Newsletter Subscription

Thursday, June 4, 2009

BEACH PARTY


Since, I already had my sea shells out to attempt my "floating" table (see previous post) this past weekend, I decided to use the beach theme for dinner with friends tomorrow evening. For fabulous tablescaping ideas, go to Between Naps on the Porch, where Susan has a list of links to see them.








I bought this liquor decanter set at a "going out of business" sale. I use it for flowers instead of liquor, and normally leave the decanters in the heavy metal holder that came with them. It looked too heavy for a beach theme, so I removed the decanters and used them without the holder.





The shell I am using for a salt cellar is not one that I found in the sand on the seashore. My mother had a set of these that she used to serve small desserts. Since I think dessert is the best part of a meal, I cannot imagine serving any dessert small enough for those shells! I don't remember where I got the placemats, but they still have an 80% off sticker on the back that I can't seem to get off! I really want to buy some of the glue that they use on the back of those stickers.




I'll be serving a green salad on these fish-shaped snack trays that I bought at a flea market one time. I think every picture I took of these is upside down! (I was in a hurry, since it was taking my pictures a very long time to upload on to my blog, and I was afraid Tablescape Thursday would to be over before I posted!)



I got the shell dinner plates at Kohl's (Shoreline Collection, Home Studio)(of course they were having a dinnerware sale that day).


One of the shells in the center of the table is a souvenir shell that belonged to my parents, and it has the Lord's Prayer printed on it. When my sister and I were young, Daddy would hold it up to our ear and ask if we could hear the ocean, so I always thought it was a magical sea shell.

For dessert, we will each make our own banana split. Three flavors of ice cream balls will be brought from the freezer and served from the trifle server in the center of the dessert table. I am using the little shell dishes for sprinkle toppings.



I put the hydrangeas in sundae glasses.





The sauces will be served from two footed bowls. Sliced strawberries and sliced pineapples will be served from glass bowls, which I've placed on top of the glass plates with blue starfish and sea horses.

Thank you so much for visiting. Now, go on back to Between Naps on the Porch, and get the links for all of the other tablescapes. laurie



56 comments:

nikkicrumpet said...

I can't believe you even have fish dishes....that cracks me up. You must have more dishes than DISH STORES!!!

Unknown said...

I love your seashell table. It looks awesome! That seashell with the Lord's Prayer is so unique and wonderful!

Unknown said...

Your tablescape is like a refreshing sea breeze. I love the decanter vases. I use three containers on my dining table frequently. Those fish dishes are the cutest things. Thank you so much for sharing.

Charla

xinex said...

Sounds like a fun party, Laurie. Your guests will be in awe over your lovely beachy tablescape. Love the shell plates and everything else. The banana split is a great idea!...Christine

Ginny said...

Where do you gals store all the dishes? I love the fish plates, the shell plates, and would love to have them myself, but where do you store them? I only have so much storage in my cupboards.
Laurie, I love the setting and the little sea shell salt cellars. So clever! Actually, I love the whole looks of your table. It really captures what summer is all about! Another great tablescape!

Domestic Designer said...

Beautiful table. I love the shell plates.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

What a beautiful table setting.
Looks like you will have a great
time. (I found you with a tag)

Unknown said...

Oh Laurie...that looks so pretty. You've really got a lot of really cool dishes. You might say "a boat load"...LOL!

Pug1 said...

Totally luv the seashell with the Lords Prayer on it! Cheers Michele

The Stylish House said...

Hi Laurie,
Great tablescape it is very clever. I especially like your sea shell plates and I love your magical seashell! FYI, I tried to come to your site several times last week, but my computer would freeze up and crash. I am glad to see it is fine today. Cathy

Cindy said...

I got a "sailboat" design tray at a g sale today that you could borrow for this tablescape! It's summer! yeeehaa!

Dixie said...

Laurie... you always manage to find the most whimsical items in your bargain hunting... I want to go hunting with you!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Oh your table always produces a smile -- you could invite me over and I would just love to have a glass of water at any of your tablescapes -- this one is just "beachin"!

