Summer Beach Tablescape

This is the time of year when we want to get outside and dine under a starry sky with warm weather! There are so many beautiful beaches that I dream of styling a table upon, but for now, my back porch will have to be the scene for this summer dinner party. I think a beach vibe is the perfect summer tablescape theme. This tablescape is the next best thing to dining on the beach!

There are many ways to decorate an alfresco table, but I decided on a neutral place settings with a white tablecloth topped with a piece of burlap. I set this as an outdoor tablescape, but if the weather doesn’t cooperate, this dining table can easily be styled indoors, too.

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Instead of floral arrangements I used empty clear wine bottles with simple white tapers.  If you don’t have empty bottles, thrift stores are a great place to find them! The bottles were displayed in a row down the middle of the table. If you can’t find the wine bottles, or you are dealing with wind, you can substitute mason jars with votive candles as your candle holder.

Fresh flowers aren’t needed for a beachy tablescape. A fishing net was used as a table runner. At both ends of the table it was embellished with driftwood and oyster shell garlands. This made for a wonderful summer celebration last summer.

Summer party decorations are bargain priced like this fishing net from Dollar Tree. My color scheme was neutral, but you could add a pop of color if that is more your style.

  These large silver Pottery Barn lanterns are classic pieces that I use again and again throughout my home. sat on each end of the table. These add a little height to this beach-themed table.

My favorite part of this table is the seashell chargers I made! These would make great additions to any beach themed event you are hosting.

For table decoration, you can tuck small succulents into seashells.  Nestle the shells into the fishing net table runner for a pretty tablescape.

The shell chargers were such a hit and everyone wanted to know where I had found them!

I found these fun little fish on a rope at Kirkland’s  and picked up a couple of them thinking I will add them to my Christmas tree.  For this dinner, they were perfect hanging on empty glass bottles that served as candle holders.

I shopped for seashell charger plates and couldn’t find any I really liked at a price I liked, so I went to work with my glue gun and seashells.  You can see the tutorial for these at Seashell Chargers.
  I topped those with mushroom brown dinner plates and added simple white salad plates on top of those.  A white dinner plate could be used just as easily.  

 I used two different kinds of seashells on my chargers and alternated these down the table for variety.

In keeping with the natural elements I chose to use my wooden handled flatware that came from IKEA. Although I used a sandy brown dinner plate, you could use these with your everyday white dishes for a similar look!

I filled the base of the candle holders with assorted sea shells to keep with the theme of the tablescape.  Clear glass bottles being used as candle holders were placed down the center of the table, nestled amongst the fishnet and my tiny shells used as planters for a touch of green.

The Sun Sets:

As the sun set, the candles were lit to offer a lovely glow to the dinner table.  There is nothing as lovely as dining by candlelight.  I would like to imagine I could hear the waves breaking on the sand. Find all links to the products I used at the end of this post!

White napkins were folded and each tucked inside a DIY coastal napkin ring.  You can see my DIY tutorial on my napkin rings . 

Shop This Tablescape:

White Wooden Fish –  (Mine came from Kirklands, but they are no longer available. You can DIY your own from these!
White Salad Plates – Pottery Barn
Succulent Plants – Amazon
Air Plants – Amazon
Seashells (if you don’t live near the beach) – Walmart
Fishnets – Amazon
Mushroom Brown Dinner Plates (similar, mine came from Home Goods several years ago) – Amazon
Linen Napkins – Crate & Barrel
Glass Wine Bottles – Amazon
Chargers – DIY using Plain Chargers
Napkin Rings – DIY 
Yellow Stemware – Antique from my Husband’s Grandmother
Crystal Stemware – Marquis by Waterford – Amazon 
Lanterns – Pottery Barn
Flatware – Ikea from Amazon

Find more favorite tablescapes for summer here:

Want to go tropical for your next gathering? Check out this tropical table!
Do you love growing succulents? Then this is the summer tablescape for you!
This is the perfect way to style a table for your summer pool party!

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119 Comments

  1. Chloe, this is fabulous! I just love what you have going on down the center of the table with all that glass and shells. The lanterns are wonderful, as well! What a lovely job you did with this theme… 🙂

  2. Chloe, this is a fantastic alfresco tablescape and it shows why you are the hostess of this terrific blog hop! I love so many of the wonderful details of your table setting but especially the colour combination. The white and brown neutrals actually speak of sand and shells perfectly. Then there is the talent you’ve shown in the DIY chargers and napkin rings – great ideas! The white fish on a rope tied to your centerpiece bottle candleholders are a nice touch and the evening pic with the candles lit is breathtaking. Well done indeed! Thank you so much for hosting the Alfresco Tablescape Blog Hop – it has been very fun to participate in and also to see all the different ways to dine outdoors.

