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Thursday, Sept.23, 2004
Indian summer comes early to Washington this year, thanks to this week's opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian with its striking architectural presence on the Mall. A repository of one of the most comprehensive holdings of Indian cultural materials in the world, the museum also houses two stores (named Chesapeake and Roanoke) selling Native American jewelry, textiles, crafts and other merchandise. Among the featured items for sale is a Sun Signs blanket by Pendleton ($188). With its sun symbolism and circle of handprints, representing several North American Indian tribes, it was designed by the 100-year-old Pendleton Wool Mills to pay tribute to the museum opening. Our advice: Grab the blanket, pick a patch of grass or park and celebrate your own tribute -- to our splendid, not-a-cloud-in-the-sky, early fall weather. 'Tis prime time for picnics and tailgating parties. Whether you choose take-out turkey sandwiches or make your own creative concoctions at home, set the stage for entertaining. Pottery Barn's new Tailgate Collection is up to the task with a large cream enamel thermos ($59) and a set of lightweight enamel plates ($8 each). On the practical side, the heavy-duty canvas Quartet Picnic Backpack ($79.99) from Sur La Table can easily handle a dejeuner sur l'herbe for four. A large cooler keeps fruit, cheese and salads, while a detachable pouch keeps a bottle of wine or mineral water chilled. The large zippered opening offers easy access to wine glasses, plastic plates, cotton napkins and tableware for four. Also included are a small cutting board, a knife, salt and pepper shakers and a corkscrew, lest you forget. Add some color with orange or green clear acrylic plates ($2.95 each) and picnic flatware in orange or white ($1.95 for a knife, fork and spoon) from CB2, a Crate & Barrel spinoff with its own new Web site.
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