Four Paws and Co said...

Laurie, It's just beautiful! Your decanters make the most perfect vases. I just loved it all! ☺♥☺ Diane

ellen b. said...

Laurie! This is all so fabulous. I love every detail. That dessert table and your plans are great!! What a great event this will be or was :0)

Roeshel said...

Oooohhhhh! So pretty! Your guests won't want to leave the table!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Laurie,
You never cease to amaze me! I love how you think outside the box! I just love those beautiful shell plates and the placemats are such pretty shades of blue. The fishy plates are just the cutest, my you would be so fun to shop with! Oh, and I love that prayer shell too. You always add such neat creative things, I am envious of your dinner guests! Your a great photo taker, these just sparkle! HAGD, hugs and all, Cindy

Tomarie said...

I love what Cindy says, "you think outside the box"!! I love that about all your tablescapes...they're beautiful AND creative and fun!! :-) Love the shell plates and the mix of blue and white! And the little candles give it that perfect glow! :-) Love ya! L~

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

I don't even know where to start!!! If there is an award given out for the most gorgeous tablescape...YOU WIN!!! This is my favorite ever!!!

I love how you throw caution to the wind and create the most amazing tables!!! The layering is so beautiful and every little detail makes a perfect statement!!!

I am in love with the shell plates and the little shell salt wells and spoons...beautiful!!! The flower arrangement is amazing...so clever to use the decanturs!!!

The banana split table is another masterpiece!!! Laurie...ypu are simply a genius!!!

I have had the so much visiting you today I may not go home. I am sure I would love your guest room!!!

Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Enjoy!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Kathleen said...

You really went to SHELL with yourself! :)
You did a great job..love all the accents, and of course the Hydrangea..Great idea making those ice cream treats in the shells...I want a really big shell!
Do you have white dishes??? I think I see some..going to have a little event..Let There Be WHITE..in honor of the start of summer...details at my place..

Ginger said...

I'm in awe, Laurie. First off that you have so many dishes to fit every occasion. And secondly how you set your tables. Makes me want to come to your house for lunch, or dinner. lol.

Kim said...

Omigosh those shell dishes are amazing! I just love them so much and the whole tablescape is gorgeous Laurie.

Mary said...

Oh how pretty! Love those shell dishes. :)

Chandy said...

Laurie, I am in love with this beach theme! And yes, you've got my beach dinnerware. LOL

I'm waiting out on Kohl's for those dinnerware set, but I haven't had the chance to go there. You'd think I'd be there everyday considering it's less than a mile away, but no, haven't been there in weeks!

Hope you had a great Thursday!

Kathy said...

Hi Laurie, can I please come to dinner with you and your friends before I go off on my blog break, everything looks stunning, this has to be my favourite tablescape too. I love your magical seashell. I hope you have a wonderful dinner with your friends tomorrow they are going to feel very special indeed, see you soon, happy days, hugs, Kathy.

Carol said...

Your guests are going to be blown away by your amazing table! Wish I was invited! ;-)

Connie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Connie said...

Oh Lauri, how do you do it all ?
Yes, take whatever you want.........
Tell me ,after all the work of decorating the table, do you then have a meal with the settings ? You must have dishpan hands!
Sometimes I am so naive I sill believe most anything.
Love all your nautical posts. The sand one was spectacular.I love your place and now your long hall is one of my favorites.

Kammy said...

Hi Laurie !
I am loving your large photos (I just finally figured out how to do this yesterday !) It is so much nicer not having to squint at little pictures and you are able to see everything...
Now on to your scape...love those Kohls plates and every detail...the ice cream shells...cute...Well done !
Hugs ~ Kammy

Judi said...

Laurie
What a fabulous table. Your guests are going to have so much fun eating your table. Your shell plates are adorable..and you have thought out and planned everything sooo nicely. Wow. You have great ideas. I love your centre piece too and can just imagine the ice cream balls in there. I'll have to remember that. So you will make the balls and freeze them until ready to use?