  3. Chloe, I feel the ocean breeze and the smell of salt water! You have captured the beach vibe perfectly! When I look at your table what I love are all the textures that you have layered. Every element fits beautifully into your setting! Your DIY chargers and napkin rings along with the fish net takes me to the ocean! Love it! Thanks for the blog hop…I have so enjoyed being a part and have loved all the gorgeous tablescapes! Have a wonderful Thursday!

  4. Chloe, I love the neutrals on this table. The things that caught my eye immediately were the candlesticks in the bottles (of varying heights, which I loved), and the way you put the succulents and air plant in the shells – nice touches!
    Once again, thank you for heading up this alfresco party this week. It’s been a pleasure to visit all the links and be part of it.
    Rita C at Panoply

  5. Chloe, you are so talented! What a gorgeous tablescape! I love all the different textures that you have layered throughout your tablescape. I love the mix of the burlap with the white tablecloth. You have thought of every little detail, and you have captured the essence of the beach perfectly!!!

  6. Ok, so how much time do you have, Chloe because I have a lot to say!! First of all wowza, this is one fabulous table! Your attention to detail and layer upon layer of your theme throughout is just incredible! I love the clear bottles, candles, and lanterns running the length of your table, and the drfitwood and netting on either end couldn’t be more perfect! Your chargers and shell napkin rings are fantastic, and I love the succulents instead of flowers! Bravo!!
    Also, thank you so much for organizing this blog hop and keeping us all on track this week! It has been so much fun, and I have really enjoyed meeting other bloggers and visiting their blogs. How about a holiday hop 🙂

    1. Thank you Jenna, and I am right there with a holiday hop! I thought I would like to do a Fall one too, but alas, I think it is too late to organize it. I have been reaching out to see if I could find a sponsor who would provide us all with product to feature in our holiday tablescapes…no luck yet, but I am persistent. Thank you so much for being a part of the hop, I have enjoyed getting to know all of you, too! Thank you for your kind compliments on my table, it took me a bit to get it just right.

  7. Wow, Chloe, you have outdone yourself! First, let me thank you for the blog hop. It has been so much fun! I have throughly enjoyed it!
    You knocked your tablescape out of the park and put so much of yourself in it with the amazing shell embellished chargers and cute napkin rings. The napkin fold was a perfect accent! Too bad the little fish are not longer available because they are so charming hanging on your bottles. The centerpiece with fish netting, driftwood and oyster shells with the clear bottles really stand centerstage. The daylight and evening ambience are both striking. I always like something vintage and your amber vintage glasses add such a classy touch!

    1. Oh thank you Bonnie, I am so glad you have been part of the hop! I know about those fish, I wish I had bought more…well I did buy 2 blue ones, but they weren’t right for this table!

  8. Chloe! You hit it out of the ball park. This is entirely thought out and beautifully produced. I love so much of it. Those wine bottles as candle holders are lovely and even though they are tall, the fact that they are clear make them still appropriate for conversation at the table. But my favorite of all are the succulents in the shells that soften everything. Thank you again for the fun blog hop. You put together such a good group of bloggers!
    Linda @ A Toile Tale

  9. Your tablescape is so exquisite. The neutral colors are so calming and your use of burlap and sea shells as natural elements creates such a serene and tranquil feeling. Your use of extra large lanterns really makes a grand statement among the smaller items like shells and succulents.The clear glass bottles and twine enhances the beach theme setting. I love your shell chargers too. Thank you for organizing this wonderful and fun blog hop. It is greatly appreciated by all.

  10. Very pretty beachy tablescape Chloe. Adding the seashells is lovely. Loving your sweet little napkin rings. They go perfectly with your seashell chargers. Using natural elements and seashells is very peaceful and makes one feel like they are at the beach dining. I would be happy to be a guest at your table.

  11. Chloe, where do I start?!!! I think the first thing that caught my breath was the shell chargers and then the netting with driftwood and shells and then the succulents, and then and then and then…. Yes, the girls are right, you hit this one over the horizon! You’ve given me so many ideas for a future table here on the coast. I have a driftwood garland that I typically use with a fall table, or on my mantle, but next I will have to use in a nautical-themed tablescape.

    I think the thing I’ve enjoyed most about this blog hop is meeting all these creative ladies and finding new blogs to follow. You are just the sweetest thing and I am thrilled to have met you. Thank you so much for all the time you spent getting this hop together, for all of your sweet comments on all of our blogs and for sharing your incredible creativity with us all. I would love to be invited to the next hop no matter when it is! This has been a blast!

