Nautical Luxuries Blog | 2008 | August

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.

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.

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!

Keyes Shutter Lighthouse Table Fan

Bristol White Lighthouse Floor Fan

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!

Sail Trophy Vases

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.)

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.

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

UPDATE: APRIL, 2009.

Over the years, we’ve received numerous emails and calls from our customers letting us know how well their Nautical Luxuries fit their coastal lifestyle. We’ve created this area on the Website to share some of their experiences. As this blog will now allow us to include images, we invite our customers to share not only their comments, but pictures of their favorite Nautical Luxuries in their own waterside homes.

Nathalie, Lewes, DE: I am a customer who very much appreciates your service. The Sea Shell Tree is an investment I look forward to enjoying for many years. And I’m sure more Nautical Luxuries purchases are in my future. Thanks for being so easy and responsive. Sincerely, Nathalie Maya, McLean, VA: I just wanted to let you know that I have received the rocker and it is gorgeous! It will go prefectly in my nautical-inspired nursery for my first baby! I am very happy with it! Thanks for the prompt and impeccable service. Maya

Kathy, McCaskill, AR: Just wanted to let you know that my Neptune Santa arrived yesterday, safe & sound. Thank you for packaging it so well & sending it out so quickly. I know that it will make a wonderful Christmas present! It was nice doing business with you! Have a blessed holiday season! Kathy

Mrs. B, Waltham, MA: I received the glasses and they were just beautiful. They were a big hit with all my guests! I want to thank you for all your hard work…..it was very much appreciated and I will tell you my friends absolutely LOVED them. Maybe next time I will give them all a sailboat wine glass!

Michelle, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: We left Malta last night and are now entering to Sicily. I should be up on deck or looking out the window but I am here thinking about Nautical Luxuries! I want to buy things for this boat! I will be back in a few weeks and can’t wait to order! Thank you, Michelle

Bonnie, Greenville, SC: The collar arrived, fit perfectly, and my boy is looking extra spiffy tonight. He’s a brown Pit/Boxer mix, so I wanted something nautical yet manly and strong enough for the solid muscle that is my pup.

Marilyn, Santa Barbara, CA: The Seahorse Flutes came and are beautiful, I am sure my daughter and her husband to be will love them! Her sister purchased the sterling nautilus ice bucket so your company will be well represented at the head table! Thanks, Marilyn

Janine, Queensland, Australia: The beautiful Wagwear Collar and lead have arrived and we can’t wait to show them off! Fabulous team and great service!! Cheers, Janine

Tommy, Antioch, TN: I received the glass rope/knot yesterday, and I love it. It’s perfect for where I put it, and I am so glad it arrived before Xmas. THANKS for your help!!!

C.K., New York, NY: Actually my husband just became the US ambassador to the UN. We love your products and are planning to give the residence a nautical feel!

Susan, Mount Jackson, VA: I received the shower curtain yesterday and it is beautiful. I really enjoyed the catalogue too. Thank you so much. Susan

Rosemary, Ft. Myers, FL: My husband was a Navy Seal and worked for NOAA for 31 years. He is now retired. We should be the poster family for nautical decore. Our Christmas tree is going to be truely beautiful!! I will have to tell our friends about your site. Thank You so much. I can’t wait to get my order. Our two teenage boys already want me to start decorating our home for Christmas right after Haloween. Thanks to you, maybe I will…. God Bless, Rosemary

Shannon, Coon Rapids, MN: We received the order by our Anniversary…thank you so much! He LOVES the cufflinks, and I think they are so very pretty. Thank you for the beautiful product.

Nancy, Wash., DC: We LOVE everything we’ve gotten from you and truly appreciate the wonderful quality. Thank you!

Bonnie, Waterbury, CT: The teak placemats and coasters are kept on my outdoor deck table and continue to look and function great even with the outdoor environment. I am VERY happy with them and use them everyday! Thanks again and I look forward to hearing from you again sometime soon. Bonnie.

Carol, Palm City, FL: As a new boat dealer, who has to decorate demo boats annually, I find your merchandise very discerning! I’ve purchased previously.

Nancy, Franktown, VA: Just wanted to let you know that I received the sand dollar towel bar & outlet cover — they’re absolutely beautiful, and the quality is excellent. I’ve already put them up. Great product, excellent service — I’m more than pleased! Nancy

Ernestine, Visalia, CA: The pin is a gift for my friend who is our National Conference Chair Person. Our logo is the Starfish…Very appropriate and perfect. Thank you.

Sonya, Plainfield, IL: I actually received one of your X-mas cards and liked it so much that I decided to track you down. I’m requesting a catalog as I plan to get my holiday cards from you later this year. Paulina, Cincinnati, OH: We ordered our Christmas cards from you last year for our company and everybody just loved the wonderful photography!Elizabeth, Wrightwood, CA: I received the package and am delighted in the cards I ordered. I plan on ordering more, plus a book I saw in the catalog you included. Thanks for the excellent product!!

