Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Using the Color of the Year

Laura Boulton
Laura Boulton
 Blue Wave. Blue Bloods. However, there’s a new color is in town. Every year I anxiously await the announcement of Pantone’s Color of the Year, and in January, this announcement was released.
Move over blue (actually, the 2012 color of the year was tangerine Tango) emerald 17-5641 has taken the stage. The color is showing up everywhere, from the runway to beauty products, bridal collections to home decor and of course, jewelry.
Perhaps it is the crisp, cold air and longer days leading up to the promise of spring. My thoughts are turning to nature and renewal. In selecting emerald, I think Pantone nailed it. “Green is the most abundant hue in nature — the human eye sees more green that any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eisman, executive color of the Pantone Color Institute. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to bring a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”
Emerald is a statement color. I love this rich, jewel tone and its ability to work in a variety of styles. It can also pair with lots of other colors. Don’t be limited to the ordinary when picking your color scheme, whether for a wedding or a dinner party.
Think out of the box with your pairings. As we move into spring, what about emerald and blush pink? While it looks great on its own, this color is also fabulous when complemented by other shades of green like mint. Feel free to mix lighter and darker hues for a woodsy feel. I love the color orange, and for a summer soiree my thoughts move toward a vibrant, bold look of emerald with orange accents.
Classic pairings are emerald and white with hints of black, which makes a refined and elegant statement. For winter, white, gold, and emerald create a luxurious combination. It just exudes glamour.
So how do you incorporate emerald into your home entertaining plans? When it comes to your table, instead of using flowers turn to mosses, ferns and succulents of various sizes and shapes to bring in emerald’s vibrancy.
You can use a mix of lush fabrics like velvet and satin for an elegant feel. Your table setting can also be infused with pops of the color like emerald stemware on a striking, black and white stripe linen, gold menu cards set upon crisp white napkins with an underlying emerald satin ribbon to set it off. Don’t forget to bring emerald into your wardrobe with accessories when selecting your party attire. Wear accents of the color in your jewelry, be it real or faux! Go dramatic using the new beauty offerings like Sephora’s green eye make-up. Or, incorporate the color subtley by painting your nails a laquered, Jets green!
When planning your menu there are many ways to insert the vibrant color in your food. Go natural and green by using fresh herbs for garnish on passing trays, or as an accent with hors d’oeuvres like cones of pommes frites with sprigs of rosemary.
You can also include fresh herbs in cocktails like this gorgeous green creation from the brand ambassador at RIPE craft bar juice.
Serving a signature drink will make a wonderful first impression when guests arrive and get everyone in the party spirit.

Laura Boulton has lived in Darien for 19 years. Before starting her event planning business in 2010, Boulton was in the catering business for 5 years. For more information, visit her website at lauraboultonevents.com or follow her on twitter @LBoultonevents

Laura suggests neat ways to use the new green in food and decor. Green is one of my favorite colors, from tints to shades. Spring is beginning to green up already, so go green!

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