These guys will sing for their supper

This time of year we need something to get us out into the garden.

How about feeding some birds?

The type of feeder that www.birdfeeding.org recommends for beginners is a hopper.

This stores bird seed under a roof to keep it dry, and gravity takes the seed from the hopper.

This can be hung from a tree, a stand or somewhere on your house.

Make sure it is easy to open because you will be filling it outdoors, perhaps while it's swinging from a wire, says www.wildbirdcenter.com.

Another type of bird feed is suet. These are suet cakes that are hung in wire baskets coated with plastic. They work best when attached to a hopper feeder or hung from a tree or post, the Web site says.

When you want to be more selective about what type of bird you feed, you might consider a tube feeder.

These plastic tubes also dispense seeds. Those with perches above the feeding holes are designed for goldfinches, who can eat upside down.

In the spring you may want to buy a birdhouse.

This mahogany and copper one from Smith & Hawken is inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. The wood is scrap from a large furniture factory, and the house is made in the United States. It is $129.

Visit www.Smithandhawken.com.

Maybe pillows will be enough color

Pottery Barn is looking toward spring.

Color is the watchword, says the popular merchandiser.

Pillows might provide enough color to spice your home up. These offer some serious color, for example.

Another choice from Pottery Barn is a bright floral pattern of magenta, yellow and poppy colored. You'll find it on bedding and an upholstered chair, for example.

Check out www.potterybarn.com and get ready for spring.

House Beautiful magazine wants you to start the year with looks, styles and items that really last.

For example, designer Alexa Hampton suggests five pieces of furniture you need that can move from room to room as your house changes in size.

• A demilune table -- especially one you can open to work as a breakfast or card table.

• A slipper chair for parties, bedrooms or just to vary the size if you have enormous furniture.

• A love seat that can work with or instead of a sofa. "Besides, a love seat makes so much sense: 'Only two people like to sit on a sofa. No one ever wants to sit in the middle.'"

• An ottoman for a table or seating. If you're using it as a footstool it should be at least an inch shorter and narrower than the chair to avoid the look of one big piece.

• And a 28-inch tall bedside table that travels to the sofa or office if you change your bedroom.