SHORE THING

If you are somewhere near the sea these days, here are some nautical interior inspirations that make great summer hostess gifts and vacation home accents. Land ho!

Photo Courtesy of Natural Curiosities

A framed Brethellier Watercolor from Natural Curiosities means you can escape to the sea any time.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home

Ralph Lauren's Navigator Novelty Wallpaper with signal burgees and anchors captures nautical in a whimsical watercolor print.

Photo courtesy of Pierre Frey

Sail wherever the wind takes you with Pierre Frey's Les Voiles print.

Photo courtesy of Lee Jofa

Diamond and Baratta's Mayport at Lee Jofa is an adorable check woven to liven up banquets or pillows.

Photo courtesy of Two's Company

The triple thick rope in this Two's Company Mirror makes a statement, and is super chic.

Buy Arts of The Sailor if you really mean business and need to tie a Bowlin fast.

Hang stuff in style with rustic Jack and Lulu's Anchor Wall Hooks.

Photo courtesy Fred Flair

Go nautical chic in style with this little tootsie roll of a tote with anchors on it, through The Daytrip Society.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids

Instead of Carvel's Fudgy The Whale, get the kids the Honey Whale Basket from Pottery Barn Kids to stash their toys and games.

Anchors away! Jonathan Adler's Llama wool Anchor rug will have you wanting to set sail.

Photo courtesy of Jack and Lulu

If you like paper as much as I do, then you will want to snatch up these beautiful gold foil embossed notes from Jack and Lulu.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Tie the knot with Anthropologie's Coiled Rope Drawer Pulls.

Photo courtesy of Stair Ropes

Nautical ropes make for great, rustic decorative elements in a summer or seaside home. Stair ropes are a great option for tight spaces where a traditional banister might not work. Available through Stair Ropes.

Photo courtesy of Design Public

Hopefully you will not get attacked by a giant octopus while in the shower, this one is really more decorative....from Thomas Paul at Design Public.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

If you recall 10,000 Leagues Under The Sea with fondness, then you will love these From The Deep Salad Plates from Anthropologie.

Photo courtesy of Design Public

With an assortment of Thomas Paul sea life pillows, you can feel beachy anytime. From Design Public.

Photo courtesy of Best Buy Home Decor

We'll leave the light on for you. You don't need a lighthouse to guide you home, this Rope Lamp from Best Buy Home Decor will do it for you.

Photo courtesy Circa Lighting

Prop up nautical maps and books on this Estelle Display Lamp from Circa Lighting.

The Orange Life Jacket Wine Bottle Cover from Nautical Seasons is insanely cute-- the perfect gift.

Are you a luddite? Get low tech while being high tech with this faux- scrimshaw case that can fit your ipod or phone from Thomas Paul at Design Public.

Photo Courtesy of Two's Company

If things get cold on the island and a storm comes up, light a fire with Two's Company Nautical Fireplace Matches.

Photo courtesy of Stonk Knots design

The Manila Kringle Rope Mat from Stonk Knots looks great by the kitchen sink.

MONOGRAM MANIA

The Preppy Handbook may be out of print, but you can still live by its monogram mantra.

WHAT TO CARRY:

The Jane Basket Queen Bee Studio means you can hit the beach and town in style over the weekend.


Then there is the Beach Basket, also from Queen Bee Studio, that will hold a towel and flops.

Photos Courtesy of Queen Bee Studio
The Half Moon Basket (Queen Bee Studio) is good for going from pool to party.

WHAT TO WEAR:
Morgan and Company
A Monogrammed Shell Necklace by Morgan and Company is cheap, cheerful and adorable for bridesmaids.

WHAT TO DRINK FROM:
Photo Courtesy of So Luxe
16 ounce party cups are a summer monogram must have, order yours at So Luxe.

WHAT TO EAT WITH:
Photo Courtesy of Dabney Lee
Paper placemats are stress free for everyday meals. Dabney Lee has tons of fresh designs and monogram options to choose from. They come in a set of 25.

TO PARTY WITH:

Photo Courtesy of Iomoi
Okay, so I have a thing for trays. What could be cuter than this for a summer visit to an old friend with a young family? This custom Double Elephants Tray from Iomoi is handmade of Lucite and the trunk is up, so there will be good luck involved.

HOW TO GET IT TOGETHER:
Photo Courtesy of Jack and Lulu
Rainy day project, incoming! Record your classic gazpacho and rhubarb pie recipes for generations in this adorable Red Tile Lucite Recipe Box from Jack and Lulu. There is no reason to have an old ugly one around that is splattered with tomato sauce, are you ready to upgrade?

WHAT YOU NEED FOR A HOT CAR:
Photo Courtesy of GG Bailey
Car Couture monogram floor mats make a great uber- preppy gift, perhaps for Dad's set of wheels? From GG Bailey.

THE GIFT GUIDE

Here is something for everyone on your list. Naughty or nice, show some love by giving gifts with some spice:


FOR THE COFFEE DRINKER
Photo Courtesy of Wedgwood USA
Diminutive and chic, Dynasty Espresso cups with a Greek key motif from Wedgwood are the way to go.

FOR THE DESIGN OBSESSED:
Photo Courtesy of Chelsea Textiles
If you follow all things design then you know Alidad, the Persian interior designer doing some of the most gorgeous interiors in London. He has an existing collection with Pierre Frey and now, embroidered pillows with Chelsea Textiles. He was influenced by 16th Century Ottoman designs. A must from Chelsea Textiles.

FOR THE CANDY CRAZY:

Photos Courtesy of Hammonds Candies
Old world Hammonds Candies out of Colorado make the best holiday candy--hands down. Their candy canes and lollipops come in luscious flavors.

