Some romances are all fire and ice (feisty Scarlett O'Hara to Rhett Butler's unflappable hero); others feature two cool characters who just jell, like a Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers number. Such is the case with eye-catching emerald green -- the shade of the gemstone thought to be favored by Venus, the goddess of love -- and serene aquamarine. The pair look natural almost anywhere, whether playing off each other on a menu card or coloring the blooms on a tie. Lighten things up with notes of white for a look that's effortlessly choreographed and full of flair.

Lanterns made of vintage Mason jars clad in gold-trimmed ribbons exude homespun charm. Use them to illuminate walkways or arrange on a table with place cards or cocktails. (Beware: Jars get very hot.) To prevent sticking, fill vessels with 1/8 inch of water before setting votive candles inside.

Garden Variety
Hot Under the Collar
Leafy Greens
Romancing the Stones
Stir Things Up