Don’t you love a well appointed seasonal table setting? Sea shells give summertime coastal feels which are cozy, relaxed and festive. This setting is perfect during the summer months or if you’re lucky to live near the coastline it can be appropriate anytime of year. Please join me and take a seat at a sea shell inspired tablescape.
Sea shells take center stage from accent plates to a centerpiece to votive candles and more. Sea shells can be found naturally near the water or can be purchased if needed. Either way they bring that beachy, coastal air which just screams outdoor relaxed fun.
Key Takeaways
Sea Shell Inspired Table Setting
> Sea shells are the perfect muse for a summertime casual table setting.
> Shells can be foraged near the water or found in many marketplaces, including on-line and brick & mortar establishments.
> Sea shells make amazing centerpieces and can be used for many accents on a table like candles, salt cellars, and DIY tabletop pieces.
> Key pointers on Mastering the Art of Setting a Festive table
Inspiration for the Sea Shell Inspired Tablescape
She sells seashells by the seashore,
The shells she sells are seashells, I’m sure.
So if she sells seashells on the seashore,
Then I’m sure she sells seashore shells.
Many of you know I grew up moving around every 1-3 years through the Americas, but for my new readers’ sake I’m sharing again today. When I was about 5 years old we lived in the Bahamas for a bit and the sea was our backyard. My parents foraged many of the sea life I own today and share here. Please remember this was in the early seventies and regulations and environmental awareness was drastically different.
The larger shells included in the centerpiece and the scallop accents plates are all inherited from my parents. The smaller shells are foraged from beach visits and travel destinations. Both have sentimental value and special memories attached, which make this table super special to me.
MJ Decorating Pro Tip:
If you forage sea shells yourself make sure to clean them appropriately with a solution of 1/2 water & 1/2 bleach. Soak for a few hours and use a stiff brush to remove and unsightly barnacles, algae, sand etc. Allow to dry thoroughly in full sun.
Details of the Sea Shell Inspired Tablescape
Setting the sea shell table setting outdoors only amps the summertime relaxed and festive vibes. Who doesn’t love to dine al fresco? Eating outside always gives me vacay vibes and creates a pleasurable experience.
The oldest form of theater is the dinner table…
~MICHAEL J. FOX
Plate Stack
The plate stack is layered with a casual feel since this is a relaxed summertime table setting. The blue ticking striped placemats set the tone rather than a full tablecloth. Casual everyday items are crowned with the amazing scallop shell plates I was lucky to inherit.
- Blue Ticking Stripe Placemat {Bed, Bath & Beyond}
- Galvanized Charger {Hobby Lobby}
- Open Kitchen Black Bistro Dinner Plate {Williams-Sonoma}
- Scallop Shell Accent Plate {inherited}
The shell accent plates are the prefect touch for every guest to be engulfed in the sea shell theme. Serving either a salad or a shellfish appetizer in theses pretties kicks of the meal with the perfect intention.
MJ Insider Table Styling Tip:
Let something that inspires guide you to plan, design and set an intentional and thoughtful table for your family and guests. You don’t necessarily need “themed” tabletop pieces, but rather lean into colors, patterns and textures to evoke the theme. This makes basic dish ware more versatile and extends their worth.
Place Setting
The place setting details are mismatched with intention. The glassware and utensils are not a matching set of anything, but they coordinate the look and feel of the table. The block print blue napkins echo the water, while the shell napkin rings are a DIY from a few years ago.
- Assorted Silver Plate Forks {thrifted}
- Ivory steak knife {Laguiole}
- Etched Water Glass {inherited}
- Reproduction White Milk Glass Goblet {Tuesday Morning}
- Block printed azure blue napkins {Petal Pushing}
- Sea Shell Napkin Ring {DIY}
None of the tabletop pieces are fancy, but they are still stylish in a very understated manner. The look is relaxed, setting the tone for the lazy days spent at the beach.
Centerpiece
A stately apothecary jar holds sea shells and hydrangeas from our backyard, grounding and centering the table. Hydrangeas are abundant in Eastern shore coastal destinations. I grew up in New Jersey where you spent your summer down the shore and this is a nod to that East coast feel.
- Rustic Wooden Pedestal {seasonal boutique}
- Glass Apothecary Jar {Costco}
- Sea Shells & Limelight Hydrangeas {foraged}
- Sea Shell Sand Wax Votives {DIY}
The votive candles in scallop and clam shells are scattered around the table to create ambience when the sun starts to set. Using sand wax to create these shell votive candles was a breeze! It’s so much easier than pouring hot wax, which I have also done in the past.