FOR THE FORGETFUL:
Photo Courtesy of Michael Devine
Make a list and check it twice. With this sweet notepad and pencil cup, you will want to become a note taker. Michael Devine made accessories covered in his signature fabrics. Bagatelle in Chocolate is shown here.

FOR THE INTERNATIONAL SHOPPER:
Photo Courtesy of Graphic Image
A Leather European Shopping Guide from Graphic Image is fun even for the armchair traveler.

FOR THE WORKER BEE ON THE GO:
Photo Courtesy of Vivre
Wheel through check in with style with a Large Editor Suitcase from Steamline Luggage through Vivre.


FOR THE GAME PLAYER:
Photo Courtesy of Williams Sonoma Home
Backgammon anyone? Sit by the fire and watch the snow fall outside. This is a classic every home should have, from Williams Sonoma Home.

FOR THE PERSON WHO LOVES TO PUT EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE:
Photo Courtesy of Vivre
Distant Origins has these stunning Murano glass boxes with a metal framework. I have coveted this for years. It is a beautiful gift for someone who has everything. From Vivre.

FOR THE RUSTIC COUNTRY LOOK:
Photo Courtesy of Plait
Beautiful handwoven napkins from Plait are made in the US of 100% cotton. Plait is a chic little company started by a Cranbrook Academy of Art graduate out of Madison, Wisconsin. Order a set through Etsy.

FOR THE NEW BABY:
Photo Courtesy of Jack and Lulu
How about something permanent to decorate the nursery? Blue Tulips Wall Art is matted and framed behind acrylic in a soft white wooden frame. Frame measures 18 x 14 inches with 8 x 10 inch opening. Personalize it with initials.
Photo Courtesy of Jack and Lulu
What about a Tugboat print for the little gent? The graphics are adorable and can go trad or mod. Order yours at Jack and Lulu.

FOR THE WEE ONE:
Photo Courtesy of DWR
To give a toddler their first car, what a thrill! These retro wheels are sure to please from Design Within Reach.

FOR GRANDPARENTS:

Photo Courtesy of Two's Company
A cute picture of the grandchildren will make the elders happy. Bone frames are available from a retailer listed on Two's Company.

FOR THE NAPPER:
Photo Courtesy of Sferra
The Celine throw is pure heaven. Made of 100% brushed cotton it is the softest thing going and a great price. The subtle herringbone pattern comes in luscious colors, by Sferra.

FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS JUST MOVED:

Photo courtesy of Vellum
Bamboo bath accessories from Vellum are great for a new homeowner or to make a bathroom sparkle. Love the waste bin beside a desk.


FOR THE TRAVELLER:
Photo Courtesy of Crane
Compact and old fashioned, this leather encased clock brings it back to basics. What more do you need? Carried at Crane.

FOR THE NEWLY INTERESTED IN INTERIOR DESIGN:
Photo Courtesy of Random House
Domono: The Book of Decorating is a nice way to introduce the basics. With De Gournay wallpaper on the cover, you can't go wrong giving this book.

Photo Courtesy of Random House
This useful book takes the pages of the magazine and reorganizes them by category. You can learn decorating tricks, space saving techniques, good sources to shop from and what the fundamentals are for each room in your home.
Photo Courtesy of Random House
Learn how to pull it all together with easy to follow tips and ideas.
Photo Courtesy of Random House
The softcover makes the book look like a cute text book--it is not intimidating.
Photo Courtesy of Random House
A good gift for a newbie or a Domino dweller, through Amazon.

FOR THE LADY:
Photo Courtesy of Lunt
Use this Toast Rack from The Botanical Garden Collection for Lunt to hold monogrammed stationery on your desk or load it up with toast and use it on a breakfast tray.

Photo Courtesy of Haute Home by Jane Leider
Frilly, well-pressed linens are a heavenly gift. The girly girl often collects boudoir covers, and this will make her so happy. Or splurge and get the whole bed set from Haute Home.

FOR THE SAFARI LOVER:
You might not be in Kenya anymore, but elephants can still roam free in the sitting room. Get some big game through Mecox Garden.

FOR A SAILOR WITH ALLERGIES:
Photo Courtesy of Haute Home by Jane Leider
Drop anchor on the sniffles with this tissue box cover available through Haute Home.


FOR THE FOODIE:
Photo Courtesy of DWR
A Microplane Rock Salt Shaver is just the thing for the cook. The hottest trend since the olive oil craze, pick one up at Design Within Reach. Salt not included, hit Dean and Deluca for that.

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF DECORATIVE OBJECTS:
Photo Courtesy of Joe Cariati
Handblown glass decanters with gorgeous stoppers from Joe Cariati are a stunning gift. Bright hues make each sinewy shape a standout. Available through Joe Cariati.

FOR COLLECTORS OF OBJETS:
Photo Courtesy of Penkhurst Ceramics
Porcelain fruits look delectable in these lux glazes. Why not get one in each color from Penkhurst Ceramics.

FOR THE HOSTESS:

Everyone needs a great tray. Set up a bar, serve with it or set it down and stack books on it. Available from a retailer listed on Two's Company.

FOR THE PARTY GIRL:
Photo Courtesy of Vivre
SuRevolution's four regal purple Tasseled Silk Napkin Rings will rock the party, through Vivre.

FOR THE PARTY BOY:
Photo Courtesy of Michael C.Fina
J L Coquet makes the most stunning shiny black crystal champagne coup. Serve Cristal or Dom in these for your New Year's toast. Available through Michael C. Fina.

FOR THE NEATNICK:
Photo Courtesy of The Laundress
Keep dry cleaning bills at bay with this little bag of helpers from The Laundress