In the Pink with a Dash of Green

March seems to be devoted to colorful celebration, and I am excited for the upcoming month of merriment! First we are bedecked in purple, yellow and bright green for Mardi Gras, the wonderful indulgence holiday of New Orleans. Falling on March 8th this year, this last ditch celebration before the devotions of Lent begin offers a bit of a chance for frivolous fun and mid week masquerading! Mardi Gras also offers the perfect excuse for a getaway, so take advantage of the celebratory atmosphere and remember to pack your best mask!

Arguably the biggest color that comes to mind in March, however, is the lucky shimmering green of the Irish. St. Patrick’s Day is March 17th, and the day beckons to both kinds of people in the world – “Those that are Irish, and those that wish they were.” As Ireland is one of my favorite places to visit and explore, I love when this time rolls around, and I’m inundated with Irish folklore, myths, and stories surrounding this little island. The green waves of color from clothes, food, drink and décor seem to be trying to mimic the lush rolling hills of the homeland, creating a bright fresh color of new life. The joy and merriment of this time of year, from leprechauns and pots of gold to a little extra luck in your day, always seems to pull me in. A favorite Irish saying of mine always seems to find me this time of year –

“Bless you and yours
As well as the cottage you live in.
May the roof overhead be well thatched
And those inside be well matched.”

I believe this is particularly important for Innkeepers and their travelers, who have the opportunities along their respective journeys to be a wealth of knowledge, comfort and joy for each other along the way!

To add to the plethora of colorful events and goings on this month, the wonderful and optimistic color pink has been named Color of the Year by Pantone. About time! I love pink, and have used it in many ways. A few of my favorite tips for using pink unexpectedly: Pink light bulbs in at least one lamp in every bedroom and the dining room, guaranteed to cast a flattering light and create a romantic atmosphere effortlessly (Pinqueslavania.com). A pale pink ceiling, which can be achieved by adding a small amount of pink to any white paint, works magic by reflecting a flattering light downwards and can be used with any wall color. Pink flowers are somehow always very special. Camellias are in bloom right now and are a long lasting classic. Roses will be coming up soon and the specific pink that pantone selected “Honeysuckle Pink” will be reflected in summer’s blooms. The shade pink is actually named for a color from the flower genus Dianthus an, an especially clear and bright shade. Pink is great with many other colors in small or large doses. Picking up on the trim from glossy wall paint, a single pink wall can really light up a room and especially a dark area. Play some light on it for instant pop. I love pink contrasted with black and shiny dark brown, but actually, there are very few colors that don’t go well with pink. Some of my very favorite shades are: Bridal Pink from Benjamin Moore, Hibiscus by Ralph Lauren, Red Earth, by Farrow and Ball, Light Sandstone from Martha Stewart Living, Checkerberry from Glidden, and Persimmon from Benjamin Moore. Just give it a try and I think you’ll find that a dose of pink will have you viewing the world through rose colored glasses.

To round off this blog, please find below more of our Guest’s Greatest Picks 2011 Award Winners!

Best Wishes,
Pamela

This Irish getaway offers a Celtic experience right in the Ozarks! The Irish Inn, our Most International Winner, provides a small, intimate setting, perfect for a quiet weekend away, small wedding, and taking in a little luck o’ the Irish.


The Historic Fairfield Inn has the oldest tavern license in Gettysburg, dating back from 1786! At the Best Bar/Pub Winner, guests will feel like they’ve stepped back in time to enjoy a pint with good friends at the Historic Fairfield Inn.


Spinnakers has much to offer guests – three guest houses, a restaurant, a pub, and a brewery all their own. Voted Best Gift Shop, their shelves are stocked with specialty beer, wine and spirits, allowing guests to take a bit of their getaway home with them.

For active guests, this Best Nearby Golf Award Winner is a must-visit! McConnell Inn offers excellent golf courses and proximity make this a perfect spot for golf enthusiasts, or those simply wanting to practice their swing during a relaxing getaway.

Island Style Tips

I recently had a perfectly lovely trip to the Galapagos Islands, a place of fantastic natural beauty and unbelievable sights. I had a complete blast island hopping aboard the Ecoventura ship Eric with my teenage daughter, scuba diving among the colorful fish, lounging with the sea lions, and learning all about the archipelago of the Galapagos. The amazing wildlife along with the tropical weather and lush green surroundings were completely inspirational for me, so I thought I'd share some tips on how to bring exotic island life into your B&B through some simple, and some more demanding, decorating.

On the larger scale, if you are painting your B&B and want a little island flare, remember that bright colors are essential, but less is definitely more in this category. You don’t want to be overwhelming, so pair your bright pinks, oranges, teals, and reds with muted neutrals for balance. Remember that light sagey greens, sandy off whites, and warm tans are all reminiscent of the tropics as well as their eye catching counterparts. If you have some nice prints or fabrics in mind, using a crisp sugar white paint color as a background brings a classic island feel to any room.


If you are planning on changing or updating the furniture in your B&B, making an island style choice is actually quite easy! Dark woods, bamboo and any natural pieces will be the start of your island adventure. Take a little time to distress (or even find some vintage!) pieces, or find some bold, detailed furniture with carvings, bright painting or small but colorful accents to inspire the tropics of Jamaica or the Bahamas.

Fabrics are my personal favorite way of creating a relaxing island feel to a room, and definitely one of the easiest. A tip to getting the island style right with fabrics: repeat a single bright and tropical fabric on several surfaces in a room to create connectivity and balance. A bedspread, pillow, and small table cloth or cover are a perfect combination. And don't be afraid to look beyond simple palm tree prints or tropical flowers – bright stripes, bamboo styles, or eye catching solids with accents can be just as refreshing and stylish!


Finally, one of the most important features of decorating that is often over looked, lighting! The tropics are light, bright and full of natural sunshine, so make sure your room mimics this feel with sheer, breezy window treatments. Classic white shutters are great island accents, especially if you go with the white sugar paint on your walls. Keeping your bright colors well lit is essential to completing your island paradise right in your B&B.



Even the smallest accents can help your B&B feel tropical and exotic during the summer, allowing your guests (and you, of course!) to relax and enjoy the island lifestyle.

Best,
Pamela