"Allan Duck, one of the founders of custom accessory supplier Dahlgren Duck and Associates, noted that while it is natural for owners to focus their energy on the building process, the finishing details can get squeezed in terms of time and budget. 'On all our projects we begin with a yacht equipment check list focusing on the basic service. It keeps our clients from overlooking anything or having to settle for second best,' Duck said. 'It's much more cost effective to do all the custom pieces at once than to suddenly decide you do need fish forks after the silversmith has finished with your pattern.' ... It is important to determine how much and what kind of dinner service is required while the boat is still in the design phase, as china and crystal require custom storage.

In business since 1983 supplying yachts, aircraft and palaces with highest quality custom
dinnerware, Dahlgren Duck's other founding partner Jim Dahlgren said the difference is in
products with personality. 'You can find quality at a department store, but we're talking
about customers who have a desire and the means to go beyond retail,' he said.

'We specialize in small custom quantities. Some designers conceptualize things that can't be done. For example, a completely custom stainless steel dinner service is not feasible because stainless steel is molded and 36 pieces would cost $200,000,' Dahlgren said, 'but we can find a silversmith who could affordably execute it in sterling.'

Generally, with flatware, the answer is customizing an existing pattern by adding gold, or by monogramming. For some clients, however, the table top is an arena to express individuality and Dahlgren Duck has supplied unique flatware incorporating semi-precious stones. 'One custom service with gold and tiger eye was so successful that the client asked us to make the design into other things, including picture frames and a wine crate. Then she asked if one of the napkin rings could be cut so that she could wear it, so we ended up making chokers and bracelets with the same design as the flatware,' Duck said.

Such customization takes about six months. Altering standard patterns - sometimes just a
request to eliminate the maker's name - can be accomplished in three to four months. With
time frames like these, ordering china and crystal needs to be a part of the yacht's
construction scheduling... Today's accessory list also is likely to include personalized gifts for yacht owners to give their guests as a keepsake, such as monogrammed money clips,
sterling pen knives or boxed pairs of Baccarat crystal glasses etched with the boat's outline. Dahlgren Duck also has sourced skin care and sunbathing products with custom colors and signature scents, all beautifully packaged for guests to take home. 'After all,' said Dahlgren, 'it's all about exclusivity, isn't it?'"