  12. Chloe this tablescape is stunning. I don’t live anywhere near the sea, but my best friend runs a lodge right on the Pacific Ocean. I have pinned your table and will be sharing your marvelous ideas with her.

  13. I love your use of glass bottles and burlap. The candle light makes everything sparkle. I remember being in college and we would put candles in wine bottles. ha! But I like yours much much better. Those napkins holders are so cute too. Thank you for hosting this wonderful tablescape hop. It has been such fun to meet all of these ladies and see the wonderful creativity. Sheila

  14. Wow! You knocked this one out of the park! Gorgeous and perfectly nautical! The shell chargers are probably my favorite element! And the lit candles in wine bottles are such a quaint, beautiful touch! Thanks so much for hosting the blog hop! I’ve enjoyed meeting the other bloggers, being introduced to their blogs, and witnessing their talents! You did a wonderful job organizing! Hope you’ll do another blog hop soon! 🙂 ~Rhonda

  15. What a vision of table! I am swooning over those shell chargers! You are such a great host and I am so exited to have met you! If you ever do it again count me in.
    Maria

  16. I think you outdid yourself this time. The tablescape is spectacular. I love the chargers, napkin rings and especially the air plants and succulents tucked into the shells. You set a beautiful table.

  17. I am swooning over your tablescape. The chairs, shell charger, dishes, napkin holders, centerpiece–just exquisite, Chloe. You have an amazing eye for detail, tones, and texture.Sitting down at this table would be such a joy. Thank you SO much for including me this week. The party was magnificent!

  18. Chloe, I love all the sea shells throughout your tablescape! The seal she’ll chargers are really a great base for each place setting. I especially love how you used the wine bottles as candleholders. Brilliant. The lanterns holding the big candles are great too. Thanks so much for hosting the blog hop; it’s been such fun.

    1. Thank you Carol! I will be sharing the tutorial on the chargers this week. I think the tablescape was a great success, too! I enjoyed seeing all the beautiful tables!

  19. First, Chloe I love your posts!!! Everything I have read so far just makes me beam. The candlelit photo was truly magnificent! Such a thoughtful table scape and with things you have created yourself. I remember the napkin rings from last week but had never seen the chargers before. One question….what is a tavern room?

    1. Oh Debbie, that is really funny, and if you are asking, I am guess others want to know. Bear with me and read for the (or my) definition of a “tavern room”. We bought this house last year that had been added onto, but in a some weird ways. They took away the casual dining space and added this giant room onto the family room which opens to the back porch. Previous owners had another sofa and television in the room…and in the family room…and in the sitting room off the master bedroom…Do you get the point? We didn’t need another room for watching television, but we needed a casual dining area. So…on looking at plans of homes by luxury homebuilders, (particularly low country coastal homes), I noticed they had “tavern rooms”. Well, a tavern is a place where people gather, drink and eat. This room is where my big casual farmhouse table is and we hope to someday build in a bar on one wall…so I have a tavern room…at least that is what we call it! Thank you for reading and commenting…next week will be the DIY for the chargers.

  20. Oh how lovely, Chloe! Those big lanterns are just so perfect for summer entertaining – they look perfectly nautical! Thank you so much for hosting such a great hop!

  21. After the tutorial for the napkin rings I couldn’t wait to see this tablescape and wow!! Did you deliver!!! I just love those little wooden fish and am bummed that they are no longer available 🙁 Well done, thank you for sharing at TaDa Thursday!!

  22. Chloe! Those shell chargers are amazing! I need to make those! Thanks for sharing at DI & DI 🙂 We enjoy seeing your creativity each week!

  23. Wow – a very beautiful tablescape! I don’t have that kind of creativity in setting the table — I have good china, silver and crystal as well as tablecloths etc., but I never think of using other things as decorations — and I certainly never think of doing a theme! I am seriously deficient in that regard. I’ll have to take a few lessons from the master!

  24. I love anything “beach cottagey” so this is really cute. We just moved near the beach here in California in January so beach-theme is close to my heart now. Great idea using clear glass bottles for the candles! Love everything about this table setting! Greetings from Alameda, California!

  25. Absolutely love the simple elegance of this table scape! I can almost hear the waves crashing while looking through the post. 🙂 Thanks for sharing at our Tips & Tricks Link Party!

    Jessica
    My Life by Jess

  26. Wow Chloe this is amazing and I love the way it feels. I love the lanterns anchoring the table and the airplants and succulents are the perfect touch. Thanks so much for the evening pics also I bet it felt heavenly dining here.

