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Nautical Luxuries Blog

Wind Shift On The Water

February 13, 2009 1 Comment

Wind shifts on the water are, in many ways, an appropriate analogy for life.

While wind shifts are fickle and largely unpredictable, careful research on historic wind patterns, and a close eye on your instruments, and on the water's surface, will provide important clues to what the wind wil likely do next - but there is never any sure bet on wind shifts. Wind shifts can help or hurt you, depending upon where you are at any given time, relative to your destination. A helpful wind shift will set you on a shorter course to your goal. An unfavorable shift will send you on a longer course - if not force you to tack to even reach your destination. Wind shifts are usually temporary. Eventually, things will revert to their historic norms. Favorable or unfavorable, wind shifts are inevitable, and we cannot maximize their benefit or minimize their damage unless we first, recognize them and then adjust to them. As I look out the window, the reality of the current economic downturn is at once imperceptible and profound. The morning's bright sunshine and blue skies belie the winter storm that I know will be here by evening. There are still the same number of boats moored or docked in the harbor. There is still the same amount of construction and hustle and bustle attending to the homes here. People are still going about their lives and still appreciating living by the water. Yet the gorgeous waterfront home across the street now has a "BEST BUY" sign out front. The condominiums down the street have been empty for months. And wherever I go, I notice there are fewer, if any, lines. Like many other retail and marine industry businesses, the present economic shift has put Nautical Luxuries off-course, requiring more than a tack; a complete re-evaluation of our destination. While charting the new course ahead, I look forward to sharing my thoughts, ideas, and experiences, through this Blog. I invite everyone who has enjoyed the Nautical Luxuries collection and shared my own passion for the sea, to join me, wherever this shift may lead. DJ

Feathering Your Floating Nest - Getting Started

November 14, 2008 1 Comment

Getting Started: Taking A Space Inventory Even on a small boat, the prospect of decorating can be daunting. We recommend breaking the process down into individual steps. The first step, is to get a clear idea of exactly what spaces on the boat you want to decorate. Your list of available spaces will vary, depending on your boat, and you may decide not to decorate all of the available spaces, but here's a good starting outline for reviewing all available onboard spaces. While you might come up with many more decorating options, or decide not to include as many, the following list will provide you with a good starting point.

SPACES AVAILABLE	DÉCOR OPTIONS
COCKPIT/AFT DECK
- Settees & Chairs	Cushions, Pillows, Throws, Towels
- Table	Mats, Linens, Centerpiece, Dinnerware, Drinkware, Flatware
- Open Areas	Ice Chest, Seating, Shoe/Towel Baskets, Cushions
FLYBRIDGE/UPPER DECK
- Settees & Chairs	Cushions, Pillows, Throws, Towels
- Open Areas	Ice Chest, Seating, Cushions, Sunbathing Gear Baskets
- Table	Mats, Linens, Centerpiece, Dinnerware, Drinkware, Flatware
- Bar	Drinkware, Serveware, Linens
GALLEY/DINING AREA
- Countertops	Cooking/Serving/Storage Accessories, Florals
- Cabinets & Drawers	Cookware, Serveware
- Dining Table	Mats, Linens, Centerpiece
	Dinnerware, Drinkware, Flatware
- Settees/Benches & Chairs	Cushions, Pillows, Throws
MAIN SALON
- Settees/Benches & Chairs	Cushions, Pillows, Throws
- Windows/Portholes	Curtains
- Coffee/Accent Tables	Centerpieces, Coasters, Florals, Decorative Accessories
- Bulkheads	Wall Art, Instrumentation
- Open Areas	Ottomans, Baskets, Florals, Decorative Accessories
HEADS, BUNKS & CABINS
- Heads	Towels, Mats, Holders, Decorative Accessories
- Bunks/Beds	Sheets, Blankets/Spreads, Pillows, Throws
- Settees/Benches	Cushions, Pillows, Throws
- Cabins	Mats/Rugs, Wall Art, Curtains, Decorative Accessories

A thorough review of your boat will give you a detailed list of the spaces you have available to decorate as well as identify the usable items already onboard and the items that need to be added or replaced. Here's a sample inventory of Decorating Space Options and Needs.

