By The Sea Table Setting Accents and Accessories

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.

Aruba Coast

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.

home-bar-by-the-sea

One Kings Lane

Tudor Rattan Ice Bucket

Tudor Rattan Ice Bucket

Estelle Colored Decante, Glass, Emerald

Estelle Colored Decanter, Glass, Emerald

Rex Tumblers - Set of 4

Rex Tumblers – Set of 4

Halli 8 oz. Crystal Martini Glass (Set of 2)

Perle Wine Goblet (Set of 2)

Perle Wine Goblet (Set of 2)

Ultima Thule Pitcher

Urchin Planter - White

White and Gray Clam shell

fish-cocktail-napkins

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.

seashell-starfish-toothpicks

Coastal themed cocktail accessories make a stylish splash as the perfect mix and marvel bar accessories garnish.

Artland Iris pitcher

Artland Iris Pitcher

Artland Misty 4-pc. Highball Glass Set

amber-wine-goblets

Meridian Wine Glasses, Set Of 4

Monterrey Ombre Glass Pitcher

Memories of summer times spent on the Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida Gulf Coast beaches drive my bar and drinkware choices and suggestions.

alligator-print-above-home-bar

Architectural Digest

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.

Ollie Ceramic Table Lamp Set of 2 - SafaviehOllie Ceramic Table Lamp Set of 2 – Safavieh

Bistro Croc 16 oz. Highball Glass (Set of 4)Bistro Croc 16 oz. Highball Glass (Set of 4)

Hank Alligator Cheese Knives Set of 3

Sea waves and ocean breezes come to mind with this pattern.

Ostindia Egg Cup Set of 2 Design by Anna Lerinder for Iittala

Elena Salad Plates, Set of 4Elena Salad Plates, Set of 4

Handmade Fish Motif Orchid Bowl

Handmade Fish Motif Orchid Bowl

wood-appetizer-plates TOSCANA Wine Appetizer Plates, Set Of 4

Sea+Shell+#1+Lazy+Susan

Sea Shell #1 Lazy Susan

Ashbury+Sea+Shell+#2+Lazy+Susan

Set Of 4 Outdoor Woodgrain Dinner Plates

Set Of 4 Outdoor Woodgrain Dinner Plates

coastal-tablescape-tablewareAntique Pair of Fish Servers
Place & Time Summer Large Ceramic Oyster Bowl

Vintage Set of 12 EPNS silver plated fish eaters - knife & fork fish cutlery with sterling silver ferruels

Vintage Set of 12 EPNS Silver Plated Knife & Fork Fish Cutlery 

gallatin serving bowl

Gallatin Serving Bowl

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.

Mini Clam Shell

Home Essentials decorative luster shell bowl

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.

OYSTER Platinum Silver Small Bowl - 1 PieceOYSTER Platinum Silver Small Bowl

Cozart Triple Shell Dish

This super coastal fun wicker whale basket will be the star of the sea themed tablescapes show for shore.

Get it?

Whale Storage Basket

Whale Storage Basket

Bread basket.

Dinner napkin station.

Silverware holder.

All great presentation ideas.

BESTONZON Coconut Bowls Natural Coconut Shell Storage Bowl Coconut Serving Bowls Candy Container Nuts HolderBESTONZON Natural Coconut Shell Serving Bowls

flish-platters

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.

vintage-silver-seafood-serving-pieces Spode Woodland King Salmon Fish Dish

 

Seaside TureenSeaside Tureen

Sea And Shore Tureen

Sea And Shore Tureen

Tempeste Platter

Dimensions Pitcher

beach-style-dining-roomRichard Moody & Sons Construction LLC

silver starfish pillar candle holder

The rule of kiss (keep is seaside simple) applies to centerpiece ideas.

