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Seaside Decor: Setting a Summer Table with Coastal Dinnerware

In this post: Setting an outdoor table with coastal dinnerware is a fun way to use seaside decor for a festive summer entertaining theme.⇒

Seaside Decor | Setting a Summer Table with Coastal Dinnerware - designthusiasm.com

I don’t live by the water.

Well, I live on a coast, but not overlooking the water.

Yet, when setting an outdoor table for summer, it’s fun to bring the seaside to my table.

Seaside Decor | Setting a Summer Table with Coastal Dinnerware - designthusiasm.com

Today I’m joining with a few friends to bring you some summer ideas, sponsored by Amara. Be sure to visit the other posts linked at the bottom of this one.

For this summer tablescape, rather than using actual beach motifs, my approach was more subtle, depending on watery blues and flowing patterns to suggest a seaside feel.

Seaside Decor | Setting a Summer Table with Coastal Dinnerware - designthusiasm.com

The unusual twist on coastal dinnerware can be seen in this plate stack. Beginning with a decorative pewter charger and layering in next an aqua alabaster dinner plate, the stack is topped with a beautiful swirling print salad plate, reminiscent of the ocean’s waves. (See below for resource list.)

The crowning touch is a lovely taupe bowl, provided by my sponsor, Amara. The real surprise is that the bowl is acrylic, a convenient option for outdoor dining, and is perfectly sized for fruit or ice cream.

Seaside Decor | Setting a Summer Table with Coastal Dinnerware - designthusiasm.com

Another surprise is that the pretty centerpiece is, in fact, faux flowers. You probably know about my passion for fresh flowers and I even had some blue ones around the house, but I was so delighted by the quality of these white peonies, that I couldn’t resist trying them out on the table.

Seaside Decor | Setting a Summer Table with Coastal Dinnerware - designthusiasm.com

The base of the whole setting is my washed linen tablecloth with ruffled edging, a nod to summer linens blowing in the breeze.

Seaside Decor | Setting a Summer Table with Coastal Dinnerware - designthusiasm.com

For napkins I clustered a ruffled blue linen over an embroidered white cotton, gathered together in my blingy crystal bracelet napkin rings.

Seaside Decor | Setting a Summer Table with Coastal Dinnerware - designthusiasm.com

A closeup of the plate shows the beauty of the pattern and you can see why it evokes a feeling of coastal dinnerware to me.

Seaside Decor | Setting a Summer Table with Coastal Dinnerware - designthusiasm.com

I’ve been wanting to get an outdoor farmhouse table but for now I just pulled out our old kitchen table to age naturally. We’ll have to see how that goes, but the chairs I keep inside when not in use.

Seaside Decor | Setting a Summer Table with Coastal Dinnerware - designthusiasm.com

I also added silver candlesticks to the table, and I love how the cool tones make the taupe acrylic pieces look almost a silvery grey.

Seaside Decor | Setting a Summer Table with Coastal Dinnerware - designthusiasm.com

If you’ve been reading the blog for any length of time, you well know my preference for items that don’t really match. The quest is always for an overall blend, in this case going for the peaceful feel of seaside decor.

Seaside Decor | Setting a Summer Table with Coastal Dinnerware - designthusiasm.com

I’m crazy in love with the acrylic goblets and I’m so thankful to Amara for inspiring this tablescape!

Seaside Decor | Setting a Summer Table with Coastal Dinnerware - designthusiasm.com

Coastal Dinnerware Source List – Click on the items below for direct links to the products. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. (This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)

Please take some time to visit these other wonderful summer posts below:

Shabbyfufu

summer-entertaining-poolside

Cedar Hill Farmhouse

luggage cedar hill farmhouse

So Much Better With Age

beach-picnic-somuchbetterwithage-101

Edith & Evelyn

Edith and Evelyn

~•~

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Comments

  4. Lovely! My favorite piece is the container that holds the flowers. In that setting it reminds me of an old lantern, perfect for the coastal, casual vibe. Source for the container?

    Reply

  5. Lory, that taupe acrylic is a knock out! And those blue swirls on the salad plates………..aahhh. This is a “must pin” situation! Sand, sky, and ocean blues. WOW!
    Ginger

    Reply

  6. Lory, I actually have those two plates and can’t wait to combine them like this! Your table is gorgeous, as always. I always love the days when you showcase one of your tablescape creations, since our styles are so alike! This beauty is pinned. Thanks so for another beauty!

    Reply

  9. So gorgeous, Lory. I’m in love with those bowls (I swear they look like glass!) and those napkins. And the peony centrepiece of course. I’m interested to see how your table ages. Love your tablescapes!
    Hugs, Jamie

    Reply

    • Thanks, Jamie! I’m guessing it won’t age well because it’s pine, but I was probably going to get rid of it anyway, so figured it’s worth a shot. Will eventually get something more vintage that’s actually meant to be outside.

      Reply

  10. This is a beautiful take on this theme. The overall ethereal vibe is very relaxing just as a coastal dinner should be. I love how your tables are always elegant without feeling stuffy. Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply

  11. What a beautiful table!!! I can imagine your table on an ocean cliff overlooking the sea with the breeze blowing the tablecloth gently!!! You have taken me to a whole other place!!! Love those bowls, hard to believe they are acrylic.

    Reply

  12. Very pretty and elegant, love the colors. I much prefer this to seashell/rope etc nautical, although that is nice if you love it. ‘ The Enchanted Home’ still has these silver chargers. I bought some not too long ago.

    Reply

  13. For starters, my sweet husband just doesn’t eat fish, and most sea inspired settings that I see suggest a fish dinner. Your’s on the other hand would be just a wonderful for tetrazzini or a number of other entrees. I think that you’ve inspired me…even though I’m out here living on the prairie! Beautiful design work. Thanks for inviting us for a peek. Cherry Kay

    Reply

  14. Beautiful Summer table outdoors. I love it cause it’s so fresh without suggesting any particular kind of motif for the plates.
    The faux centerpiece is just as gorgeous… my very fav are the stemware.
    Fabby

    Reply

  15. Setting a table seems easy, but it takes talent to pull everything together. You always do such an amazing job at mixing elements to make a beautiful tablescape. Thank you for sharing your table on Merry Monday.

    Reply

  19. I love the turq swirl salad plate! When I clicked on the link it took me to a pier 1 error page. Is there another link that would work? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Thanks, Vanessa! This is one of the problems with Pier 1 because they don’t keep most of their stock past one season. The pattern is called “Katalla Bay Ceramic Dinnerware”. Its listed on Replacements.com but it’s out of stock. You can also try eBay from time to time. Hope that helps.

      Reply

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