Mary, Hayling Island, England: Delighted with the seahorse servers etc.recently received.please keep me up to date when you bring in new items to your range.

Kate, Auke Bay, AK: Thanks so much for offering these cuff links. We just returned from Santiago, Chile, the home of lapis lazuli stones and I looked everywhere for something like this to no avail……so imagine my surprise and delight! My husband’s birthday is next week and he will be shocked!! Thanks again!! Kate

Check back again for updates on current events.

Yacht Races

Yacht Shows & Rendezvous

Coastal Events – It’s Boat Parade Season!!

November 28 Lighted Holiday Boat Parade, Mystic, CT

                      North Carolina Holiday Flotilla, Wrightsville Beach & Wilmington, NC

                      Savannah Harbour Boat Parade of Lights, Savannah, GA

                      Wicomico Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade, Allen, MD

                      Christmas Lights Boat Parade, Mooloolaba Marina Canals, Australia

December 4   2nd Annual Lighted Boat Parade, Augusta, GA

                     Green Cove Springs Lighted Boat Parade, Green Cove Springs, FL

Dec. 4-5       27th Annual Lake Havasu City Boat Parade of Lights

December 5  21st Annual Downtown Hampton Holly Days Lighted Boat Parade, Hampton, VA

                     Baltimore Inner Harbor Lighted Boat Parade,  Baltimore, MD                 

                     Island Of Lights Festival Holiday Flotilla, Carolina Beach, NC

                     South Carolina Parade Of Boats, Charleston, SC

                     Holiday Boat Parade of the Palm Beaches, Palm Beach, FL 

                     Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade, Yorktown, VA

                     20th Annual Charlotte Harbor Lighted Boat parade On The Peace River, Punta Gorda, FL

                     Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat Parade, Santa Cruz, CA

                     Ormond Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Ormond Beach, FL

                     5th Annual Lighted Boat Parade, Ilwaco, WA

                     Christmas Boat Parade of Lights, Venice, FL

                     Twinkle Light Boat Parade, Grapevine, TX

                     Annual Holiday Parade of Lights, Alexandria, VA

                     Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla, Beaufort & Morehead City, NC

                     10th Annual Lights On The Creek Christmas Boat Parade, Irvington, VA

Dec. 5-6       Gloucester Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks, Gloucester, MA

Dec. 7-8       Lake Havasu Christmas Boat Parade of Lights

December 12 Marina del Rey Boat Parade, Marina del Rey, CA  
                      44th Annual, Christmas In Paradise, Grand Marshall: Zac Sunderland

                      18th Annual King Harbor Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade

                      Nautical Night of Lights Lighted Boat Parade, Gulf Shores, AL

                      Bermuda Christmas Boat Parade – Grand Finale of the Island’s 400th Anniversary Celebrations

                      Winterfest Lighted Boat Parade, Fort Lauderdale, FL   

                      Key West Lighted Boat Parade, Key West, FL

                      Christmas Boat Lane Parade, Clear Lake, TX

                      23rd Annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights, Sarasota, FL

                      Key Largo Boat Parade, Key Largo, FL

                      Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade, Long Beach, CA   

                      Mission Bay Boat Parade of Lights, Mission Bay, CA

Dec. 12-13    Huntington Harbor Christmas Boat Parade, Huntington Harbor, CA

December 13 Naples Holiday Boat Parade, Naples, FL  

                      San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
                      38th Annual, Christmas At The Zoo

                      Treasure Island Holiday Boat Parade, Treasure Island, FL

December 16 Venice Canals Christmas Boat Parade, Venice, CA

Dec. 16-20   Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Newport Harbor, CA
                     101st Annual, The Joy of Christmas Toys

December 19 Marco Island Christmas Island Style Boat Parade, Marco Island, FL

December 20 San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
                     38th Annual, Christmas At The Zoo

December 22 San Rafael Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

Just a few of the places you’ll find Nautical Luxuries popping up recently:

Chesapeake Home Magazine, July, 2008:

These embroidered coral pillows have been some of our most popular ever. Most of these styles have sold out, but we’re introducing several new coral design pillows this fall.

Coastal Living Magazine, September, 2007:

What a great feature this “Sand Trap” was of our Coral Coir Doormat! We sold out within two weeks of this Coastal Living issue hitting the stands and have since added several new styles to our line.

North Carolina Boating Lifestyle, November, 2007:

Another terrific regional publication, NC Boating Lifestyle has featured a variety of Nautical Luxuries’ products from pet accessories to bar accessories. Last November, they showcased our over-the-top SeaTree tabletop Christmas tree. We’ll be introducing something even more extraordinary this holiday season!

