Unless the quilt is for a child, I ask the receipent what colors they prefer. I have a daughter who doesn't care what color it is as long as she gets one. However, I do know her preference is black & white. I have made black/white/red for her as she thought that was great. She said it broaden her horizons. I just made one for Christmas for my grand daughter (8 yr). I know her colors are pink and purple. The quilt was pink purple and green. Sounds terrible I know. Turned out cute. Her mother said she would take it if the GD didn't want it. But asking first is the best way to get past the problem. The "Blah" response is usually from adults. If their adults they can be asked first and I don't feel it ruins the suprise.