From time to time, Pioneer Linens Yacht & Estates Division welcomes guest posts from our friends in the luxury lifestyle industry. In this post, Sunit Sanghrajka of Luxury Trips talks about how a little piece of home can make a world of difference on your next journey.

We’ve all been there. Your next flight is delayed, you’re exhausted from the last 12-hour flight, and you just want to get home and dive into your own bed. With airlines cutting back on costs, it seems as if aisles keep getting narrower, blankets itchier, and airline pillows flimsier. While there’s no magic antidote to the weariness of prolonged travel, having a hint of home in your carry-on can make the discomfort of long journeys and delays a little easier to bear.

When you need to rest your weary head, forget the flimsy airline pillows and opt for packing your own favorite down travel pillow. Tote a cozy cashmere throw in your carry-on to snuggle up with on a long flight abroad. Once you’re in your hotel room, relax in your own well-worn pair of slippers and rest your head on the type of pillow case you prefer. Personal touches such as these give your accommodations that comfortable homey feeling you crave while you’re away.

Recently, Luxury Trips sent two families to a luxurious camp in Botswana. Although the African lodge was known to have five-star amenities and interiors fit for royalty, the group brought their own bed linens and slippers. “After an exciting day of safari, seeing giraffes and herds of elephants, you’re thrilled but you’re tired,” one traveler remarked. “Comforts of home are a priceless gift after a day like that.”

If you like to travel light, shipping items in advance is a convenient option and allows you more freedom to choose what to bring. Shipping your favorite items will not only comfort you, but also help you relax and enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Consider it a “care package” from home, delivered precisely when you need it most.

Whether you ship your special travel accessories or tote them in your luggage, you’re sure to be happy to have them when you arrive. Even just one small touch of home can make a world of difference to your journey.

I’ve seen many well-intentioned but unattractive attempts at makeshift luggage pads: extra large bath towels, vinyl floor mats and canvas runners, to mention just a few. Here at Pioneer Linens Yacht & Estates Division, we prefer doing it the right way, starting with polyester micro-suede fabric. It’s washable, nearly indestructible, and extremely affordable when compared to 100% micro-suede. Using this durable fabric, we create designs and styles to be the perfect fit for any bed.

Our experienced consultants begin with the simplest option, which is 30″x 40″ polyester micro-suede available in 30 beautiful colors. This durable fabric is backed with a poly/cotton sheeting or, for the next level, double-sided suede. The next step up, and perhaps the most popular option, is the 30″x 50″ luggage pad with one line of colored embroidery and a yacht logo in the center. This can be superbly complemented with a bed scarf which drapes over the sides about one third of the way up from the foot of the bed. From there, there are endless design possibilities using embroidery, appliqués and mixing colored bands. As with everything we do here at Pioneer Linens Yacht & Estates Division, the final product will be an elegant addition to your yacht’s decor.

One of our yacht clients purchased two sizes of color-coordinated luggage pads for each room. Not only does the crew use the larger luggage pads to protect the yacht’s bedding, they first put the smaller, 24″x30″ pads onto the floor in the main salon to protect the white silk carpeting while the charter guests’ luggage is being sorted. The colors of the smaller pads correspond to the colors of the larger 30″x 50″ luggage pads that have been placed on the beds to protect the bedding. What a simple, attractive and moderately priced way to preserve the beauty of your luxury soft goods!

I was once working with a client and her interior designer when the client requested to have custom luggage pads made. The designer had never before seen a made-to-order luggage pad but thought it was a brilliant accessory for his clients. He also realized that it would be fantastic to have one designed with his own company’s logo. He typically met with clients on their salon couches and never had a place to set up his suitcase presentation without being concerned about soiling the sofa. How great would it be to whip out a custom-designed luggage pad and set it down on the couch! Problem solved!

Custom-created luggage pads take simplicity and functionality to new heights. They actually make excellent yacht-warming gifts from brokers and designers to their clients.  Everyone who sees them thinks they’re the greatest yachting accessory ever, and they just might be!

As I always say, it’s great to surprise and delight the upper echelon with clever ideas in a world where they’re so accustomed to luxury innovations.