I know you'll have such a lovely time.
Enjoy...sure wish I were there. Just because I missed the bear pictures...darn!...I promise I'd take good pics at the party...*s*..

btw...tell me how you did the floating table?

have a great weekend.
Judi

Dixie said...

Hey Laurie... that hanging planter that I painted was very rustic unpainted wood when I started... You can see it "before" in a photo on this post...
http://frenchlique.blogspot.com/2009/05/getting-ready-for-party-hard-way.html
I've never liked it... it was old and ugly gray... now... I love it! what a transformatin a little white paint can make! Thanks for the visit... have a beautiful weekend!

Lady Katherine said...

Love the decanters use as vases! Oh, my favorite is your Mother's desert shells! I love them so much! The table is just beautiful! I want to find some shell plates. I think Hubby would say Yes, for he loves the beach! I wish I could just take your table and send it to my home for a night. lol

Dawn Marie said...

what a great warm weather setting! I have some shell plates that I love for salads or appetizers. i love your keepsake shell, i remember as a child always hoping to hear the ocean in the shell.

xashee's corner said...

WOW! i really like this one but then i am totally beach crazy and beach starved! hehe Thank you for sharing such a LOVELY table!! And please let me know if you need any more help with scrapbooking! :) i am anxious to see what WONDERFUL layout you will come up with! :D Have a BEAUTIFUL day!

Connie said...

Hey Laurie, I changed one word in my title and often wondered what would happen. Well, I found out. I lost all my blog list and feel so isolated. (not on purpose).
Can you post my new address ? It's
http://mythoughtsandtrivia@blogspot.com
I figured I was not churning out any goodies, I would eliminate the "creation"
part of it. I'm learning more about computers every day !!
I'm lonesome over here and I don't know how to get the new address out.

BTW, you have another lovely table all set. Now you need to get ready for the 4th.
I guess we always learn our lessons the hard way. I shall try and not be so inquisitive when I push the buttons.
Naughty me ! (or stupid).

Connie said...

Hey Laurie, I changed one word in my title and often wondered what would happen. Well, I found out. I lost all my blog list and feel so isolated. (not on purpose).
Can you post my new address ? It's
http://mythoughtsandtrivia@blogspot.com
I figured I was not churning out any goodies, I would eliminate the "creation"
part of it. I'm learning more about computers every day !!
I'm lonesome over here and I don't know how to get the new address out.

BTW, you have another lovely table all set. Now you need to get ready for the 4th.
I guess we always learn our lessons the hard way. I shall try and not be so inquisitive when I push the buttons.
Naughty me ! (or stupid).

Linda in AZ * said...

* You never cease to DEKLIGHT, girlfriend! NEVER!!! It's ALLLLLLL too wonderful! (And reminds me of my SO CAL upbringing & life, til I married Jim...and the "Army..." 100 years ago!!!

SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALADOCIOUS!

XO,
Linda

Tammy518 said...

This is so beautiful! I'd love to come to your house for a beach party!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Dearheart...

Just read the sweet note that you left for me...it's always such a joy when you visit!!! Love ya, Girlfriend!!!

Ohhh myyy..I don't know where to begin! First of all, where have I been and how have I missed your last couple of posts? I'm so sorry, my friend! I guess that I had my head buried in some of that sand! Hehe!!!

Laurie, you just blew me away with your floating tablescape...I have never seen anything like it...it's absolutely gorgeous!!! Magical and whimsical...come to mind! I guess that I haven't seen Kathleen's table...but I just would have never thought to do this! What a marvelous idea! I will have to go and check out her instructions. Ohhh myyy...I have stars (or should I say starfish) in my eyes...seriously, your table is just breathtaking!!! And when it's dark...the little lights are so pretty...I love that you used sand to cover the cords! But the sand is such a great attribute to your "floating down the beach" table! I love the sandcastle too! The glass plates with the blue seahorse and starfish are beautiful!!! Ohhh my, really...I just can't say enough!!! Talk about ambiance...well, it just doesn't get any better than this, my friend...it's MAGICAL!!!

