By Leslie Linsley

Author of “Nantucket Island Living” (Monicelli)

May 2023

 The fun of owning a home on Nantucket is sharing it with friends and family. The goal is to make everyone feel at home in a beautiful setting, that reflects the natural beauty of the island. Begin by anticipating your guests’ needs so they feel welcome and pampered by the ambience you create, the amenities you provide, and the pre-planning you’ve done to make it seem effortless. Then relax and enjoy being a guest in your own home. 

It’s time to refurbish, replace, and make sure everything’s in working order. Important reminder - check out the new grills and accessories while there’s a big supply. Don’t put this off.

Welcome guests to the island with a casual “arrival” dinner made from locally grown produce and seafood providers. Home Furnishings has interesting containers to hold bouquets of casually arranged island flowers. 

There’s only one thing better than a good night’s sleep and that’s a GREAT night’s sleep. When did you last replace your mattress? And just as importantly – the one in your guest bedroom? The second floor in Home Furnishings is fully stocked with mattresses that deliver what they promise.  I tried every one of them: Beauty Rest and  Hemingway. Mike Flanagan, Home Furnishings Manager, seemed a little concerned that I might settle in for the night! 

 Every time I make my bed I marvel at how consistently crisp and luxurious my Sferra sheets look and feel. Add a down comforter, white duvet cover, and new pillows, soft and firm and you’ve got comfort covered to the max. Don’t settle for everyday bathroom accessories. It’s an easy upgrade that really makes a difference.  Spruce up your bathrooms instantly with gutsy marble bathroom accessories that include a round wastebasket, toothbrush, and makeup holders. Another thoughtful guest amenity (found in Bed & Bath) and new this season, classic seersucker bathrobes in the softest pink or gray and white stripe.  Pink is the perfect color to inject yesterday’s trendy gray and white color scheme with an “of the moment” look. I like the feminine touch of “barely there” pink towels mixed with sumptuous white and gray ones. Navy blue makeup finger towels inscribed in white – an absolute MUST for the guest bathroom. You’ll be sorry if you don’t buy half a dozen.

Remember Mother’s Day!!  Fill one of the “not your every day” laundry baskets or the exquisite blue and white island shopping bag/ beach tote from Dash & Albert, with MHC’s line of pure white Nantucket soaps, body wash and lotions for ultimate pampering. And not to be missed - At last, a really good, Laundry Spot Cleaner - Archipelago plant-based, non-toxic, fragrance free, essential item to keep in the laundry room. And, the final touch for the linen closets; bars of Italian Dolce Vivere natural soap for a subtle, scent-ual experience.  Wrapped in exquisite floral paper they make perfect gifts. Add a few to the Mother’s Day basket!