How do you find luxurious, comfortable and perfectly designed linens for a V-berth? Alan Murphy, Jr, vice president of Pioneer Linens Yacht & Estates Division, says it’s just like finding the best linens for any other beds in your home or on your yacht. In other words, buy top quality and let a professional take care of the details. Here’s what Alan has to say:

I have friend with a Sea Ray 360 Sundancer who complained about how his wife never wanted to stay on the boat when he and other couples who had similar models would travel together to various ports of call. He asked me what he could do to make the V-berth just like their bed at home.

I went to the boat and gave it a firsthand look. First off, the stock mattress was only four inches deep. The stock pillows were polyester filled and the sheets were polyester/cotton blend with no mattress pad, purchased from a big box store. It’s no wonder his wife longed for the comfort of her bed at home!

The way we see it at Pioneer Linens Yacht & Estates Division, fine V-berth sheets are not different from the sheets you sleep on at home. The luxurious cotton you choose is the same, the weave you prefer is the same the only difference is how the v-berth sheets are altered to fit your funny shaped mattresses aboard your yacht.

After you’ve worked with a professional to select the linens, the next step is having a qualified vendor come to the boat, measure and cut a template of the V-berth mattress. That’s how you can be sure to get the perfect fit for your sheets, mattress pad and comforter.

Templating a V-berth for sheets includes the depth of the mattress and its configuration.  An experienced tailor who specializes in fine linens then takes the template, cuts and finishes the custom-fit sheets accordingly.

Now getting back to my friends and the marital discord caused by the unappealing V-berth bedding on their boat, here are the basic pointers I gave him:

• Start by selecting fine quality, Italian made Egyptian cotton sheeting and have it professionally altered to fit your V-shaped mattress. I’ll help you select the linens and recommend an excellent tailor who knows how it’s done.
• Next, get a thicker mattress pad in order to create a thicker mattress with more loft and firmness.
• Pick out down pillows that will make you and your wife most comfortable, based on your personal preferences.
• Add a beautiful down comforter in a duvet to give the bed a lush look and keep you warm when the cabin is cold.
• Add a few accessories, like decorative pillows and a soft throw, to make it all complete.

I am proud to say my friends now sleep on their boat when they travel because the beds at the marina hotels just aren’t as nice. When their friends — three other couples who had the same boats — saw their magnificent new bedding, they all ordered Pioneer Linens custom V-berth sheets, too!

Alan Murphy, Jr.:

To me, the perfect master bathroom is the ultimate private retreat or personal spa. I think a great bathroom should have a big claw foot tub or a large tub with a millennium water fall so you can relax and enjoy a bath salt scrub and a deep soak. Plush, monogrammed tub mats with matching towels make a bathroom chic and luxurious. I’m not a fan of shower curtains, but I love finishing touches, such as boutique tissue boxes, monogrammed crystal vases and fine guest tip linen napkins hanging by the wash basin with the owner’s monogram or family crest. These elegant, customized touches speak volumes about fine taste and attention to detail.

Jay Crockenberg:

I begin with the colors in the marble and proceed from there. Bath accessories that match or compliment the marble in the room make a bold statement and help give the bathroom a finished look. My personal favorites are Labrazel onyx and precious stone collections. In a bathroom that costs upwards of $50,000 in marble finishes, why would you not invest in high end designer touches, from monogrammed linen guest tip towels  to waste baskets and soap trays? Actually, I’m not a fan of bar soap and soap dishes; a liquid soap and pump seems cleaner to me. Bulgari soaps come in economy sizes for easy storage. When guests are staying the night, soap petals can be decorative and functional for one-time use. For the finest in monogrammed towels, I particularly like Yves Delorme.

Nicole Ashley:

Peace and serenity are the words I use to define the perfect bath. It’s all about appealing to the senses — sight, sound, smell, touch and taste – in ways that make me feel relaxed and comfortable in the moment. I want to walk into a bathroom with thick, plush Milagro towels and an absorbent Milagro tub mat that are well made and beautiful to behold, thanks to their fine craftsmanship and luxurious fabrics.  After my bath, I want to slip into the ultimate doeskin microfiber robe by Chadsworth & Haig, with its super soft outer shell and combed cotton terry lining. Like all the other fabrics in my perfect bathroom, it’s soft and sumptuous. A lovely glass of champagne adds the finishing touch!

