You DevilServe up your Easter eggs with style – set out on a deviled egg platter. We found this sleek beauty for just $17 at Shop of the Gulls in Charlevoix. 231-547-9781.
Grownup Easter BasketLeave the straw basket to the bunny rabbit. This punchy-colored bowl is perfectly palm-sized to handle your adult Easter treat: Dark chocolate orange truffles. Bowl (available in other colors and sizes), $4.99 at Ideal Kitchen in Manistee. 231-398-9895. Truffles, $4.95 at Goody’s Juice and Java in Manistee. 231-398-9580, goodysjuiceandjava.com.
Persimmon PetalsYour bulbs outside might not be blooming, but you can set your table with a spring blossom plate just the same. $28.75 at Nest of Grand Traverse. 231-946-0232, nestofgrandtraverse.com. Other colors and sizes available.
Tangerine DreamsNow’s the time to put winter’s flannel nightgowns to bed and slip into crisp cotton PJs that are abloom in wake-up bright colors and patterns. Cadillac’s Persnickety, Etc. has dozens of dreamy duds like these, plus candles, clothes, jewelry, housewares and other goodies we guarantee you’ll go gaga over. Pajamas, $48.95. 231-779-5232, persnicketyetc.com.
Here comes the sunGot a drab and dreary space? Permanently part the clouds with this season’s hottest hue: tangerine. Go bold with a whole room that glows Golden Poppy (O’Leary Paint, shown) or stay subtle and simply swipe an Orangeade shade on a closet or bookshelf interior – a perky foil to a creamy white or ash gray exterior.
The Long and Short of ItTrade your tall martini glasses for chic and stout sorbet glasses. Even if you get tipsy, your martini won’t – essential if you’re serving one made with the delicious Diva Delectables Tremendous Tangerine Infused Syrup. It’s divine in cocktails, hot and iced teas and even over ice cream. Find the syrup ($12) and the glass ($9.99) at Blackberry Rose in Cadillac, 231-876-9501, blackberryrose.com.
Mandarin Martini
2 ounces Absolut Mandarin
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/4 ounce Diva Delectables Tangerine Infused Syrup
Juice of 1 tangerineTwist of tangerine peel
Pour first four ingredients into martini shaker. Add ice, shake vigorously. Strain into chilled sorbet glass. Garnish with tangerine peel twist.
Lynda Twardowski is assistant editor at Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine.lmt@traversemagazine.com
Note: This article was first published in March 2007 and was updated for the web February 2008.