I am relishing the official start to summer. A relaxed week (or maybe two) with BBQs and bike rides and long hot runs and visits with family and friends.

A fantastic time to embrace the warmth, lightness and subtle sexiness of the color blush - that soft blend of orange, pink and sunshine. And it's everywhere this year - Pantone named Rose Quartz as one of its Colors of the Year for 2016 - enhancing its already ubiquitous presence in spring / summer life. A rose by any other name...rose quartz, rose gold, soft pink, or peach...there are many ways to bring blush into your life.

Fashion

Whether on the runways, or on the summer dress racks, soft and silky blush fabrics are prevalent. I recently found myself sitting near the entrance of a party boat on the Hudson river. After a while, I started to track the number of men and women attending whose outfits included a shade of peachy pink. While not a scientific study, I am fairly certain that 2 in every 3 ensembles incorporated this soft hue.

Spring Ready to Wear from Emporio Armani via Vogue.com

Beauty

If only I could...blush blonde locks. Just gorgeous.

Flora

Subtle blush is well represented in the flower world - gracing roses, tulips, and many other species. But nothing, nothing is more special in late spring and early summer than big, luscious peonies.

Decor

Of course there are many ways to bring this tone into your living space - big or small. Personally, I love the addition of a warm peach to enhance a high contrast room filled with light neutrals and sharp blacks or charcoals. But for those of us not redesigning our living spaces this summer, a change in accents on the dining table or in the bathroom is just as pretty.

Super thick and luxurious towels from Abyss and Habidecor in Nude, via flanddb.com

Hue Blush Dinnerware from Crate and Barrel

Afternoon Sipping

The first inspiration for this post was the party clothes referenced above in 'fashion'. The second and more lasting inspiration was a very serious study of the light reflecting through my glass one afternoon on my balcony - small bubbles, warmth, light and refreshment as the sun started to set. And of course, I'll spend some of my down time this season on the North Fork of Long Island, enjoying sips from a of a few of our local wineries. Our list of favorites shifts from year to year, but usually includes Shinn, Jamesport, and Croteaux.

Wines from Croteaux, a rose only vineyard in Southold, NY

Wishing you a warm and blushing season...