Samantha Weiler:

Do you want your bathroom to be a place to relax or a place to recharge?  For me, that’s the first question to ask as you begin creating the perfect bath.  A relaxing bathroom is like a spa retreat, peaceful, calming and quiet.  I envision neutral colored towels, extra plush bath rugs and an array of spa-like indulgences, including luxurious soaps, candles and fragrances, and sumptuous robes to create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. In contrast, a bathroom that’s designed to recharge you is like a breath of fresh air on a crisp, bright morning. It awakens your senses and gets you moving with bright, bold-colored accessories, typically contrasted against a white background. Choose fragrant soaps, candles and reed diffusers that have an invigorating aroma. Rather than soft lights and candles, select light fixtures that wake up the room. You’ll have fun working with the luxury linen and design specialists at Pioneer Linens Yacht & Estate Division, whether you’re creating a relaxing spa or an energizing oasis!

Getting started. The first step is choosing the right iron. I find that most yacht crews have personal preferences, given the variety of excellent European steam irons, such as Rowenta and Miele. My personal favorite is the T-FAL Ultra Glide iron with ceramic heat plate, a reasonably priced steam iron that, in my experience, doesn’t stick or burn when you use it according to the manufacturer’s directions. I bring this iron along when I visit yachts to put the finishing touches on new linens. The easiest way to create a look of perfection is to lightly iron the top sheets while they’re on the bed.

Before you begin ironing, make sure the soleplate of the iron is clean, and then spray the steam onto a test cloth to make sure the water is perfectly clear, clean and free of mineral deposits that could stain your beautiful linens.

In order to avoid creating new wrinkles while you’re ironing, set up your ironing board near a table where you can place finished sections on the table, rather than letting them crumple onto the floor. Ironing fitted sheets is a great job for two people. I have one of my associates spread out the elastic as I quickly iron the sheets. If I am alone, I sometimes do a quick iron on the bed with a fitted sheet.

Not too hot. In every step of the laundering process, take special care to prevent damage caused by excessive heat. Begin by placing your fine linens in the dryer on a moderately warm setting and removing them when they are still slightly damp. Ironing them when they are damp helps relax the wrinkles and create a lovely, finished look with ease. If you’re short on time, keep the linens damp by putting them into the freezer and getting back to them later.

When you’re ready to begin ironing, be sure to read the setting recommended on the manufacturer’s label and set the heat control on your iron accordingly. An iron that’s too hot is a recipe for disaster, while the right temperature makes ironing easier and makes your linens look brand new.

Upside down. Following some important guidelines will deliver excellent results. For example, when ironing light colored linens, iron the wrong side of the fabric first and the right side next. This will create a crisp, vibrant look. When ironing dark colored linens, iron on the wrong side only.  Embroidered sheets always should be ironed on the wrong side to prevent damage. For linens that are particularly fragile or delicate, put a thin towel or fabric over the linen and iron it that way.

Do not fold freshly ironed sheets and place them into the linen closet immediately, as they usually need some more time to get completely dry.

When it comes to questions about using starch, we recommend milder products that do a great job, such as “Stiffen Up” spray by The Laundress, a company that offers superior products for extra care of your luxury linens.  Stiffen Up will give a clean, knife-edge look to pillow shams and add the ultimate finishing touch to your table linens and bedding.

The dry cleaning option.  After a long charter or trip, it can be nice to have all the linens professionally cleaned, pressed and bagged for the next trip. However before you hand over your fine table, bed and bath linens, always ask the dry cleaner several important questions. Confirm that they use only a mild chemical detergent with a low pH, preferably 7. Also be sure they hand iron the sheets. Most dry cleaner shops run your delicate linens in the same batches as industrial restaurants and hotels, which could be damaging to your more delicate materials.

Here at Pioneer Linens Yacht & Estate Division, we pay extraordinary attention to the details that distinguish our luxury linens and superior service.  Purchasing your fine linens is just the first step. Caring for them properly will keep them beautiful for years to come.

The question I’m most often asked is what thread count I sleep on. People are usually surprised by my reply: Thread count doesn’t matter as much as most people think it does. Rather, thread count is just one characteristic to consider when selecting luxury linens for yachts and estates. I tell people that the three most important features to look for when you’re shopping for luxury linens – more important than the thread count number – are the following:

1) 100% Egyptian cotton;

2) woven or loomed in Italy or somewhere else in Europe;

3) finished in the United States of America.

