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.⇒
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.
Coastal Dinnerware Table
Today I’m sharing a relaxed and tranquil summer table, set outdoors and evocative of the seaside.
But it’s not the seaside. In fact it’s simply under my back patio.
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.
The crowning touch is a lovely taupe bowl, but 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.
I’m crazy in love with the acrylic goblets, as well.
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.
If you close your eyes and concentrate really hard, you can just about hear the nearby sea.
Even if it is tucked beneath a suburban deck!
Resource Guide
To get the look, click on the items below for direct links to the products. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.
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Lory, your tablescape is stunning as always!
Thank you, Cindy!!
Love the idea of a seaside tablescape even though you don’t live by the sea. I especially liked the linen ruffled tablecloth you featured.
Such a pretty tablescape and good to see you finally enjoying some outdoor weather Lory!
Thanks, Janet!! Yes, when you move indoors is pretty much when we move outdoors… 😉
Beautiful and elegant table setting.
Beautiful tablescape – love the peonies !
Thanks, Sandra!
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?
Thanks, Sharon! The container, as well as the peonies are from The Enchanted Home shop.
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
Thanks 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… 😉
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!
You set the prettiest table Lory!!!
What a pretty coastal inspired table Lory! I love the marbled plates. You are a master of the beautiful table my friend.
Nancy
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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
Thank you so much, Fabby!!
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.
What lovely thing to say! Thank you!!
Beautiful outdoor setting
Love this beautiful tablescape, especially the beautiful pewter chargers!
Thanks, Michelle!! They’re my favorites… 🙂
Lory,
Where did you find the beautiful napkin rings? I did not see them listed on the source list.
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!
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.
This is such a beautiful tablescape. I love the vintage feel and the neutral color palette.
I also don’t live by the coast, I am from San Diego living in Texas. I do my best to bring a coastal vibe into our home. Thank you for inspiring me more‼️
Blue is my favorite color and the coastal blues are absolutely gorgeous.
Beautiful tablescape.
I can’t believe you used faux flowers for the centerpiece! Lovely!
I don’t live by the water either (sad face here) but I love your design & colors. Thanks!
Your blog is wonderful love your tablescape, they are always beautiful I can hear the ocean!!! Love it
What a beautiful nod to coastal! Not a seashell, sand dollar or starfish in sight. But it says coastal all the same. I love the mix of faux and fancy. Truly would be a delight to have a meal at this table.
You described it perfectly, peaceful.
Such a beautiful tablescape. That centerpiece is exquisite…hard to believe it isn’t real.
Beautiful dishes!! I’ll be trying this next week after the 4th is over!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful design, as usual you inspired me to try my next project. I am definitely going to try to get those pewter chargers, they are super versatile and I saw them in several of your table settings. Thank you for this beautiful post!
Gorgeous table setting. I especially like the napkins and napkin rings.
makes we want to be at the beach
I too love the coastal look and don’t live near the beach! My whole house has that beachy feel! Your table is so lovely. I love it all!
What lovely table settings. I’m not a ‘blue’ person, but love the layered look, and the combination of different styles and looks
This would be so fun! Elegant and outdoors!
Your tablescapes are so elegant. I absolutely A D O R E the light blue ruffled napkins! So unique, feminine, and summer-light! Thanks for sharing these.
Absolutely beautiful!
This coastal table setting is more formal than what comes to mind when I read “coastal decor.” Thank you for this fresh take!
I enjoy getting tablescaping ideas and decorating my dinning table whether monthly or seasonally just to enjoy how it looks.
Even though I don’t live near the ocean or big lakes, I am very inspired by how beautiful your table setting is!
So inviting & beautiful!
Mixing of the cut glass with coastal plates looks so pretty..a bit of old and new:0)
Beautiful and relaxing!
I love the coastal look of this table setting! The beautiful blues are what drew me in and the dreamy look has me wanting more.
So Beautiful and elegant! Thank you for sharing the shopping guide. I can’t wait to have a dinner party on the patio.
Beautiful table settings!
Thank you so much!
Blue and white!
More blue and white coming on Monday!