SPACES AVAILABLE	DÉCOR OPTIONS	NEEDS
COCKPIT/AFT DECK
- Settees & Chairs	Cushions, Pillows, Throws & Towels	Cushions OK as is Pillows for two settees – outdoor fabric 2x outdoor throws, 4-8 beach towels Monogram?
- Table	Linens, Dinnerware, Drinkware & Flatware	Use same as indoors- Outdoor fabric Outdoor serving trays
	Centerpiece	Floral – suitable for outdoors
- Open Areas	Ice Chest, Extra Seating	Both N/A
	Cushions, Shoe/Towel Baskets	Cushions OK as is Need to hold 4-8 beach towels
FLYBRIDGE/UPPER DECK
- Settees & Chairs	Cushions, Pillows, Throws, Towels	Pillows for one settee – outdoor fabric Cushions OK as is, use same towels & throws as aft deck/cockpit
- Open Areas	Ice Chest, Seating, Cushions, Sunbathing Gear Baskets	2x teak lounge chairs? Use same towel baskets as aft deck
- Table	Mats, Linens, Centerpiece, Dinnerware, Drinkware, Flatware	Use same pieces as aft deck
- Bar	Drinkware, Serveware, Linens	Use same pieces as aft deck
GALLEY/DINING AREA
- Countertops	Cooking/Serving/Storage Accessories, Florals	Need new airtight plastic containers. Floral arrangement for counter?
- Cabinets & Drawers	Cookware, Serveware	Cookware ok as is. Need non-breakable serving bowls & platters & servers
- Dining Table	Mats, Linens, Centerpiece	8x non-skid settings 8x special occasion settings
	Dinnerware, Flatware	8x non-breakable 8x stainless flatware
	Drinkware	8x all purpose non-breakable 8x wine non-breakable, 8coffee mugs
- Settees/Benches & Chairs	Cushions, Pillows, Throws	Cushions OK as is. Need Pillows for a semi-circular settee
MAIN SALON
- Settees/Benches & Chairs	Cushions, Pillows, Throws	Pillows for one settee & 2 chairs Cushions ok. Use same throws as aft deck
- Windows/Portholes	Curtains	OK as is
- Coffee/Accent Tables	Centerpieces, Coasters, Florals, Decorative Accessories	Coffee table centerpiece & décor. One side table – lamp? & decor
- Bulkheads	Wall Art, Instrumentation	2 bulkheads – art? Framed pics?
- Open Areas	Ottomans, Baskets, Florals, Decorative Accessories	Florals behind sofa? Accessorize?
HEADS, BUNKS & CABINS
- Heads	Towels, Mats, Holders, Decorative Accessories	Coordinating TP holder, Tissue holder, towel rod/hooks, waste bin under sink, counter floral? Bath, Hand & face towels Teak or washable mat? All x 4 heads
- Bunks/Beds	Sheets, Blankets/Spreads, Pillows, Throws	Sheets, spreads & pillows for 2 beds Sheets, blankets, pillows for 4 bunks
- Settees/Benches	Cushions, Pillows, Throws	Pillows/throw for master
- Cabins	Mats/Rugs, Wall Art, Curtains, Decorative Accessories	Wall art for 2 bunk cabins, 2 staterooms Side table accessories for 4 cabins

