Mail: Change header background color outside of rules

[Dee Smith]

Is there any way to easily change the background color of a message header without using the rules in the preferences? What I would like is to change a color to high light that message so that I see it when I'm looking at the list of inbox messages and it draws my attention. I know I could use flags, and I've tried that, but they are too small and don't really catch my eye. I would like to click on a button on the task bar, select a color and have the color of the background change. It should be that simple.

Thanks,

Dee