With all the buzz about the Royal Wedding I conveniently recalled an earlier announcement of the Pantone Color of the Year…Ultra Violet.
It’s not a color I go to often but I do know Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate works to great success.
However, it seems the royals have an affinity for the regal color
…even if just a touch of it.
Alice Walker wrote, “I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.” I notice the color but many embrace it…especially our friends across the pond.
Clearly, I’ve been thinking about how I might use this mix of red and blue without making quiet such a bold statement.
Textiles
I’m a fabric fanatic. Like, when some thought the now Duchess of Sussex gown was too “plain”…I found the simplicity of her choice to speak volumes regarding her personal aesthetic and what she wanted the world to expect of her. Our personal choice’s say a lot about who we are, our values, our priorities and what we have to offer those in our own world. Thinking about how purple might play a role in everyday life…
These linen napkins could bring a subtle touch of the regal color to luncheon or afternoon tea.
Or, if that’s too subtle…
What about dressing up a formal setting, adding WOW to the boudoir or just accenting a bedroom or den. These Dransfield and Ross accent pillows are very fashion forward whether you need a little regal or a lot.
It’s quiet wonderful to see how one can use color strictly based on personal appeal…there’s the opportunity to be very classic OR uber contemporary. Just a little research reveals purple can work into just about any scheme.
Glass and China
If you know me very well, you know I love glass and especially the work of Dale Chihuly. This installation was seen at Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, AR…a must see art museum.
These sweet plates are Blue Ridge Hand-painted Under-glazed Pottery from Southern Potteries Erwin, TN. The Fox Grape Pattern makes breakfast a treasured event.
Tabletop designers have long used color to create dynamic tablescapes. I know many brides who have fallen out of love with their “wedding china” simply because they chose a pattern which was trendy or used a “popular” color scheme.
Antique English Ironstone is seen here creating a place setting fit for a queen. The pattern is classic and elegant and while it wouldn’t be considered current think about how it would look with paired with one of the patterns below.
Yes, these patterns are bold in color but the simplicity of them can be dressed up or down with not much effort at all.
And food…of course, FOOD!!!
We’ve heard every kind of feature on the British imaginable. One was the use of language. Like…we say eggplant; they say, aubergine…which is odd as it’s French in origin. Eggplant is the common name in North America, Australia and New Zealand; in British English, it is aubergine, and in South Asia and South Africa, brinjal.
It’s a beautiful fruit…
…and is very versatile.
We also see color in other fruits…
Whether grapes for an impromptu picnic in The Hampton’s, Blueberry French Toast Breakfast Casserole at The Elizabeth Leigh Inn in Hendersonville, NC or for a touch of color and sweet with crudite at home…as Loretta would say, “purple will do you proud every time.”
Here are a few recipes I hope you enjoy…
Byaldi (Provençal Vegetable Casserole)
Eggplant and Asparagus Napoleans
Here’s hoping your week is Regal…
and a Royal time is had by all.
The House Was Lovely 