From this thorough inventory, you can develop your decorating shopping list: Boat Decor Shopping List: Pillows & Throws - 6 Outdoor pillows for aft deck settees & flybridge settee - 2 matching throws for 2 aft deck & flybridge settees - 4 Indoor pillows for dining table settee - 4 Indoor pillows for main salon settee & 2 for chairs - 10 Decorative pillows & 2 throws for 2 beds & 4 bunks - coordinate with bedding - 2-3 Indoor pillows for master stateroom settee - coordinate with bedding Bedding - sheets, spreads, pillows for 2 beds, 4 bunks Tabletop & Bar - Non-skid placemats/matching napkins & rings for 8 - Special occasion placemats/matching napkins & rings for 8 - Non-breakable dinnerware for 8 (Corelle or melamine) - Non-breakable all-purpose tall & short tumblers, red/white wine glasses & flutes for 8 - Stainless flatware for 8 (Serving Spoons/Forks) Galley - Airtight plastic containers for galley - Non-breakable serving bowls, pitcher & platters - coordinate with dinnerware & linens Florals - Table centerpieces (main salon coffee table, dining table, aft deck, flybridge) - Main salon floor & side tables, galley countertop Decorative Accessories - Main salon coffee table - Main salon side & behind settee decor - sculpture? books? lamps? - Wall art for main salon & 4 cabins Heads - Coordinating TP holder, towel holder, hooks (4 heads) - Waste bin & tissue holder (4 heads) - Coordinating towels (bath, hand, face) & mats for 4 heads Misc. - 8 beach towels - monogrammed? - basket for beach towels & sun gear - 2 teak lounge chairs? Now that you have your shopping list, the next step to Feathering Your Nest is deciding on your decorating style and researching what's available. DJ

Boating In Heels

October 29, 2008

Revelations of a Boating 'Betty' I've been accused of being a 'Betty' on more than one occasion. Fair enough. Like many female sailors/boaters I suspect, I often prefer my heels to my Dubarrys, champagne bubbles to beer suds and an afternoon chat with friends in the cockpit to an afternoon in the engine room. And I have been seen more frequently sitting in the Princess Section on the stern with a glass of Chardonnay in my hand, than trimming the main with a winch handle... in my grinder's hand... Curiously, though, I am still drawn to the uncompromising and often inhospitable world of wind, water and boats; even more so, to the intense competitiveness of yacht racing. It is my passion- which I have indulged for the better part of 30 years, in an increasingly un-macho manner. After crewing on everything from Olympic Class Solings, to first class superyachts, I have learned one unavoidable truth- the smaller the boat, the less 'Betty-friendly' it will be! Of course, once you get into the realm of million-dollar yachts, you truly DO have all the comforts of home - not to mention crew- but in the smaller ranges, compromise and inventiveness are a real 'Betty's' best friends.

Wearing heels to the boat and deck shoes onboard? Sunscreen on the water and Chanel in the yacht club? Open-finger sailing gloves with a French manicure? Aigle boots with a pedicure? Champagne in an unbreakable acrylic flute? Ahh, now that's my kind of Betty-boating. You could say that my 'Betty' attitude was behind the very start of Nautical Luxuries. I saw no reason to compromise my own sense of style to create a nautical theme in my home decor, or find an elegant gift for a fellow boater. Nautical Luxuries has simply provided a better option for sophisticated nautical and coastal enthusiasts; one that matches their tastes without compromise. Feathering Your Floating Nest Over the years, an increasing number of customers have come to Nautical Luxuries seeking advice and ideas on decorating their boat interiors or, as I like to refer to it, feathering their floating nests. These are not superyacht nests, but an extraordinarily wide variety of boats, from harbor-cruising electric boats, to fractionally owned performance boats, to racing sailboats, to Sportfishing Boats. Each style of boat has its own decorating challenges and opportunities and owners with equally discriminating tastes and needs. To the new owner, a boat can be an alien world that comes without 'Betty' instructions. To the veteran boater, West Marine may be a familiar outfitting resource, but their nest-feathering options are limited. I've started a new series of Feathering Your Floating Nest posts to share some of the ideas and solutions that have proved helpful to many of our customers with the hope that they'll be useful to

you as well: - Taking Inventory & Creating A Plan - Indoor/Outdoor Fabrics - The New Options - Space, Stowage & Bending A Few Decor Rules - Galley, Cabin & Head Betty Basics - Before & After Gallery of Ideas - Entertaining Onboard A well-feathered floating nest is a place you'll enjoy spending time with family and friends. To this 'boating Betty', that truly is my favorite definition of "simply messing about in boats!" DJ

Farewell To A Friend

October 21, 2008

The news of Mike Campbell's passing came on Friday. Since then, I have been reading the many tributes and memorials to Mike being posted on Scuttlebutt, but I still feel an unquenchable need for more - as if reading them will somehow extend Mike's presence and defer my own acceptance of so great a loss. Mike was a rare gift, a mentor, a fellow sailor, a friend, and I will miss him greatly. How many people's lives have been enriched by knowing Mike and Victoria? Countless, I'm sure. There simply may not be enough tributes for such a man. My heart goes out to Victoria now, in her all-encompassing loss. I am grateful for having known them both, and for having been a part of the wonderful world of people, boats, and gracious hospitality that Mike and Victoria so generously shared.

