Daily Catch

We know.

The holidays are over and it’s tough to get back in the swing of things.

Why not try a post-holiday pick-me-up in Palm Beach, Florida?

The days here are sunny and warm (think mid-70s) and while you’re in town, check out these gems:

Shop: Bring your walking shoes: Palm Beach is the place to find anything from designer labels to vintage decor. The waterfront Worth Avenue (dubbed Rodeo Drive of the East Coast) is a playground of more than 200 international boutiques and specialty shops. For more unique finds, the Antique Row Art & Design District has more than 40 antique shops and art galleries.

Snack: Café Boulud at the Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club is a fine dining (but casual) spot for exciting dishes such as housemade ravioli with braised short ribs, and sautéed Florida flounder with olive oil crushed potatoes. For dinner, the new Buccan American bistro boasts an eclectic menu of fried Ipswich clams and pork belly, to hot dog paninis and squid ink orrechiette.

Sleep: The Breakers recently completed an $80 million redesign of all guest rooms and suites where the soft blue and white decor represents the oceanfront location. The beachfront Four Seasons also had a renovation and now offers newly styled guest rooms and suites, a new spa and pool area near Worth Avenue.

*Photo courtesy of Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau

The holiday season is atwinkle with stars of both the five and six-point variety, and it has got us thinking about the sea-dwelling species of the same shape. We found starfish-inspired products to glam up your post-holiday home and send you into the new year stylish and starry-eyed. By Taylor Soppe.

Natural Linen with Glitz Starfish Photo Album with Tassel, $72; http://www.laylagrayce.com/Products/Natural-Linen-with-Glitz-Starfish-Photo-Album-with-Tassel__JSSPA15ST.aspx

(photo courtesy of Layla Grace)

Quin by Bathsheba Grossman, $579; http://www.gnr8.biz/product_info.php?products_id=618

(photo courtesy of Gnr8.biz)

White Finger Starfish Mirror, $292; http://www.oceanofferings.com/whfistmi.html?utm_source=whfistmi&utm_medium=shopping%2Bengine&utm_campaign=googleproducts

(photo courtesy of Ocean Offerings)

Dermond Peterson Starfish Turquoise Pillow on White Linen, $142.80; http://www.allmodern.com/Dermond-Peterson-Starfish-Turquoise-Pillow-on-White-Linen-STATQ35000-DPW1007.html?refid=FR81-DPW1007

(photo courtesy of All Modern)

Starfish Napkin Ring, $4.50; http://www.countryporch.com/napkin-rings/decorative/starfish2.asp

(photo courtesy of Country Porch)

Need a post-Christmas holiday gift? Head to your local bookstore to pick up our special travel edition, Best Beach Getaways, on newsstands December 30th.

The magazine is filled with wonderful seaside destinations, great places to eat, fun activities, and exciting things to see.

Happy New Year!

If an iPhone is at the top of your Christmas wish list, you're going to be in the market for a case. And if you're like me, you're going to want your talkative new toy to look unique and chic. We found some bright, beachy protectors at Society6, an online marketplace that offers thousands of cases and skins designed by artists around the world. Beware, they may make your wish list a little longer! By Taylor Soppe.

Seahorse by Rachel Wilson, http://society6.com/product/Seahorse-vy_iPhone-Case

Flower Anchor by Charmaine Olivia, $35; http://society6.com/product/Flower-Anchor_iPhone-Case

Octo by Wobins, $35; http://society6.com/product/octo_iPhone-Case

Boardwalk by Minagraphy, $35; http://society6.com/product/Boardwalk-MH_iPhone-Case

Octopus by Rachel Wilson, $35; http://society6.com/product/Octopus-L5_iPhone-Case

Typographic California - Springtime by CAPow!, $35; http://society6.com/product/Typographic-California-Springtime_iPhone-Case

the way i see it by Bianca Green, $35; http://society6.com/product/the-way-i-see-it_iPhone-Case

Vernon the Whale by Penelope And Pip, $35; http://society6.com/product/Vernon-the-Whale_iPhone-Case

(Photos courtesy of Society6)

Sigh.

I've seen my share of spectacular sunsets, but there is just something about Fiji that makes it even more special. I can almost feel the warm breeze on my face and hear the soft whisper of the ocean when I look at this photo.

If you're interested in reading more about Fiji, look for my story in the February issue of Coastal.

Until then, where is your favorite spot to catch the sunset?

