Baby Nautical makes his blog debut!

I can't believe it took me six weeks to post photos of my sweet nephew, EGS!

Baby Nautical has many nautical outfits (of course!) but this one isn't actually from me!


One month photo shoot:


Happy guy!


Who is the cutest baby? Baby Nautical raises his hand! (this photo cracks me up)

Reader Submissions: Nautical Shopping Finds

I absolutely LOVE getting emails from readers with nautical shopping finds. I have my own team of personal shoppers around the world!

From Swapna:
Needlepoint iPad Case:


Cynthia alerted me that Brighton has some new nautical items for summer! See the full collection of nautical items here
Whale cosmetic bag (there's a cute anchor one too):


Cape large tote:


Cape Cod Metal Card Case:


Chatham Stripe tote:


From Marianne:
Kiel James Patrick bracelet


From Caitlin:
Sailboat tea cups


From Carol A.: anchor watch


Anchors Away Hooked Rug:



Admiral Pillow Set:


From Natalie:
Nautical pint glasses:

J.Crew Anchors Aweigh

I have yet to see any of these in person but all of it is on my summer wishlist!

Maritime anchor dress:


Scoopneck blouse:


Girls' bucket hat (I have a smallish head so I might try to fit this):


Anchors aweigh pant:


Girls' dizzy anchors sateen dress (they need to make this in bigger sizes!):


Anchors aweigh skirted tank (there is also a bikini):


Boys' short:


Sequin anchor tank (I think J.Crew went too far with sequins-remember the draw string sequin harem pants?! AWFUL! I think this tank is just the right amount of glitz though):

Are you loving the mini anchor print?

Keys to a Successful Nautical Dinner Party

I am so excited to have Tanya of the Coral Cove guest posting on the blog today! Tanya is an interior designer, specializing in nautical decor.

A nautical theme is timeless and is an ideal choice for a dinner party, whether you live near a large body of water or you daydream about seaside living from somewhere landlocked. From birthday celebrations to going-away parties, nautical-themed events are popular for their versatility, because they can be adapted to fit nearly any venue. Furthermore, the style of your dinner party can range from extremely formal with a cruise ship atmosphere to informal, like a backyard picnic or a clambake on the beach.

In most cases, your location will determine your décor. For instance, if your dinner party is taking place on a boat or at the beach, you don’t need to do much decorating. Rather, you and your guests can enjoy the natural beauty of dining by the water. On the other hand, when you’re entertaining at home, you can bring the seaside atmosphere to you using nautical colors and accessories on your table.
The following are some nautical ideas and symbols to get you started:
blue and white, often with red and yellow or gold accents, yachts, sailboats, stripes, flags, banners, anchors, docks, beaches, shells, captains’ wheels, fishing nets

If you plan to send out invitations for your dinner party, you can either purchase them or make your own. For convenience, there are numerous businesses, both online and in traditional retail locations, that sell nautical-themed stationery. Creating your own invitations allows you to convey the theme and atmosphere of the dinner party. Some popular ideas include paper decorated with boats or beach scenes, as well as a mini “message in a bottle” invitation.
Do you want to recreate a fancy cruise ship dinner? If so, then encourage your guests to dress up. Otherwise, they can wear casual beach attire. Be sure to indicate the party’s exact location on the invitation, and whether the dinner will take place indoors or outside.

Regardless of whether you have a simple or formal dinner menu, you have a variety of traditional dishes from which to choose. Lobster, clams and other seafood are standard fare. A basic casual menu for a picnic on the beach could include a shrimp cocktail appetizer, followed by a seafood chowder, and a clam or lobster bake. A formal sit-down dinner usually entails a more elaborate menu, such as shrimp cocktail and seafood bisque or clam chowder as appetizers, followed by a baked, grilled, or broiled dish, such as flounder or salmon. Bread and salad are two simple accompaniments.

Don’t forget drinks and dessert. Your beverage selections might feature teas, lemonade, and other summer beverages, while a more formal dinner could include wine or champagne. Cake, cupcakes, cookies and other pastries can be decorated to go with your theme. You could also serve something simple, such as fruit, for a casual picnic.