Now...for your second beach themed tablescape...I absolutely love it!!! Your dishes are so pretty...I really love the shell dinner plates with that faint blue trim...and your little fishy plates are perfect with this place setting. I like that they're clear so that you can still see the pretty shell dinner plates underneath them!!! Ohhh...and the placemats...okay, I'm really coveting them right now..wink! They would be so pretty with my shell dishes too! Hehe! I love that they have appliqued shells on them and all of the embroidered shells...soooo very pretty!!! Your centerpiece is perfect...so light and airy...just what you would expect at the beach! The decanter bottles are beautiful...I'm committing that idea to memory, my friend! I just think that is a great idea and I love the look with the pretty fresh flowers! OMG...I know that I'm writing a book...please indulge my exhuberance!!! Hehe!!!

Well my friend, I'm so sorry that I'm soooo late getting over to see these fabulous tables! I've been missing out for...how many days? Sheeeshhh! What a treat!!! You're such a creative and talented lady...my dear!!! I have gotten so many great ideas from you...you always inspire me!!!

Love you honey!
Chari

LillyB said...

Everything is so beautiful Lauri! I love your floating table idea!! And the sea shell motif is just beautiful! You are so talented!!!
Love Lilly

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I love your fabulous tablescape. The magical shell is my favorite. Love the little shell plates as well. Your banana split area is spectacular as well.

imjacobsmom said...

Cute theme! Everything is set up perfectly. I love those plates from Kohl's, too. But to have the fish plates as salad plates is brilliant! ~ Robyn

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Laurie! What a wonderful tablescape! I love your seashell theme! Love those plates!! You are so clever with all of your ideas for repurposing things! It's beautiful! Now I'm ready for a trip to the beach!!...hugs...Debbie

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Hi Laurie, Your nautical tablescape is gorgeous! Every little detail is just perfect, as always! :)

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! ~hugs, Rhonda :)

SmilingSally said...

As usual, everything is Perfect. I would love to make my own banana split!

Anonymous said...

Oh, my goodness, Laurie! Your table is just so outstanding! I couldn't hold a candle to you! I love all of your fish dishes and those shells. I love the olden one with the Lord's Prayer on it. Never seen any thing like that! Those great shell shaped dishes are just too beautiful! Now you've given me an idea! I need to go to the beach and collect a few little shells for salt cellars! How clever!
Thanks for popping in to see me and be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy Cottage said...

Tag you're it! Tag you're it! I've tagged you twice. Please come by my blog and see what it's all about. BTW, what an amazing tablescape. I'm in the beach mood, come by and you'll see why.

The Raggedy Girl said...

What a beautiful table. I love the theme.


The Raggedy Girl

Robin said...

Thanks for stopping by and for kind words.
I love your tablescape....it is so pretty. And your banana splits for desert are a fabulous idea.

Have a beautiful weekend.

The Muse said...

I am one voice among so many to give you worthy compliments ! Now of all the delights, your shell, that blessed, memorable, divine shell...cherish it, my friend!

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Laurie...This is just great looking my friend...love the Ice cream thing...how fun that would be for a kids party idea...looks beautiful my friend...may you have a great dinner...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Nicole ~ said...

Laurie, as usual you have created a precious tablescape!! I love every aspect of it, especially since your mother’s shell dessert dishes & your parent’s shell with the Lord’s prayer on it are incorporated into the themed setting. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend, Nicole

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

What a terrific tablescape....I loved the little fish dishes....and those decanters??..........perfection. I LOVE them.

Blessings,
Spencer

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Laurie...this is wonderful...I would love to be a guest at your table! Your pictures look great! I love how you have this all planned out...it will be a beautiful dinner! Susan

Linda Q said...

Laurie, I am still catching up on seeing tablescapes. LOVE this, so beachy and beautiful. All the details are great, good job!
Linda
Loved your George post too, fun experience.
My drool, well one of them, is Kurt Russell!!Never have gotten to meet him though.

Unknown said...

The decorations that are presented in the marriage publications and tv applications are nothing short of spectacular. However, unless Bob Tutera is choosing up the tab for your dream marriage, those developer decorations are often excessively costly for the common new bride. help in crosswords