You may find yourself confined in the kitchen during the holidays, but there's no reason you can't prepare plates and be a fashion plate. Don a fun, frilly apron to look great while cooking and protect your frock underneath. Hibiscus flowers, island bright colors and subtle starfish make for eye-catching aprons perfectly suited for a coastal cook. By Taylor Soppe.

Elemental Apron, $32; http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=22810576&catId=HOME-KITCHEN-APRONS&pushId=HOME-KITCHEN-APRONS&popId=HOME-KITCHEN&navCount=6&color=035&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=D

(Photo courtesy of Anthropologie)

Bright Lime Green Terry Cloth Apron, $4; https://www.naturallife.net/product.htm?Product=APR016&Source=Category&Category=TEA%20TOWELS%20%26%20APRONS

(Photo courtesy of Natural Life)

Kensington Gardens Apron, $39.99; http://shopruche.com/kensington-gardens-apron-p-5014.html#NP=6e7ba43673b870178820ecd485f7903f

(Photo courtesy of Shop Ruche)

Haute Hibiscus Apron,$39.99; http://www.modcloth.com/shop/kitchen-decor/haute-hibiscus-apron

(Photo courtesy of ModCloth)

Park Designs Starfish Apron, $20.95; http://www.linedriedlinens.com/content-product_info/product_id-2912/park_designs_starfish_apron.html

(Photo courtesy of Linen Dried Linens)

It's soup weather (even in the South) and today I am craving the Creole seafood gumbo from the riverfront Crazy Lobster in New Orleans.

On a recent trip to NOLA, I found this hot cup of gumbo bursting with shrimp and crab, and it has a nice spicy kick. 

If you're a fan of spicy beverages, order the Bloody Mary garnished with spiced green beans, and make sure to bring your camera to take a photo with the Crazy Lobster himself!

A scarf is just as much about fashion as function. Brighten your winter look with cold-weather accessories boasting ethnic prints and bold colors. We found neckwear inspired by faraway places and exotic cultures so you can feel worldly without leaving home. What’s more, they make great gifts! By Taylor Soppe.

This silk garment was designed with Mexican sarape blankets in mind. Warm-hues and warm intentions make this a great winter accessory.

Sarape Print Scarf in Melon, $108; http://prettypennydesigns.bigcartel.com/product/sarape-print-scarf-in-melon

(Photo courtesy of Pretty Penny Designs)

This scarf was printed by hand in Ethiopia using carved wooden blocks. It is an artful addition to any casual ensemble, especially since it's inspired by traditional Ethiopian paintings.

Rustic Print Scarf, $135; http://www.lemlem.com/collections/accessories/products/printed-rustic-scarf

(Photo Courtesy of Lemlem)

Make a statement with this piece of cashmere. Fringed with leather, the tribal-inspired scarf is bold and eye-catching.

Antonia Zander Beige and cognac fringed cashmere scarf, $1,020; http://www.stylebop.com/product_details.php?id=254591

(Photo courtesy of StyleBop)

Tie this scarf in any number of ways and channel the tropical vibes of the South Pacific. This piece is hand-painted and inspired by Figi.

Fuchsia Multi Fiji Tie All Scarf, $175; http://www.theodoraandcallum.com/fuchsia-multi-fiji-tie-all-scarf.html

(Photo courtesy of Theodora & Callum)

Okay, technically this is a necklace. But this ikat-inspired, hand beaded neck adornment is so stunning we had to include it. The "Le Marais" collection, named for its Parisian inspiration, features tons of takes on this beaded bib. It looks warm, right?

Ikat Le Charlot, $425; http://www.roarkenyc.com/shop?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=416&category_id=6

(Photo courtesy of Roarke New York)

Tribal-stiped and fringed, this scarf has a funky feel. The brand was begat in response to Kenyan upheaval and began producing in Kenya with local vintage textiles. Now, the company has exapnded production to India, Peru and New York.

Suno Yarn Embroidered Scarf, $575; http://otteny.com/yarn-embroidered-scarf.html

 (Photo courtesy of Otte)

This Navajo accessory was inspired by an Indian blanket and looks almost as warm as one. The geometric print pairs well jeans and boots.

Theodora & Callum Navajo Blanket Scarf in Teal, $175; http://otteny.com/navajo-blanket-scarf-in-teal.html

(Photo courtesy of Otte)

It's likely many of your Black Friday buys are in need of wrapping. For paper that's as stylish as your presents, check out our online guide to gift-wrap with coastal flair. If the holidays have got you thinking green, here are some ideas on how to dress up your presents without killing a tree (besides the one the gifts go under). By Taylor Soppe.