Blue & Teal Ombré Teardrop Vase

coastal-tablescape-photo-John-O'Hagan

The Cottage Journal – Photography by John O’Hagan

oyster shell table runner 6'

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.

brown-shells

white knobby starfish

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.

oyster-shells-in-glass-containers

Decorative sea and oyster shells placed in sand filled clear glass containers  become a tabletop showstopper.

glass cylinder vases

Glass cylinder vases filled with decorative sea shells of various colors, textures, and patterns make a sea escape statement.  

rope-wrapped-vase

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)

rope-wrapped-cylinder-vase

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. 

rope-wrapped-glass-vase-with-shells

Retail stores will soon be in summer clearance mode, and this is an opportune time to stock up on great pieces at good prices.

coastal-spheres

Table Linens

Natural Macrame Table Runner

Chiffon Table Runner 18 x 180-Inch Extra LongChiffon Table Runner 18 x 180-Inch Extra Long

DII Gold Sequin Mesh Table Runner Roll 16in X 10ftDII Gold Sequin Mesh Table Runner Roll 16in X 10ft

Silver Resin Decorative Koi Fish Statue

Silver Resin Decorative Koi Fish Statue

coastal-themed-dinner-napkin

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.

by the sea table setting accents and accessories

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.

5 Pieces of 5-6" Long Natural Cholla Wood

Natural Rope 4x4 Picture Frame

by the sea table setting accents and accessories

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.

Darleen-signature-love

 

 

 

Easter Table Decor Suggestions

The sounds, scents, and sights that accompany spring beautification curb appeal, as well as inquires about my Easter table decor suggestions, signals spring is sprung.

curb appeal Southern Home

Southern Home

Spring officially begins this Wednesday (March 20).

Easter will be here in thirty-two days.

easter-table-decor-suggestions

Gardenistas and decoristas alike realize that’s a small window of time to plant and plan.

Easter definition throw pillow

Emails and push notifications from home décor sites alert subscribers to what’s new in store for the Easter coming together of family and friends season.  If you live in an area of the world that is retail deficient, ordering from online outlets opens up the retail world to you.

Keep in mind you have to allow ample time for sourcing, selecting, ordering, and arrival.

After a particularly disappointing shipping arrival time incident,  I realized the importance of getting my decorating plan finalized and my holiday decor ordering done sooner rather than later.

cottontail-rabbit

Remember me telling you all about the bunny rabbit Dave the Builder found in one of our flower beds?

Cottontail instinctively knew when it was time for Dave to drive in the gate.  He would sit in the driveway close to Dave’s parking spot waiting for Dave to come home.  After the odd couple greeted each other, Cottontail would hop to it, following Dave into the house.  He would wait ever so patiently at Dave’s feet for Dave to pick him up and hold him.

I include at least one rabbit themed piece of décor in my Easter table décor suggestions in honor of Cottontail.

It’s an Easter table décor suggestions must.  Our pets touch our hearts and our home decorating choices.

As far as the rest of the look goes, I select pieces able to make the decorating transition from spring to summer.

bunny cookie jar

Figural Bunny Cookie Jar by Arlington Designs

Scrolling through the home section on the TJ Maxx website resulted in two super cute, super affordable bunny pieces.  The first of two ideas is to use the Figural Bunny Cookie Jar by Arlington Designs as an ice bucket.

Easter grass

I’ll set up a beverage station on the dining room sideboard for our Easter luncheon.  To implement the idea, first I’ll place a dinner plate or charger  on top of a mirror placemat to protect the finish of the sideboard from water spots.

The cookie jar will sit in the middle of the plate.  A thick layer of Easter grass or paper shreds placed around the bottom and sides (if need be) of the bunny  will hide the plate-charger and the mirror placemat.

speckled-ceramic-robin-eggs-blue

Complete the look by “hiding” decorative ceramic or plastic Easter eggs in the grass or shreds.

Pastel Gingham Easter Egg Filler

 

cement bunny decor

Modern Bunny 9.5in Cement Bunny Decor

The cement bunny will be a two, two, two uses in one piece as Easter table decor now and spring into summer garden decor later.

Rainbow Rock Candy Sticks

Rainbow Rock Candy Sticks

The rainbow colors of these rock candy sticks remind me of the ones in the traditional Easter egg dye kits.

A glass of iced tea served with a rock candy stick adds an extra kick of sugar sweet swizzle and stir.

Signed Fenton Opalescent Basket With Pink Handle

Signed Fenton Opalescent Basket With Pink Handle

A tried and true idea in my Easter table decor suggestions bag of tricks is to use a vintage glass basket as a dish for garnishes or as a condiment bowl.

