow onto our canvas and into our homes. Green is what we choose when we begin our quest for something that will highlight the "gem". That gem might be the perfect rose, a casual daisy, or just a small violet peeking out from under its leaves. Whatever catches our fancy, it often comes wrapped in nature's giftwrap of green. And whatever it is, it is certainly one of those things that helps to make our everyday special!

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!