These three points, which are universal on the packaging at most major retailers, are the most important qualities to look for. Thread count is secondary. It refers simply to the number of threads per square inch of fabric. Linens produced for the mass market may sacrifice the quality of other factors in order to market high thread counts at lower price points. A fine quality 300 thread count can feel even better than a 1,000 thread count of inferior quality. With luxury linens, as with most other products, you get what you pay for.

After I offer my explanation of the three factors that are more important than thread count, people usually ask me how I select my sheets from among those that are 100% Egyptian cotton, woven in Italy and finished in the U.S. For me, the selection comes down to the temperature I like between the sheets. It may sound crazy, but I tell my friends to choose their sheets based on how they like to feel when they sleep.

I like to sleep in a cold room with the temperature in the low 60s and be very warm between my sheets. I sleep on 1020 thread count sheets from Sferra Linens. The sheets are thick and luxurious and when you slide between them after a long day of work, they’re the type of sumptuous sheets that help you drift off in minutes.

If you like to be very cool when you sleep, look at lighter weight sheets with, in most cases, a lower thread count.  If you like to be warmer, choose a higher thread count of 600 or more. Also take into account the weight of the comforter, coverlet or duvet you prefer and the type of mattress pad you like.

Choosing the right luxury linens for your yacht or home takes some careful consideration, but at the end of the day, it’s part of the secret of a good night’s sleep.

The Yacht Division was launched in February 2006 as part of our continuing commitment to anticipate and meet the needs of Pioneer Linens’ customers. During my first year with the company, I worked throughout our flagship West Palm Beach store and learned everything about the business. I saw the opportunity for a Yacht Division to expand our business each time crew walked in or when I overheard our customers on the sales floor buying bedding and table linens for their yachts.

I got the opportunity to start our Yacht Division when my first year at Pioneer Linens was up. My grandfather George Greenberg, now deceased, was president of the company at the time. He and my mother Penny Murphy, who was vice president at the time, called me into his office and my grandfather said, “You have been here a year now. What can you bring to the table, kid?”

I took a week to give it some thought and came back and told them that I wanted to start a dedicated yacht linens division of Pioneer Linens.

I think their first thought must have been that I just wanted to be out on the water and playing on yachts! However, the success of Pioneer Linens Yacht Division over the past five years is testament to the valued service we provide yacht owners and crew.

Today, Pioneer Linens Yacht Division is the go-to source for yacht bedding and table linens. We opened a new store dedicated to the yachting industry in 2009 on 17th Street Causeway in Fort Lauderdale, in the heart of the yachting capital of the world. The Yacht Division has three associates who are fully dedicated to meeting the needs of yacht owners and crew. We always look forward to working with owners and crew on making the next refit or new build project a great success.

With our centennial anniversary around the corner, it’s nice to continue bringing fresh ideas to our loyal customers and the yachting world after 100 years in business.

What to Do

While most linens can be laundered in a washing machine, we recommend that you read the manufacturer’s care label before you begin and make sure there are no special considerations to take into account, such as antique lace trims or other delicate features. We recommend pre-washing all linens before you use them. Most fine linens can be machine washed successfully on a gentle cycle in warm water with a cool rinse. Just follow these simple steps:

• Begin by separating your linens from other items.
• Separate dark colors from light colors.
• Pretreat stains with a stain remover that’s made for fine fabrics or soak the stained areas to get them clean. Try to remove stains as soon as
• possible, before they have time to set.
• Use a mild detergent that doesn’t contain bleach.
• Set your washing machine on the gentle cycle.
• Dilute the detergent by adding it to the water before you add the linens.
• Make sure the rinse cycle removes all the detergent.
• Shake out wet linens before putting them into the dryer. This step helps make sure they dry evenly and reduces wrinkling.
• Machine dry on low heat. Don’t scorch your fine linens!
• Promptly remove the linens from the dryer, smooth them out and fold them. If you want them to look really great, you can choose to iron
• them while still damp, using a warm/hot setting.
• Store your yacht linens in a cool, dry closet.

