When you’re entertaining this summer, don’t think you have to stick with traditional red, white and blue. Try a beach theme, even if you don’t live near water.
I found a blue bed skirt with white rick rack trim (looks like waves!). I cut off the sides, ironed the raw edge under and laid them side-by-side to make a runner.
One of my favorite design tips is layer, layer, layer. For color and contrast, position a yellow placemat vertically (hang half off the edge of the table). Then start with a basic white plate, add a nautical salad plate and then set a shell dish on its side.
Continue the beach theme by tying sea shells around blue and white napkins.
I found a package of sail boat clips/place card holders for .99. I scalloped the top edge of paint chips to look like waves. Voila, color coordinated place cards!
Add a few sea shells, a fish coaster under a wine glass and you’re ready for dinner “by the shore!”
Every table needs height, so for the centerpiece, I piled yellow candles and more shells on (and under) a cake plate. All you need is some sand and an ocean sound CD and you’ll feel like you’re at the lake.