Ironically, Mike's endgame with cancer happened the same weekend as the 17th annual Linda Elias Memorial One Design Regatta hosted by Mike's yacht club, Long Beach Yacht Club. 17 years ago, Linda lost her own battle with cancer. Linda would be pleased to know that the regatta has not only continued, but has thrived. This year every available boat in Long Beach Yacht Club's Catalina-37 fleet was filled. There were more than 100 women racing on the water - one team from as far as Puerto Vallarta. It was a fine tribute to another departed sailing friend.

Coming across a pair of seals just beyond the weather mark - impossibly perched at least six feet out of the water atop the enormous steel rudder of an anchored cargo ship- I couldn't help but wonder if Linda and Mike weren't with us this weekend afterall, enjoying a perfect spectating spot overlooking the weather mark.

For now, I will enjoy every moment on the water that I can. I expect I will be thinking of you, Mike, whenever I feel the wind in my face, the bite of a line in my hands, and the sound of the ocean on a long beat to weather. I will think of you at unexpected times too - when I'm on a quiet pre-dawn run in my worn-out, but still prized Victoria crew shirt, or when I open the trunk to grab a few equally worn-out Trader Joe's bags, to recycle just one more time. Certainly I will think of you every time I meet up with someone else who counted you as a friend - which, I imagine, could be quite often. And one day, I hope to be in your good company again; to share a few favorite stories and even more laughs, on an excellent voyage that simply has no final port of call. Until then, thank you for everything and farewell, my friend. Daisy

A Beautiful Visitor

October 20, 2008

It may seem hard to miss something more than two stories tall and 156 feet long, but superyachts have a habit of slipping quietly into the end docks on Lido, virtually unnoticed, staying for a few days, then disappearing again, as quietly as they came.

Such was the case this past weekend when M/Y Slojo paid a short visit. I managed to grab a camera early Sunday morning and get a shot literally minutes before she departed again, off on a world circumnavigation - next stop San Diego. This photo does not do her justice. She is truly a beautiful yacht. Congratulations to her owners and to the Delta Marine yard on their new launch. There is a great picture of Slojo in this month's ShowBoats International magazine, as well as an article in MegaYacht News about Slojo's chef, Cristina Topham. Topham's entertaining blog, The Adventures Of A Wayward Chef, provides an insider's look into the life of a superyacht chef - brings back a few memories of my own Chief Stewardess crewing days. Oh, how I felt that familiar tug of wanderlust as Slojo and her crew backed out of the slip and glided off on the next leg of their global adventure! There is simply nothing like the feeling of freedom you get as you leave the dock, headed out on a long ocean voyage. Here's to a fabulous trip around the planet and safe passage to Slojo and her crew. The Lido dock is empty again now, but maybe not for long. You just never know who might slip in when you're not looking. DJ

No Place Like Second-Home

October 17, 2008

I've often wondered how many homes on the island are second, third, or maybe fourth homes. As an investment, Lido seems to be weathering the housing downturn better than many areas in Southern California - can't say that I've seen more Open House signs than usual, and there are a lot of houses under construction lately. During my pre-dawn runs with Mr Jones, I often see the "construction warden" as I call her, driving slowly street to street, Antibes to Zurich, flipping her clipboard papers in the dark and matching permits to every green dumpster and wire-fenced property- or so I imagine that's what she's doing. At any rate, she's been busy. So, what WOULD the criteria be for selecting the perfect second home location? According to MSN.com, "a beautiful setting is a must." Beyond that, MSN includes:

Proximity to growing urban centers.Within a 2-3 hour drive of a major city, or close to a big airport.
Plenty of recreational opportunities. Lots to do beyond shopping, which is why most thriving resort towns are near ski lifts, beaches or mountains. Some cultural cachet - a theater or film festival, galleries or museums.
Decent weather. You have to be able to get outside to enjoy all that recreation.
Significant commercial investment. The old-timers may grouse about the new hotels or malls, but these are good indicators that others think the community is on the way up.
The "it" factor. The community gets discovered by movers, shakers and celebrities -- or at least enough other folks like you -- for prices to get bid up.