  27. Chloe,love your tablescape. I am decorating a tablescape for a luncheon using a coastal. I decideded to use melamine dinnerware from Piel 1. Dinner plate, salad plate. They did not have an appetizer plate. Would you mix meleamine dinnerware with plain ceramic or glassware for the dessert/appetizer plate?

    The plates have Sea turtles, lobster, crab and sea horses

    Rosie

    1. I would not hesitate to mix the melamine with the glass or ceramic. I am not a rule follower, and I think that not being a rule follower often makes the prettiest tables!

  28. Chloe, I loved this table now as much as the first time I saw it on your blog. Everything is so pretty. I also enjoyed the shell charger plate how to. I have been collecting shells here by the beach and hopefully one day will find time to make a few chargers for one of my beach themed tables. I also really enjoy your themed blog hops. The tables are so inspiring and beautiful and I look forward to the next one.

  29. Starting Debbee’s Buzz last October I felt bloggers blue too, wishing to bee included in blog hops. Then, I started joining link ups (including yours and Sandra’s), and a number of bloggers encouraged me, and three reached out, helped me to fix my comment system. I didn’t even know it was broken, just assumed no one was commenting! Then, comments came a plenty and I’ve been thrilled making all these new blogger and follower friends. I haven’t been invited to any blog hops yet, but I reached out to two, including you, and was immediately welcomed to join both. Next week will bee my second table with your hop. The first generated nearly a 1000 pins and lots of comments and new followers. Thanks for including me!

  30. I love this table! And what a wonderful idea for the chargers! I don’t have my own blog, but I love setting nice tables!

    Thank you for sharing!

  31. Chloe, I can’t believe that it’s been 2 years. I felt so honored at the time (and still do) to be a part of the tablescape tribe. I’m so glad you had the idea and really happy you found me. What a great way to stretch our creative brains and to meet so many amazing bloggers. I’m always bowled over by the talent and ideas from this group. It was such a treat to meet you in person last year at Haven and to sit and visit (from one Cici to another) about our homes, family and grandkids this year. I’m so looking forward to next week’s alfresco hop ~ although I wish it weren’t so darn HOT.

  32. Beautiful table Cloe. Your summer beach tablescape has so many striking elements. Great natural look to your table with the shells, nets, flatware, and even the napkin rings.

  33. Congratulations! Your post was my feature pick at #OverTheMoon this week. Each Hostess displays their own features so be sure to visit me on Sunday evening and to see your feature! I invite you to leave more links to be shared and commented upon. Please don’t forget to add your link numbers or post title so we can be sure to visit!

  34. Beautifully perfect! You’re so talented and creative. I love everything about this. But want to comment on the seashells on charger plates – when you couldn’t find a style you liked, you came up with this great idea- so lovely & definitely better than anything I’ve seen in stores. Loved you napkins rings, too. You’re impressive!

  35. Chloe! I love the story about feeling left out of the blog hops! I too feel that way sometimes. I do host Cneterpiece Wednesday Linky party and would love to have you join in the fun. https://karinskottage.com/2021/05/welcome-to-centerpiece-wednesday-linky-party-223.html
    This tablescape is amazing! Your attention to detail is awe inspiring. I love how you used the shells filled with succulents! Plus the DIY sea shell chargers! I did that on the frame of a mirror but now I need to go do this to some chargers! Great post! So happy to have found you!
    Karin

    1. Thank you so much Karin! I headed over and linked up and now of course I am fascinated with your Italian Palace! What a project to take on! I am running out now, but will come back to catch up on all of your goings on in Italy!

  36. Chloe, this is such a pretty tablescape – I love all the DIY projects that you have done – so amazing! (I’m still working on my DIY shell chargers a la Susan from BNOTP. Its been two years now, lol. Yours look much simpler…). Thanks for sharing your story on how you got started blog hopping. I’m sure many people can relate to your left-out feeling (me included). You have been such a source of inspiration, and I hope you continue to post your lovely tablescapes, decor ideas, and DIYs. I wish you the best on your new journey wherever it takes you.

    1. Thank you so much Kim! Oh, those shell chargers from Susan were way beyond what I want to spend the time doing! You are so kind, I will continue to share tablescapes, it is just that after so many years, hosting the hops grew to be a bit too much for me!

  37. Chloe,
    What a charming Coastal tablescape!! Love all the elements you used….Nice and tranquil looking…Thanks for sharing and thanks so much for stopping by!! I truly appreciate you taking the time to do so!!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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