Grab YOUR FREE COPIES
Beautiful Place Cards for any
Occasion
Do you lke to share the The Good Life with your family and friends? Make every guest in your home feel special with personalized place cards, while sitting around your table. Subscribe to get your digital copies and bring Joie de Vivre to any event. Includes over 20 styles for different seasons, holidays, and themes.
We are always striving to master the art of joie de vivre around here. If you enjoy the good life and want a reflection of this in your home, please consider joining the Masterpiece community. Sign up you won’t miss any new content, receiving all new posts directly into your in-box.
Key Pointers on Setting a Festive Table
Setting a pretty and festive table does not have to be complicated, expensive or stressful. Use what you have in unique ways and pay attention to the details. I am not a matchy-matchy gal with all my tabletop, preferring to mix and match, but I do like to have continuity and flow to the theme and mood of a table.
More Sea Shell Inspired Content
More Summer, garden and vintage decor is scheduled on the blog. If you don’t want to miss any new content, you might enjoy following along. Sign up and receive all new posts directly into your in-box. We would love to welcome you to the Masterpiece community.
Closing Thoughts ~ Conclusion to the Sea Shell Inspired Tablescape
I hope you enjoyed the sea shell inspired table setting and it inspires you to set a pretty table of your own to relax and enjoy with loved ones. As summer time slows down and the temps start to turn just a bit towards the upcoming fall season it creates the perfect climate to sit outside and linger longer.
Thanks for stopping by today, and I hope to see you again soon. It’s always lovely having you here.
Au revoir!
FAQs – She Sells Sea Shells Tablescape
Q1. What color palette works best for a shell tablescape?
A1. You can go classic with crisp whites, deep navies, and ocean blues, or opt for a neutral, organic look using sandy beige, soft blush, and muted gold.
Q2. Are real shells safe to use around food?
A2. Yes, as long as they are thoroughly washed, sanitized in a mild bleach solution, and completely dried before being placed near dinnerware or used as decorative accents like place card holders.
Q3. How do I create a simple shell centerpiece?
A3. Fill a large, clear glass bowl or a decorative ceramic conch shell with sand, small pebbles, and a mix of assorted shells, sea glass, and pillar candles
Q4. How can I incorporate textiles into the theme?
A4. Use woven jute placemats, soft linen runners gathered to mimic the gentle movement of tide, or napkins tied with simple jute twine and small attached shells
Q5. How can I create a cohesive look with my place settings?
A5. The key to a polished table design is to layer, mix and match with intention. Start with a foundation like a tablecloth or table runner and build from there. Place mats and plate chargers add an attention to detail plus decorative plates and glassware include an air of festivity. Use patterns and textures to create interest and use finishing touches like wrapping silverware in decorative accents or personalized place cards.
Shop the Sea Shell Table Setting Look
- Natural Sea Shells Mixed Beach Seashells 9 Kinds 1.2“-3.5” 2 Kinds Starfish
- 15PCS Large Seashells for Crafts, Mixed Beach Shells Starfish Decor
- Natural Conch Shell, Real Sea Shell Decor, Large 5-6 Inch Decor
- Large Glass Apothecary Jar with Lid
- Cloths Small Stripe Placemats for Dining Table Set of 4, 100% Cotton 13″ x 19″, Blue
- Galvanized Charger Plates 13 Inch
- 10.25″ Dinner Black Brasserie Plates
- 8 Inch Ceramic Shell Shaped Plates Ocean Decorative Dishes
- Wallace Hotel 77-Piece Flatware Set, 18/10 Stainless Steel Silverware
- 12oz Clear Glasses- Vintage Embossed
- Cotton Blockprint Cloth Napkins, Midnight Bloom, Set of 4, 20″ X 20″
- 9pcs Coastal Napkin Rings
- U.S. Shell Tiger Cowrie Napkin Ring, Small
- Wood Display Risers Distressed, Vintage Brown Wooden Pedestal Stand
- White Candle Sand with Wick Kit (this is the exact kit I used)
*Affiliate links might be included for your convenience. These affiliate links mean a small commission is earned if you make a purchase using these links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which support this website. For more information: Full Disclosure Policy.
Don’t forget to Pin It and save for later. You never know when inspiration will strike!
For more inspiration follow me on Pinterest.
Most Recent Posts
Seashells were money before coin, jewelry before gems, art before canvas.”
Cynthia Barnett, The Sound of the Sea: Seashells and the Fate of the Oceans