By all those measures- with the arguable exception of Lido Marina Village, (which has so much latent commercial investment potential), and your own personal definition of "a beautiful setting", (which would need to include water or beach), Lido would certainly rank near the top for perfect second home locations. DJ

What The Elves Are Up To In October

October 13, 2008

The Santa Ana winds are blowing and fires are raging in Southern California, but the air here is already beginning to take on a holiday chill! Even Mr Jones seems to have made it through the fall allergy season and is diving head-first into the holiday spirit, donning one of our early-arrival wreath bases, soon to be elf-decorated as part of our new coastal wreath collection. Halloween may still be a few weeks away, but the Nautical Luxuries elves are already well into their preparations for the coming holiday season.

The new holiday line includes many classic designs in the finest materials like sheer organza or gilded gold and cloisonne enamel for a truly elegant coastal look. Each year, we feature a new Santa and Angel treetopper/centerpiece duo - this year's pair are truly stunning. At two-feet tall, they make an extraordinary table centerpiece.

Natural seashells and starfish are the most popular coastal holiday decor theme. Our most popular natural ornaments have been our Deep Sea Natural Shells. We've added a new Starfish Ornament Set this year in natural or antique gold finish.

As in past years, we're offering fresh and preserved coastal wreaths. The fresh SeaKeepers Wreaths are such a treat - to give or receive! Since they're dependent on the growth of foliage in the Pacific Northwest, their availability is limited to a very brief window of just five weeks a year.

This year, shipping dates will be between Nov. 10th and Dec. 16th. Not only do they look beautiful with natural sand dollars and starfish set against lush green foliage, but the wonderful aroma of evergreens is a most pleasant experience from the moment you open the box, to the little whips of scent you capture every time you walk by. A percentage of the sale of each wreath goes to supports the International SeaKeeper Society's efforts to monitor the conditions of our planet's oceans. DJ

Forecasting Design Trends

October 06, 2008

Have you ever wondered where design trends come from - and who makes the decisions?

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="296" caption="As Close To Trendy Purple As We Get"]

[/caption] Well, according to an article in the Las Vegas Market Insider written by Michelle Lamb, (co-founder and chairman of Marketing Directions, Inc., and senior editor of The Trend Curve), the color purple will reign for another two years. (It's hot now??) Then, Lamb says, color will begin to drift to the cool side and pinks will take up a "banner of warmth" that will make coral tones (ahah!) trend-forward. So, apparently our coastal/nautical style is behind the trend curve, but we're going to be trend-forward again if we just wait two years. Lamb also says that blues of all shades will increase in popularity. (Definitely nautical) She predicts yellows will rise in prominence, especially yellows with a slight tinge of green. (I think that covers just about every color but neutrals... but wait...) Lamb says the metallic trend is on a roll, while butter yellow will be a popular choice for painted woods. (butter yellow?) [caption id="" align="alignright" width="299" caption="Butter Yellow Could Be A Hit"]

[/caption] Lamb notes that wood dining/kitchen pieces are "adding distressed, even hacked-up textures, with highly visible knots that fit in with the eco trend," and that painted wooden cabinets are becoming a hot item. (Definitely works with the beach cottage look, but does Ikea know about this?) Professional-grade stainless steel appliances will continue to drive purchases, but there will also be a resurrection in black appliances. (Supposedly to go with the painted butter yellow cabinets.) [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="234" caption="Slubby Linen & Textures We Love"]

[/caption] According to Lamb, the fabric trend is all about elaborate weaves with finely executed contrasts - matte and shine, or levels of toned-down luster. (This we do love!) Linen will continue to be a top seller (Amen!) as will velvet, though the first hints of a slowdown are beginning to emerge, (striking fear into our glam-loving hearts!). Moroccan influences will continue to be popular. Intricate patterns, braid work and targeted icons are suggestive of a folkloric Russian influence to come. (Where this will fit with coastal/nautical I'm not sure yet, but certainly a significant number of new superyacht builds are being undertaken by Russian owners, so perhaps the superyacht decorators will know.)

