In this post: Setting an outdoor table with coastal dinnerware is a fun way to use seaside decor for a festive summer entertaining theme.⇒
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.
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.
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.
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.
The base of the whole setting is my washed linen tablecloth with ruffled edging, a nod to summer linens blowing in the breeze.
For napkins I clustered a ruffled blue linen over an embroidered white cotton, gathered together in my blingy crystal bracelet napkin rings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I’m crazy in love with the acrylic goblets and I’m so thankful to Amara for inspiring this tablescape!
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.)
- Pewter chargers
- Turquoise alabaster plates
- Turq swirl salad plates
- Taupe acrylic bowls
- Taupe acrylic wine glasses
- Blue ruffle napkins
- White embroidered napkins
- First Love flatware
- Ruffled linen tablecloth
Please take some time to visit these other wonderful summer posts below:
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Cindy says
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 7:30 amLory, your tablescape is stunning as always!
Lory at Designthusiasm says
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 10:38 amThank you, Cindy!!
Janet - Shabbyfufu says
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 7:50 amSuch a pretty tablescape and good to see you finally enjoying some outdoor weather Lory!
Lory at Designthusiasm says
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 10:38 amThanks, Janet!! Yes, when you move indoors is pretty much when we move outdoors… 😉
Sandra @ Maison De Jardin says
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 8:28 amBeautiful tablescape – love the peonies !
Lory at Designthusiasm says
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 10:37 amThanks, Sandra!
Sharon Warren says
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 9:17 amLovely! 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?
Lory at Designthusiasm says
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 10:35 amThanks, Sharon! The container, as well as the peonies are from The Enchanted Home shop.
Ginger says
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 9:47 amLory, 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
Lory at Designthusiasm says
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 10:37 amThanks so much, Ginger!! Pin away!! I keep forgetting to including my pre-designed pins in my posts… lol. But you can pin any of the pics… 😉
Martha says
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 1:25 pmLory, 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!
Anita Joyce says
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 5:11 pmYou set the prettiest table Lory!!!
Nancy @ Slightly Coastal says
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 7:26 pmWhat a pretty coastal inspired table Lory! I love the marbled plates. You are a master of the beautiful table my friend.
Nancy
Jamie says
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 8:44 pmSo 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
Lory at Designthusiasm says
Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 10:49 amThanks, 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.
Sandra L Garth says
Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 1:19 pmThis 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!
Ann Krucek says
Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 8:04 pmWhat 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.
Jillian says
Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 3:07 pmVery 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.
Entertaining Women says
Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 4:20 pmFor 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
Fabby says
Friday, May 11, 2018 at 9:53 pmBeautiful 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
Lory at Designthusiasm says
Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 9:46 amThank you so much, Fabby!!
Erlene says
Sunday, May 27, 2018 at 5:29 pmSetting 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.
Lory at Designthusiasm says
Sunday, May 27, 2018 at 5:35 pmWhat lovely thing to say! Thank you!!
Patsy says
Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 6:43 amBeautiful outdoor setting
Michelle Buzek says
Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 8:51 amLove this beautiful tablescape, especially the beautiful pewter chargers!
Lory at Designthusiasm says
Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 9:24 pmThanks, Michelle!! They’re my favorites… 🙂
Michelle Buzek says
Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 8:54 amLory,
Where did you find the beautiful napkin rings? I did not see them listed on the source list.
Vanessa says
Friday, June 28, 2019 at 5:48 pmI 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!
Lory at Designthusiasm says
Sunday, June 30, 2019 at 12:07 pmThanks, 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.