"Nothing else represents the emergence of spring as the beloved yellow daffodil happy and bright after a long winter's nap." (I read this recently from a yoga newsletter sent to me by my mother)...and it's so true.  I usually prefer soft colors and pick white or soft pink flowers for my kitchen table.  But in the first week or two of spring I love to put a simple glass vase of bright yellow tulips or daffodils. They shout spring against the brown backdrop of my backyard which has yet to emerge and turn green.