The DJ style trend prediction? During a time when disposable income is not a plentiful commodity, regardless of your decorating style, design trends will be all about pillows, paint, knobs, coverlets, and curtains; the most cost-effective ways to give your decor a fresh new look, and your spirits a healthy boost! And, until coastal/nautical is, once again, riding the crest of the official design trend wave, I think I'll just sink down into my shabby chic beach cottage armchair, cozy-up with a semi-lustrous shell pillow and a soft neutral-toned sea life throw, and thank my lucky stars that I'm trendy enough to be fully two years ahead of the curve, and happy as a clam to be living by the water. DJ

The Most Popular Item We Ever Had

September 25, 2008

You just never know when an item is going to be a huge success, but it certainly helps to have Coastal Living feature it in their magazine - as happened to our Coral Coir Doormat last September.

Terrific photo, catchy copy, beautiful item, great price and guess what, we had a smash success on our hands. Until... we ran out, barely two weeks after the magazine hit the newsstands - and couldn't get more! Surely, if we could have filled the hundreds of requests we received, it would have been the biggest seller we ever had! A year later, and we're STILL getting requests for that doormat from people just now finding that year-old issue of Coastal Living!

Well, great news for everyone who wanted one last year, and everyone who has yet to read through their September, 2007 Coastal Living Magazine... a terrific new Coral Coir Doormat is on the way, and will start shipping the end of November. With its seafoam and taupe color scheme, multi-branch coral design, and the same sand-trapping natural coir fiber construction, we think it's an even better mat than last year's! You be the judge, but - a word to the wise, (based on our experience last year), order early! DJ <a href="http://technorati.com/claim/rbfpx6bunc" rel="me">Technorati Profile</a>

Beauty In The Details

September 19, 2008

As part of our new Fall Collection, we're introducing a beautiful new line of extraordinary hand

embroidered linens from Thornvale, a South African company with a story as extraordinary as their linens. Since 1999, Thornvale has produced meticulously embroidered linens made by Sesotho women in the Free State, South Africa. The sophistication and perfection of their embroidery work is unmatched. Thornvale currently provides employment for 125 women, (many of whom are heads of their household), in a very depressed part of South Africa where the unemployment level is exceptionally high. Thornvale literally feeds hundreds of families through this project, which is truly a beautiful accomplishment in itself! Among the embroidery designs we're carrying are a lively sea life pattern of crabs and starfish called "Marine Life"; a whimsical "Schooling Minnows" pattern, and an elegant "Coral Branches" pattern. Each design is available in a variety of embroidery thread colors. It's a pleasure to offer such uniquely beautiful products. It's also very gratifying to know that the production of these linens is enhancing the lives of so many talented and dedicated people.

An email from our sales rep echoed my own enthusiasm for the project: "I can't begin to tell you how many people you will be touching. I am going to give the link to the ladies in South Africa - they will be so thrilled to be on your site. Kind regards, Sue" DJ

Boat Show Weekend In Southern California

September 16, 2008

Two great local boat shows were on the docket this weekend, the Lido Yacht Expo in Newport Beach, and YachtFest in San Diego. Both are in-water annual shows with an always-impressive number and variety of boats to see and explore. I enjoy strolling along the docks - don't forget the sun hat and sunscreen - and geting an inside look at all the different boats.

Naturally, I couldn't help thinking how great they'd look with a couple of our nautical pillows casually tossed on the banquettes.... or our embroidered towels adding an elegant touch to the heads (bathrooms)....

or maybe a few nautical, shatterproof acrylics for the aft deck bar...

