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Silver | The shimmer is where the lure of this color lies; otherwise we would only see lifeless gray. The metallic reflections absorb then echo the colors of a room, catching the light to sparkle and wink seductively. Extra electronson atoms give minerals this valued luminescence, which was first recorded as the color silver in 1481. Here, a placemat in a patchwork of silver patterns combines the folk humbleness of a quilt with the sophistication of precious metal. A sea urchin napkin ring adds just the right tone of iridescent shine to bring a flash of attention and panache to the holiday table.

Marquis silver placemat: ($4.50) each from Crate & Barrel Outlet, Kittery, Maine, 207 439-8600.
Sea urchin napkin rings: ($20) set of four available at Valentine’s, Newburyport, Mass., 978 462-0002.