Open the Sunday Times, go directly to the crossword puzzle, and 14-Across says:

“Word meaning the color is Red and of such surpassing brilliance or excellence as to suggest divine inspiration.” Hmm …

The answer my friends? Inspi(RED)!

There is a RED movement with this title that launched in America, opening a new front in the war against AIDS. Please check out this link.

But today I thought I would talk about Valentine’s Day and how the color red and the love of decorating inspires us in our homes. Let’s face it, the winter is still upon us, and everything seems drab. A bit of red or pink (for those of you who like a choice), in any room can inspire you.

Here are a few quick ideas to get you started:

  • Put fresh flowers in your favorite vase in your favorite room. Roses or carnations will uplift your spirit in a matter of seconds.
  • Put some new inexpensive towels in the bathroom. Hot pink if you will … think Caribbean! I think ‘pink’ myself and Bermuda always comes to mind.
  • Set the table with a nice creamy silk fabric, as the backdrop for red plates and red cloth napkins at the table (or paper heart napkins for the kids) any time this month.
  • For our creative friends, try a few hearts that are peel and stick … not only on your windows, but on your microwave or glass cabinets as well.
  • A nice red mat for the front door or foyer entrance.
  • Pink light bulbs in the bedroom lamps (more on this in the next blog).
  • Two or three new red/pink throw pillows for the living room sofa or chairs or a red throw over the couch, for a burst of color.
  • A fresh bag of pink and red M&Ms placed in a small, crystal dish which can be displayed in any room … even the bathroom, if you dare. Who can resist one or two Godiva chocolates on a crystal dish flanked by champagne glasses by the Jacuzzi?
  • Hang a few crystals in a window that catch the sun.
  • Buy an inexpensive book of poetry and put it on your coffee table or nightstand (try Love Poetry Out Loud).

These are just a few ideas to get you started. What do you like to do to get inspi(red)? Email me and let me know.

In the meantime, stay tuned for my next blog: “How to turn your bedroom into a Boudoir…”

All best wishes, Ginger