What Not to Do

Pardon us if some of our “don’t’s” simply rephrase our “do’s,” but we’d rather be on the safe side and be sure to make our point. Your fine yacht linens deserve all the attention we can give them!

• Do not overload the washing machine.
• Do not pour detergent directly onto your linens.
• Do not use too much detergent.
• Do not use detergents that contain bleach.
• Do not wring out your linens. Wringing will cause wrinkles and may ruin the fibers.
• Do not use the dryer’s hottest setting.
• Do not store your linens if they are still damp.

Simply follow these easy steps and your beautiful yacht linens will maintain their integrity as an exquisite design feature for years to come!

Red or White?

Some light stains can wait to be laundered and others, such as red wine, need immediate attention. The first thing to do is blot the stain lightly with white paper towels. If it’s a dry-clean-only fabric, it’s best to get it to the cleaner as quickly as realistically possible. Avoid rubbing the stain, as that can grind it into the fabric. If the fabric is washable, as most fine table linens are these days, there are several different tips that work. It’s best to test the technique you use on a small, inconspicuous part of the linen before you apply it to a big, noticeable area, especially if the linen is not white. One technique for whites is to combine a teaspoon of mild laundry soap, a bit of hydrogen peroxide and water in a small bowl. Place a clean, dry towel under the fabric, and using a clean sponge, squeeze out the excess mixture and then gently blot the stain until it begins to lighten. The hydrogen peroxide is the lightening agent. Remember to try it on a small, hidden area first. Next, read the washing instructions on the fabric and, taking into account any special instructions, wash the tablecloth in cool water. For stubborn wine stains, some people swear by sprinkling salt on the stain and then soaking it in cool water or soaking it in a mixture of club soda and ordinary water, and then following the regular laundering instructions.

Coffee and Tea

Acting quickly is key to removing coffee and tea stains, as it is for red wine. New coffee and tea stains often will wash out easily if you soak them in warm water and detergent first, and then launder them as usual. For stubborn stains on white linens, mixing a bit of hydrogen peroxide in water, dabbing the stain, and then soaking the fabric should help. Always read the laundering instructions first and test the mixture on a small, inconspicuous area first. Some people say that a teaspoon of vinegar in a quart of water sprayed onto the stain will do the trick, while others are successful by using a teaspoon of baking soda on a clean, wet sponge and dabbing the stain away before washing it according to the laundering instructions.

Gravy and Sauces

Since there are all sorts of gravies and sauces, there may not be a one-size-fits-all stain removal solution. The easiest way to begin is sponging the spot with pre-laundry spot remover diluted in water, after you’ve tested the product on a hidden area of the linen. Then launder the linen according to the instructions and if the spot is still visible, follow up by treating it with a vinegar solution of two parts water to one part vinegar before laundering it again. Very colorful stains, like those from curry, often disappear after being covered with white toothpaste for a few hours and then washing as normal.

In Cold Blood

We beg your pardon for bringing up blood stains at the dinner table, but many people want to know how to get rid of them. The secret ingredient for blood stains is cold water. Wash the stain in cold water as soon as you can and, if necessary, soak it overnight. Then launder it as usual in cold water and it should disappear.

Tricky Wax Stains

If you set the mood with beautiful candles, you’re likely to be left with drippings of wax. No worries! There’s no reason to ruin the mood. First freeze the spot with ice and then scrape away as much wax as you can with a dull knife, being careful not to damage the fabric. If any residual color remains, place a towel under the stain and cover it with a commercial stain remover. Remember to test the product first on a hidden area. When the entire waxy residue is gone, wash the linen according to the laundering instructions.

The Good News

As we’ve said, the best advice is to tackle the stain as quickly as possible. Don’t rub it in and don’t let it set. Sometimes, stretching it over a bowl and pouring hot water over it will do the trick. Otherwise, sponging it with appropriately diluted mixtures of hydrogen peroxide, vinegar or baking soda may be the magic formula. Or spraying the stain with commercial stain remover, soaking it in water and laundry detergent and then washing it as usual may get the job done. The happy fact is that most stains can be removed in a few easy steps. Pioneer Linens Yacht & Estate Division, the most respected name in linens for yachts and estate homes, offers customized bed sheets, pillows, bath and beach towels, table linens and other elegant accessories.