Barbara, I thought it odd that you called a gift 'plain and ugly.' Then I saw the picture. Clearly they thought enough about you to make you something from their heart(s). So, even though it's not the most beautiful quilt top, it's yours.
I've always been the person gifting quilts. I've never been the recipient of one. Anyways, since it's yours, you can feel free to put whatever you desire on the flip side. I'm a big fan of double sided quilts. If I've made too many blocks, that means that I've got enough for the other side. Make it as bright as you'd like. It would then like life with society and the Amish - the blending of two cultures, married in a quilt! Good luck. I hope to see in the future what you do with the other side of your quilt. Good luck.