This jute gift-wrap is handmade in Nepal from the renewable bark of lokta bushes. The natural, textured material has a beachy elegance that would pair well with brighter bundles. 

Jute wrapping paper, $12; http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=I23145337&catId=HOME-GIFTWRAP&pushId=HOME-GIFTWRAP&popId=HOME&navCount=6&color=020&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=HOME-GIFTWRAP-PAPER&templateType=hybrid

(photo courtesy of Anthropologie)

The fibrous texture of this wrapping speaks to its eco-origins. Made from 50% recycled lokta paper scraps, the sheets exude an earthy look and an earth-friendly ideology.

Lovely Lokta Wrap Fern Forest, $5.50; http://www.sweetorganicsandnaturals.com/lolowrfefo.html

(photo courtesy of Sweet Organics and Naturals)

This gift-wrap’s so green you can plant it. Bloomin’s handmade paper is stuffed with seeds so you can discard it in the garden and it will keep on giving.

Wrapping paper, $19.95; http://www.bloomin.com/wrappingpaper.html

(photo courtesy of Bloomin')

Wrapping paper doesn't have to be, well, paper. Chewing the Cud offers a variety of organic cotton alternatives so you can reuse your pretty packaging (without any regift reproach).

Give Cheer (Persimmon), $16; http://www.chewingthecud.com/shopping/product_info.php?products_id=90

(photo courtesy of Chewing the Cud)

This sand-colored ribbon has a crinkled look that will lend your packages dimension and coastal charm. What's more, it's biodegradable and recyclable so your bows will be both ornamental and environmental. 

Crinkle Paper Ribbon in Kraft, $5.60; http://www.creativegiftwrapping.com/ShoppingRibbon.html 

(photo courtesy of Creative Gift Wrapping)

The November issue's Mykonos story has got us yearning for a Grecian getaway. If like us, you don’t foresee yourself traveling to the land of white domes and blue water anytime soon, you can surround yourself with Greece’s iconic designs. We found fun tabletop pieces inspired by the country’s classical style that are sure to add exotic flair and lots of color. The labyrinth-like Greek key infinity symbol will add rhythm to a simple setting. The sunny urn makes for a bold centerpiece and evil eye amulets are sure to charm your guests. By Taylor Soppe.

JONATHAN ADLER Greek Key Dinner Plate, $16; http://www.lordandtaylor.com/eng/home-dinnerware-casual-Greek_Key_Dinner_Plate-lordandtaylor/168792/?utm_source=GAN&utm_medium=Affiliates&utm_term=na&tag=GAN&ctcampaign=221&utm_campaign=ShopStyle.com&utm_content=Ban&cm_mmc=Affiliate-_-GAN-_-ShopStyle.com-_-Primary

(Photo courtesy of Lord & Taylor)

Exotic Evil Eye Wine Glass Charms set of 6, $12; http://www.etsy.com/listing/62868199/exotic-evil-eye-wine-glass-charms-set-of

(Photo courtesy of Etsy)

Urban Trends 16" Yellow Ceramic Urn, $69; http://www.allmodern.com/Urban-Trends-16-Yellow-Ceramic-Urn-21058-URT1122.html

(Photo courtesy of All Modern)

JONATHAN ADLER Greek Key Salt & Pepper Shakers, $38; http://www.lordandtaylor.com/eng/home-homedcor-decorativeaccessories-Greek_Key_Salt___Pepper_Shakers-lordandtaylor/179678/?utm_source=GAN&utm_medium=Affiliates&utm_term=na&tag=GAN&ctcampaign=221&utm_campaign=ShopStyle.com&utm_content=Ban&cm_mmc=Affiliate-_-GAN-_-ShopStyle.com-_-Primary

(Photo courtesy of Lord & Taylor)

Athens 45 Piece Set, Service for 8, $300; http://www.mikasa.com/wallace-athens-gold-accent-45-piece-set-service-8/5042305,default,pd.html?cgid=flatware_sets

(Photo courtesy of Mikasa)

Thomas Paul Artifacts Tray, $12; http://www.velocityartanddesign.com/artifacts-tray-c-280-p-14-pr-18269.html

(Photo courtesy of Velocity Art and Design)