It’s makes a lovely presentation.

It is said that iced tea is the house wine of the South.   We steep, sugar, and serve the stuff year round.  Bridal and baby showers, brunches, luncheons, holiday dinners, and other celebratory general fancy-schmancy occasions call for upping the iced tea recipe game.

Governor's Mansion Summer Peach Tea Punch

Governor’s Mansion Summer Peach Tea Punch

Ingredients

3 family-size tea bags

2 cups loosely packed fresh mint leaves

1 (33.8-oz.) bottle peach nectar

½ (12-oz.) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

½ cup Simple Sugar Syrup (see recipe below)

1 (1-liter) bottle ginger ale, chilled

1 (1-liter) bottle club soda, chilled

Garnish: fresh peach wedges

Directions

Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan; add tea bags and mint leaves.  Boil 1 minute; remove from heat.  Cover and steep 10 minutes.

Discard tea bags and mint.  Pour into a 1-gal. container; add peach nectar, lemonade concentrate, and Simple Sugar Syrup.  Cover and chill 8 to 24 hours.

Pour chilled tea mixture into a punch bowl or pitcher.  Stir in ginger ale and club soda just before serving.  Garnish, if desired.

Simple Sugar Syrup

Ingredients

2 cups sugar

1 cup water

Directions

Bring sugar and water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.  Boil, stirring occasionally, 4 minutes or until sugar is dissolved and mixture is clear.  Cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes).

– Southern Living – Junior League of Austin, Texas – Photo: Jennifer Davick Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell

lilacs

This photo serves no purpose other than being just a pretty reminder of the in full bloom splendor of spring coming to a lawn, garden, planter, or centerpiece near you this Wednesday.

peony picnic napkin set

Godinger Claro Blue Highball Glasses, Set of Four

Set Of 4 Adelaide Dinner Plates 222 Fifth222 Fifth Set Of 4 Adelaide Dinner Plates

pink-yellow-roses

Fresh, faux, or a mixing of both, remarkably gorgeous flower arrangements need not be expensive.  Some of the most impressive flower arrangements are simple in nature and elegant in statement.

Begin in your yard and garden, and build your arrangement from there.

Hull Pottery Woodland Pink Basket Hull Pottery Woodland Pink Basket

Garden roses mixed with dusty miller, bridal wreath, fern fronds, and fresh seeded eucalyptus brings spring beauty to your dining table or sideboard.

cabbage-pattern-serving-bowl  Farmhouse Cabbage Serving Bowl from Martha Stewart Collection

Container ideas range from serving bowls and art pottery baskets to ornamental cabbages and decorative cement planters.

spring-diy-flower-arrangement

Cabbage Arrangement

Easter Table Decor Suggestions:

Mikasa Silk Floral Teal Appetizer PlateMikasa Silk Floral Teal Appetizer Plate

Made In Portugal Cabbage Serving Dish

Olfaire Pottery Made In Portugal Cabbage Serving Dish

Gingham Robins Egg Dinner PlateGingham Robins Egg Dinner Plate

Delicious desserts have become works of culinary art.  Do your Easter desserts justice with an impressive plating presentation.

berry-cream-tartlets-easy-easter-desserts

Very Berry Cream Tartlets

Included in my Easter table décor suggestions repertoire is the use of at least one vintage piece.

Vintage pieces possess charming features, distinguishing colors, and delicate patterns able to gracefully stand alone or easily mix with new traditional favorites.

Floral Cake Plate from Germany with 2 HandlesFloral Cake Plate from Germany with 2 Handles

coconut cake with rose topper

Rae Dunn Happy Spring Cake Stand

Rae Dunn Happy Spring Cake Stand

I don’t always have the best luck when shopping the shelves at my favorite local treasure shop, but on my last visit I spied this darling figurine behind a piece that wouldn’t normally catch my eye.

The colors, condition, and price sold the piece, and it fits in perfectly with my Easter decorating theme.

Fenton-basket-blue

These Easter table décor suggestions invite a simple yet elegant charm factor to the spring get-together and Easter celebration.

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