When last we met here on the blog, by the sea table setting accents and accessories lead the entertaining, tablescape, and place settings share and tell.
Regardless if it’s setting the table for a party of one or two of a kind you don’t need a special reason or house full of guests to set a visually dazzling table.
I refer back to the words of my Aunt Sis pertaining to setting a table with the good china, crystal, and the like for the pure pretty of it.
“What’s the use of having the stuff if you don’t use and enjoy it?”
After careful Covid-19 reconsideration, Dave the Builder and I will forgo our summer soiree entertaining.
The number of place settings at our table will be fewer, however, the themed tablescape train with all the delicious trimmings rolls on.
Summer pairs well with setting the table in by the sea chic.
Selecting by the sea table setting accents and accessories pieces sure to complement and dazzle is the part of the process I liken to adding the perfect jewelry, shoes, and bag to a couture emsem.
Estelle Colored Decanter, Glass, Emerald
A sea urchin planter or decorative clam shell is quite the snazzy home bar accessory when used as a vessel for stirrers and ice cubes.
Coastal themed cocktail accessories make a stylish splash as the perfect mix and marvel bar accessories garnish.
Meridian Wine Glasses, Set Of 4
Memories of summer times spent on the Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida Gulf Coast beaches drive my bar and drinkware choices and suggestions.
Presently I’m all in on alligator-crocodile decor accessories.
This particular style of lamp has been around for some time now and with good reason. I’m sourcing and suggesting the pair based on the classic form, style, color, texture, pattern and price.
Sea waves and ocean breezes come to mind with this pattern.
Handmade Fish Motif Orchid Bowl
Set Of 4 Outdoor Woodgrain Dinner Plates
Place & Time Summer Large Ceramic Oyster Bowl
Vintage Set of 12 EPNS Silver Plated Knife & Fork Fish Cutlery
Stepping away from the norm is more my rule than exception when it comes to seizing the opportunity to use pieces for something different other than their intended purpose.
Using serving bowls in an array of by the sea shapes, colors, textures, and patterns elevate the presentation of everything from steamed vegetables to seafood specialties to cocktail garnishes.
This super coastal fun wicker whale basket will be the star of the sea themed tablescapes show for shore.
Get it?
Bread basket.
Dinner napkin station.
Silverware holder.
All great presentation ideas.
Hand-painted Traditional Portuguese Ceramic Fish Shape Platter
Balfor Fish Platter
MacKenzie-Childs Pink Small Fish Dish
Back in our Hopefully Classic days we became dear friends with a fellow dealer who specialized in premier vintage sterling silver serving pieces.
She taught me the art of selecting just the right piece(s) for an impressive table setting.
I still indulge my sterling silver collecting habit when I’m lucky enough to come across a piece such as this fried oyster server and fish knife.
The detail of each piece is impressive, and the Southern tradition of setting the table with at least one good piece of sterling silver maintained.
The rule of kiss (keep is seaside simple) applies to centerpiece ideas.
The Cottage Journal – Photography by John O’Hagan
Oyster Shell Table Runner by Treasures of GG
Bulk shells, knobby starfish, accent gems, decorative sand and river rocks make a decorative splash as anchor embellishments.
Dollar stores are a treasure trove of tabletop accessories and supplies for setting and decorating a by the sea tablescape.
For a small amount of money you can create an impressive DIY tabletop focal point or decorative companion piece to build your by the sea centerpiece upon.
Decorative sea and oyster shells placed in sand filled clear glass containers become a tabletop showstopper.
Glass cylinder vases filled with decorative sea shells of various colors, textures, and patterns make a sea escape statement.
Add the following items to your dollar store shopping list and let the DIY centerpiece brilliance begin.
Glass cylinder vases
Floral Garden Decorative Nautical Rope, 9.5 ft. Strands
By the sea fillers and/or embellishments (decorative sand, shells, pearls)
Wrap the rope around the bottom of a glass cylinder, tucking ends into rope.
Candlelight contributes to the overall ambiance- an essential part of the entertaining and table setting scenario.
A pillar candle firmly situated atop decorative sand and shells will shine a soft and inviting light on the by the sea situation.
Retail stores will soon be in summer clearance mode, and this is an opportune time to stock up on great pieces at good prices.
Table Linens
Silver Resin Decorative Koi Fish Statue
Avanti Destin Set of 4 Napkins
Craft stores offer tons of creative ideas and supplies ready for DIY project perfection creations.
Decorative pearl trim looped through a coastal themed pendant, charm, or bead results in a stylish napkin ring and a little gift of to you from me lagniappe to take home.
Cholla wood, small rope wrapped frames, or mushroom coral pieces used as place card holders or knife rests uniquely carry out the by the sea theme.
From place settings to centerpieces and all the by the sea ambiance in between, by the sea table setting accents and accessories set a lovely scene and a lovely table.