Today’s Chicago Woman, June, 2008:

TCW featured several great Nautical Luxuries items this summer, including our best-selling Aluminum Nautilus Ice Bucket, the classic Silver Lighthouse Salt & Peppermill, and our 3-Pc. Coastal Bottle Stopper Set. All make wonderful hostess and thank-you gifts!

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Summer, 2008:

More and more coastal brides are discovering Nautical Luxuries as a great resource for coastal-themed wedding decor, bridal accessories and wedding party gifts. This summer’s favorite is the classic Silver Lighthouse Salt & Peppermill.

Orange County Home, December, 2007:

Glam was the theme of OC Home Magazine last December, and Nautical Luxuries made the cover! Our Swarovski Crystal Seahorse Ornament and starfish were a big hit last year. Inside, OC Home featured a unique orange-themed holiday layout with an entire page of Nautical Luxuries, from beaded seahorse ornaments and coral silk pillows and Christmas stockings, to beautiful cloisonne ornaments.

SeaTow Lifelines, Winter, 2007:

SeaTow’s publication, Lifelines, published a great Holiday Gift Guide including several Nautical Luxuries items including cocktail shakers, books and tote bags.

Unfortunately for our Web Crew, I’m always looking to raise the bar on elegance at NauticalLuxuries.com. I’ve never once heard them grumble, and they’ve always risen to the challenge.

This time, they’ve done an outstanding job translating vague input for a more sophisticated look into what you now see on our home page, and throughout the entire site. The new look is terrific, but that’s not all…

They’ve also set up a new Living By The Water section that will allow us to keep you posted on a wide variety of coastal/nautical lifestyle topics. The new blog, for example, is one of my favorite additions. I started writing posts a couple of months ago, to set the stage with a little background on who and where we are, and why I love the nautical lifestyle. Now that we’re live, I’ll be able to focus more on our products and the experiences and input we’ve received from our customers.

I look forward to your comments and I raise my glass in toast to Bud and Alane, our Website crew for a job well done!

DJ

How can something be so grueling, yet so fun?

Going to the markets twice each year is as exhilarating to my creative senses as it is excruciating to my feet! I’m happy to report, though, that not only did I survive the endless trek through showroom after showroom, in city after city, I am very excited about the new luxuries we’ll be introducing this fall and next spring. (Stay tuned for some sneak peaks.)

I’d been warned during previous buying trips, though, that coastal – especially coral – was slipping in popularity. Not so, according to what I saw in more showrooms than ever, (and in many cases, featured right up front). Clearly, the coastal/nautical theme is not only alive and well, but is benefiting from the attention of wonderful designers with new and exciting interpretations of traditional shell, coral, and marine life motifs.

Can’t wait to introduce the new line!

After a challenging week of traveling, it’s always nice to head back to SNA and re-immerse in the island life.

A glass of wine and a relaxing sunset walk around the island with Mr Jones, and I’m now completely rejuvenated and ready to start work on bringing the new collection to life online and in our showroom.

DJ

What a day for being on the water!

Mr. Jones, (handsome lad in yellow jacket), and I started the day early, with a jog around the island, accompanied by solitary rowers skimming silently past us on the water. It wasn’t long, though, before our tranquil little island was transformed by the summer onslaught of beachgoers and partying harbor-cruisers.

By noon, Mr. Jones and I were right in the thick of things on the harbor in our little kayak. Everywhere we paddled, there was music, and people were having the time of their lives! Despite the price of fuel, boating continues to be one of the best values going for family fun.

We made our way through the harbor “traffic” and on down the channel to meet up with friends aboard Cha Cha Cha. A ration or two of rum later, we were on our way back – Mr. Jones clinging tenaciously to his square of carpet on the tiny bow and barking like a lunatic at anything and everything that motored, sailed or floated our way.

As the sun edged lower, turning the water a glorious silver, the waterside grills started sending the most wonderful aromas out over the water, and the sound of fireworks announced the beginning of a night of national celebration. We glided back towards the island and up onto the beach.

Time to hose off the salt water, head inside, and thank my lucky stars for being an American and for living by the water.

DJ

Living on an island is one of my favorite luxuries.

Being surrounded by water, there’s only one way on or off this particular island – without something that floats, anyway, and that’s the narrow, 2-lane Lido Island bridge. The bridge also offers one of the best views of Newport Harbor – right up there, in my book, with the view from the bar at Balboa Yacht Club.

There’s a lot to see from the bridge: the white-hulled yachts filling every possible inch of dock space; the towering carbon fiber racing spars that circle the island; the endless parade of surrey-like electric Duffy boats, cruising ever-so-slowly under the bridge and past the waterfront island homes.

Welcome to my little corner of nautical luxury, where nautical is ubiquitous and yet as individual and unique as each of the residents on this tiny little island. It is a special place and a continual inspiration for Nautical Luxuries.

DJ