After having spent so much time on boats, I hadn't considered how daunting the "outfitting" process might be for anyone new to boating. My friend Caroline relayed her own 'first boat purchase' story recently, and the challenges she faced as a new boat owner. "The hard work of selecting the perfect boat, negotiating the right price, and organizing the financing was over," she said. "Now I was on a high, with this incredible urge to 'feather my nest' ... but I had no clue where to begin." We decided right then, that a practical how-to guide for "soft-goods" boat outfitting would be a huge help. So, stay tuned... After the boat show, it's always a treat to relax and discuss your favorite boats in a fabulous spot overlooking the water. We chose the end balcony table at La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla for a charming late afternoon lunch.

DJ

Sneak Peak: Fall 2008

August 25, 2008

Fall? Already? Schools are already back in session? Monday Night Football starts in two weeks? Well, it's still a hot August summer here by the beach, which makes it hard to be thinking about fall, much less shooting our new holiday line. There's still much photography work to do, but here's a quick peak at some of my favorite new luxuries you'll be seeing on NauticalLuxuries.com in September.

: Nantucket Dreaming Bedding

For the Coastal Bedroom: I can't get enough of blue and white, here by the water, and I love the luxurious feel of this quilted cotton Nantucket Dreaming bedding collection. Everything from quilts, shams, pillows, throws and dust ruffles has that comfortable qulited look.

[caption id="attachment_131" align="alignleft" width="277" caption="Sea Urchin Table Lamp"]

For the Beach Cottage: How fun is this rustic wood wall/mantle sign board for your own beach retreat, or to give as a gift! We're also making a "What Happens Onboard..." sign. Both are exclusive to Nautical Luxuries - and I've already put aside half-a-dozen for Christmas gifts to friends, family, and a few boating friends.

[/caption]

For the Lido Waterfront: I can certainly see this exquisite Sea Urchin Lamp in the study or living room of the gorgeous waterfront homes here on the island. A stunning coastal accent with a super-chic 'burnt coral' shade- fabulous with a neutral color scheme! [caption id="attachment_134" align="alignright" width="146" caption="Keyes Shutter Lighthouse Table Fan"]

[/caption] [caption id="attachment_135" align="alignleft" width="119" caption="Bristol White Lighthouse Floor Fan"]

[/caption] For those Hot September Days! After seeing these terrific new fans, I went home and immediately retired my old house fan. Finally! Some clever and talented designer has come up with a decorative solution to a truly boring household appliance! The lighthouse floor fan is so nice, (All have wood bases), you may never want to put it away for the winter! [caption id="attachment_136" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Sail Trophy Vases"]

[/caption] For the Sailing Enthusiast: What a great find! Beautiful crystal vases gracefully arching in the shape of a sail are a wonderful home accent and - engraved- make a truly unique trophy! (Somebody tell the yacht club trophy chair.) [caption id="attachment_137" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Needlepoint Baby Slippers"]

New Sandy Shells Pet Bed

For the Nautical Pet: Even our office mascot, Mr. Jones, couldn't resist a mid-day snooze on one of our new pet beds - and I couldn't resist the candid photo. We're introducing this great new seashell design in blue or sand, as well as a more traditional nautical compass rose and rope design - also in two color options.

[/caption] For the Littlest Crew: It was unanimous among the ladies here, that these are the cutest things we've seen lately! Needlepoint baby shoes in nautical and coastal designs. Just too cute! For the Planet: I may not be at the forefront of the green movement yet, but I enjoy products like this one that help me do my part with a major dose of nautical style! Love the sail number on this recycled Dacron sail cloth tote, and the long handles, and the stiffness of the fabric that doesn't collapse when you're putting in the first groceries. Another great environment-friendly find are these terrific and boldy graphic pillows. Hand-painted on unbleached cotton, they're made from the finest quality green materials available. Fluffy, poly-fill inserts are made from plastic bottles rescued from landfills. We'll have five different coastal designs available. The complete Fall Collection - not to mention Holiday gifts and decor - launches online next month. Can't wait! DJ