Decorating the dinner table is your chance to pull out all the stops and show off your creativity. Some common nautical objects to incorporate as centerpieces and accents include lighthouses, model ships, bottles with messages or mini ships inside, seashells, sand, sand dollars, starfish, assorted candles, and lanterns. You can alternate striped and solid napkins in nautical colors and use a coordinating table runner.

Placemats

Like your other decorations, the style of your serving dishes and accessories will depend on the event’s formality. A picnic on the beach requires only the bare minimum as far as serving; think large metal buckets or shell-shaped serving platters. For lighting, consider using tiki torches or hanging lanterns.

Table runner

For a successful event, start with the basic suggestions given here and add your own personal touches. Given most people’s love for the sea, your nautical-themed dinner party is sure to be a hit with your guests!

Don't forget to check out the Coral Cove for nautical decorations, furniture and accessories!

Vineyard Vines New Arrivals

I am going on another beach trip with H's family next month and everything below is on my (dream) packing list! The new arrivals are perfect for a relaxing day by the pool or a vacation to somewhere tropical!

When the most recent catalog arrived in the mail I knew I had to have these anchor embroidered espadrilles! I can't wait to try them on!

A good cover up is essential for the pool or beach. I need something I can throw on over my bathing suit because I already have enough to worry about with a toddler that is go go go! Bungalow Cover-up:

I wouldn't wear a bikini on a work trip but I would love to have this starfish suit for days at the pool this summer (so excited my new apartment has a pool!):

This pattern is just the cutest (and I love the pastel pink and blue combination). Whale Tail Cover-Up:

I love the big bow on this seersucker skirt:
And I can't forget the Kentucky Derby Collection! Last year everything sold out so quickly and I missed out on the hat I wanted. This year I am not waiting to order!
Seersucker + patchwork= the perfect summer dress! Sashay Carolyn Dress:


Please note: this is NOT a sponsored post. I just love Vineyard Vines. A LOT!

I don't like the new blogger

at all! It's why I didn't post on Friday. I was overwhelmed! The little icons annoy me (why can't they just use words?). When I upload photos they are automatically centered even if I click "None" for layout. And I hate that the default setting is to have to use <* br> for line breaks (minus the *). After attempting to write a post for over an hour I finally figured out that under Options (on the right when drafting a new post) you can change the setting to "Press enter for line breaks." PHEW!

I always have a hard time with change. I know I'll get used to the new blogger (and then they'll change it again ;)

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend (and Earth Day)!

ETA: You can switch back to the old interface temporarily! Thanks for the tip, Miss Lindsay! When you are on the dashboard click the little flower icon (looks like a flower to me...) and you can switch to old interface!

Peace, Love & Sandy Feet

I am loving this whimsical illustration of a girl walking on the beach, a light house in the background.

Peace, Love & Sandy Feet Notebook:


Peace, Love & Sandy Feet towel:

Ellen Allen Annapolis

I love featuring new online stores on the blog. As soon as I saw this photo from Ellen Allen Annapolis I knew I would like this store!


You can never have too many nautical bags! I think these bags are perfect for spring and summer. Ready for the beach or pool!

Eastport bag:


Maryland Avenue tote:


Murray Hill bag:


Oxford clutch:


**this is not a sponsored post. No compensation was received. I just think these bags are really cute!**

Ask Nautical by Nature: Koozies

I know there are multiple spellings of koozies. Some people use coozies, some people use koozies and I've seen variations of both! I'm curious if this varies by location. Leave a comment letting me know how you spell it and where you live!

Reader Kaitlyn sent me an email that she is searching for the perfect nautical coozie. Here are my favorites:

Vineyard Vines (available in multiple colors and a patchwork print):


Palm tree, lobster, whale, anchor or crab:


Lilly Pulitzer:


Starboard Clothing anchor:


Green and navy whales:


Lilly Pulitzer:


Anchors:


Whale: