Growing up in Willows, a small town in Northern California, we had one or two places to go to if we wanted to shop, or if we wanted to see a movie, or go out to eat… Willows was, and remains a small farm community with one main drag and a few places to peek into. The nearest "big town" is Chico, a University town which offers a bit more dazzle. Going to Chico when I was a teenager was an all day event, it gave me the feeling that I was groovy, especially when in need of a fix for shopping.
Nantucket (a home furnishing shop in Chico), opened its doors in 1975, one year before I graduated from Willows High.
Nantucket, got its name when the owners, Rick and
Nan Tofanelli, visited Nantucket Island.
In the beginning they sold Crabtree and Evelyn's
and other varied specialties with fragrant names such as: Jojoba, Wheat, Cucumber, Patchouli… I felt so grown up when I would purchase something beautiful, even if
it were just a bar of cucumber soap.
It was years later when I met the owners Nan and Rick, I was far too shy to do so in the beginning.
Whenever I went to Willows, I would visit their shop. Their "look" never disappointed me. Soon the soaps and candles gave way to home furnishing, rugs, and interior elements.
Nan has an incredible eye, especially for color, layering with texture and mixing reproductions with old furnishings. I am impressed with her inventive sense and use of space when I see her interior displays.
Nan's and Rick's Nantucket has been a destination for over thirty five years.
Rick and Nan take a hands-on approach of the store’s image and
personality. Most days Nan is the one in the back ground creating
ambiance for their shop or the interior for a client. Rick, on the
other hand, is
usually found talking about pretty much anything, he is the master of
small talk, the extrovert, happy go lucky, face of Nantucket. I don't
believe I have ever seen Rick not talking to someone.
Nan and Rick are equally delightful and extremely talented. Their children have followed their lead.
Several years ago when I was visiting their shop Rick came up to me
and asked, "Where are you from? Nobody around here dresses like that?"
I did not know if it were a compliment or slap in the face… anyway we
got a talkin' and eventually Nan and Rick came to France– we did the
brocante thing together (I bet you saw that coming, huh?)
As
they heard that I was going to be in town this month, they set up a
wine and cheese party in their new shop and asked if I would speak
about living in France and how to avoid eating escargots.
Photo from Nan and Rick.
Here I am pretending to know what I am talking about, standing with
my feet apart (so not ballerina like), holding a glass of water in that
black dress that has be to here and back.
I was happily surprised, as a wonderful group turned out! Readers of Tongue in Cheek stopped by: Mindi, drove over three hours, AND made her husband stop harvesting to help her drive to Nantucket! Plus Amy Doll came over from Oregon, and Ladelle flew in from L.A. with her friend Marina. Tessa came over, my mom, many cousins and Nantucket's clientale did too!
Everyone who came over that evening to Nantucket's I want to say thank you. Thank you Nan and Rick for inviting me to speak, and for the delicious party!
"Nantucket has developed into more than a husband and wife
team; now all three of Rick and Nan’s daughters, along with a wonderful
12-person staff, take part in Nantucket Home’s management and future."
Chico, California
Email: info@nantuckethomeinc.com
Tuesday – Saturday 10 to 5:30
Sunday and Monday 12 to 4pm
Leave a Reply