The presence of color is one of the first
signs of the season. Glorious spring showers
us with apple-blossom pink, daffodil yellow,
tulip red, robin’s-egg blue and new-leaf green.
They are the signposts, reminding us that
it is time to break out of our home’s cocoon
and venture forth once more to celebrate
religious traditions, life’s rejuvenation, family
gatherings and whimsical fun.
As we throw open the windows to breathe
the fresh air, sit outside to lap up the sun,
listen to baby birds chirping in their nests,
and eat delicate foods that defy the
imagination—pencil-thin asparagus, sweet
green peas, crisp beans, meadow greens, new
potatoes, sun-kissed strawberries, tangy
rhubarb and succulent lamb—our senses are
slowly reawakened, blossom by blossom,
breath by glorious breath.
Dizzying Foods
Nature bestows her most luscious culinary
pleasures at this time: flavors that are fresher,
seasonings that are more intense, and foods that
are bursting with energetic colors and shapes.
These three qualities—freshness, intensity
and energy—are the hallmark of our spring
menus. Our Ode-to-Spring Feast is colored
with brilliant oranges, yellows and reds, hearts
and roses are wedded at the Romantic Bridal
Luncheon, traditions are reclaimed in the
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta and Mother’s Day.
Diminutive delicacies fill the Tea Party, and in
closing we offer family favorites.
Dazzling Flowers
Gone is the need to cover, stuff or embellish,
as simplicity takes center stage. Look to nature
for your floral cues: bold clusters of bright yellow
daffodils, lip-red tulips and cloud-white narcissi,
budding branches and unfurling leaves.
Perennials can offer triple show power. When
first purchased, they are hardy enough to be brought
inside for a few days. We suggest groups placed in
baskets or terra-cotta pots. As the flowers start to
fade or the leaves turn yellow, quickly find a home
for them in your flower beds, where with any luck
some varieties, such as primroses, will grace your
yard with a second bloom. The third showing will
happen next year, when these hardy plants peek
out of the dirt to say hello once more.
