Affordable Luxuries

The world is full of high priced goods and it can become easy to spend an excess amount of money when purchasing what you consider to be the best. The real trick, however, is knowing that you do not always need to, even when we are not in this sensitive economy. Anyone can appreciate a good deal now and then - especially when it comes to life’s indulgences. These are what might be called "affordable luxuries": well-made, elegant items that give pleasure, but don't need to cost a fortune.



Today, we are in a “deal and discount” mode… i.e. wanting to get the most for the least amount. In our new affordable luxuries collection, we will help you forage for splendid deals without having to search endlessly for a worthy purchase. Our collection is all about quality and made by the hands of passionate artisans. The items are time-resistant, classic and contemporary. It’s not bargain basement and nor is it meant to be.



The old saying “One man’s treasure is another man’s trash” holds true in the luxury world. Understanding the point of reference is necessary because an item you might find to be a luxury item, might not be the same for another person. Luxury doesn’t always have to do with money as much as it has to do with meaning. With this in mind, we have put together a collection of items that will not only create a memorable luxury gift, but one that offers intrinsic meaning of thoughtfulness and appreciation.

Click HERE to view the affordable luxury collection.

The Venice I Love!

I immediately had a love affair with this city while approaching our landing into the Venetia Airport and seeing the stream of water taxi’s driving in their lanes along the blue sky waters. The sun was bright and the boat’s chrome reflections bounced in the water like bursts of energy.

Luggage and all, we took a water taxi to the legendary Gritti Palace Hotel. While speeding through the Grand Canal, I see my first gondola. My heart beats as it is just like what you see in the movies! There were streams of gondolas… all pristine and shiny black, embellished with flowers and gold decoration. The gondolier is the master of the Grand Canal - fit and tan and with the recognizable black and white stripe shirt and black hat. I had goose bumps and I said to myself, “I’m never leaving”.

We approached the dock of the Gritti and was greeted by a meticulously uniformed bell captain who escorted us to the lobby. I then realized that old is precious and new is out. Venice remains, as always, committed to its past, holding on to their treasures such as San Marco square and not adjusting easily to the impressive Pinault Contemporary Art Center or the Peggy Guggenheim modern art collection.

The small winding roads that seem to go on forever are passages to the smallest of stores and ateliers where craftsman practice their trade that has been handed down to them from generations before. The streets are a maze. Along with stores, you will find neighborhood bars, established restaurants, boutique hotels and local homes. Walking the bridges over the canals brought views of geranium flower pots on window ledges, the mesmerizing canal and of course, the gondolas. It is a mix and match of old, very old buildings along with hundreds of tourists with cell phones, video cameras and other hi-tech devices walking up and down these bridges from the past.

People are more than friendly and everywhere we stopped, we struck a conversation. We had the good fortune of eating at amazing restaurants… all different but all genuinely Venetian in every way:



Osteria Oliva Nero – Our first night we were greeted with warm hospitality at this family owned restaurant. The food was traditional Venetian. Dino and Isabella create a memorable meal with their stuffed zucchini flowers. The sea bass is divine. When leaving, they present a gift of olive oil in a burlap bag. This restaurant is a must!

39-041 /099- 7565 www.osteria-olivanera.com.


Da Fiore – This barrel-vaulted, somewhat formal restaurant offers Chef Mara Martin’s deceptively simple fare: from plates of the deep-fried calamari, scampi and zucchini to a dessert of pineapple soup with mint and fresh berries. There is impeccable service from the staff that takes enormous pride in caring for you in a formal, elegant way. The best tables are on the outdoor balcony overlooking the canal. There we met a young couple on their honeymoon from Colorado. With tables so close, it was hard not to strike up a conversation… and one we thoroughly enjoyed.

39-041/ 721-308

Ai Mercanti - Situated in the heart of Venice, between San Marco square and Rialto Bridge this restaurant serves typical Venetian and international dishes. The menu is updated every two months and offers the freshest seasonal foods. We loved dining outside on crisp white linens in the typical and peaceful "campiello". The staff is caring and flawless, taking great care to serve you the finest foods possible. We dined with friends and sat outside in the small square for hours without realizing the restaurant was closing. The staff continued to be gracious until we were ready to leave.

39-041/ 523-8269 www.aimercanti.com

The Value of Custom Giving

Giving a gift should not only be a kind gesture, but it should be something that builds relationships, endures goodwill and says “you are special”. A well thought out gift is long remembered after the gift is opened. We recently provided a custom gift for the band Green Day. The first question we asked our client was “What kind of gift would make the band feel special and important”? We also asked “What do you want the gift to say when received? We sometimes forget that a gift is a powerful communications tool. When coming up with a gift for Green Day, all aspects of the band had to be considered in order to provide a gift that would suit the occasion, but most importantly the personalities of the band members.

When should a custom gift be commissioned? My answer is when the event or occasion is too important not to have the gift aligned with your message and the recipient’s interests. Perfect example of a commissioned gift is when the CEO of Bell Microproducts presented a gift to Prince Edward when the Prince visited Bell’s corporate office in Silicon Valley. The gift, a redwood hand-turned vessel, was a reminder of the indigent redwood trees of Northern California. Wood suggests integrity, wisdom and longevity … all attributes shared in the relationship between both men. Please visit our CASE STUDIES for more examples of custom gifts that make a difference.

When there is a need for a gift, it is most important to go beyond the gift as just an object and to focus on its meaning and understand, i.e. the intrinsic value of the gift giving. The more personal the gift, the more lasting power it has on the recipient.

I like to say we are in the relationship business, not gift business. A gift, when properly done, should make its recipients feel good, appreciated and flattered. A moment should always be taken to think about the person(s) to whom you plan to give a gift. Always give something of exquisite quality that is presented beautifully.

For gifts for your employees, sales recognition or that one special gift, please contact us for ideas and how to create a gift with meaning.