Down East goes Far East

I never considered using paper lanterns in my home decor until I stumbled across Pearl River while in New York City last fall for a photography trade show. Self-described as a "Chinese American department store," Pearl River is a three-story mother lode of all things Chinese. For those not fortunate enough live in or visit Manhattan, there is a web site, but it doesn't hold a candle to cruising--in person--aisles of blue willow dishware, butterfly kites, Buddhas and giant gongs.

I stopped dead in my tracks when I entered the lighting section; it held the largest and most diverse display of paper lanterns I had ever seen: floor and table lamps with rice paper shades, hanging lanterns in colors, shapes and sizes beyond my imagination.

I had just bought a house four months earlier, only a few rooms had overhead lights, and I was very much in need of lighting. But paper lanterns in a Maine cottage? "Naw," I thought snobbishly, "paper lanterns are only for college dorm rooms and first apartments. I couldn't put one in my house! What would people think?"

But, since returning home I've flirted with the idea of putting a trio of paper lanterns in that empty corner of the guest room. And, I've wandered over to the Pearl River web site several times threatening to place an order. Paper lanterns have been dogging me everywhere, in the newly-opened Target in Topsham, on the Martha Stewart web site, in the homes of friends who could afford much more expensive lighting, and today in Bohemian Rose in Bath. I had dropped into the trendy boutique looking for a new wristwatch, but was struck by a rice paper lantern by Cultural Intrigue. With tiny perforations mimicking eyelet lace, it was a perfect fit for the guest room. My resistance finally worn down, I gave in and joined the paper lantern camp.

Now to round out that trio, I'll finally place my order with Pearl River or with Party Lights, which carries more of Cultural Intrigue's line. Thank goodness I'm not planning a party in the near future, or I might blow my whole budget on paper lanterns!