Casual Beach Tablescape

Last week I didn't participate in Tablescape Thursday because of birthday celebrations and a visit from my sister, here from Wisconsin. It was fun to get back to "playin' with the dishes" this week. My last tablescape was "Beach Elegant", so I decided to set the table this week as "Beach Casual".




Just for a change of pace....how would you like to watch while I build my tablescape? We'll start out with a white tablecloth I purchased last year spring/summer from Target's "Shabby Chic" line. I've placed a hammered aluminum tray as the base of my centerpiece.



This was a tray we found cleaning out my father-in-laws house before it was placed on the market. I'm sure it was fairly old, but it still had a manufacturers tag on it -- and it was made in the U.S.A. Obviously, it had never been used --- time for a debut...don't you think?



Pretty flower design etched in the center.



Love the hammered edges.


Several years ago, I was given a gift package from Bath and Bodyworks. One of those cute sets put together in a ceramic beach bucket. I filled the bucket with shells and set it on the tray.



Then I tipped the bucket on it's side with the shells "spilling" out.



Next I added a sand castle made by "Partylites" that has been on a shelf in my powder room all summer.



Still needs a little something....



...I've added a couple of sandpipers that have been decorating my mantle since Memorial Day.






I've finished off with a few more shells and this little crab who's been hanging out on my washstand all summer. There....now the centerpiece is finished.


Time to start the placesettings. There are my only new addition -- these chargers from Nell Hill I purchased a few weeks ago. They're available in these round ones or square ones. I had quite a time trying to decide which style to get --- and it took quite a bit of willpower not to get them both!



Chargers set for four.



Next, my white dishes from Big Lots last summer.



I pulled out these blue and white striped cloth napkins that I've had for ages. Instead of using a napkin ring, I pulled them through the charger handle.



We're almost there.



Blue goblets were purchased last winter from the Dollar Tree.



Just casual stainless flatware for this placesetting.



These came from a restaurant supply store about 3 years ago -- service for 12 was very affordable and the shell pattern was perfect for my beach theme.



Lastly, I fell in love with this shell pitcher last year in a local thrift store.



An overview of this table setting.



Overview of the centerpiece.



I always like to check the view of the centerpiece....



....from each setting.....



.....just to be sure that each person.....



.....has an interesting view.


And now we're at the place I usually begin each week....Welcome to my casual beach table.




Where there's a place set just for you!


I hope that you'll get the chance to visit our gracious Tablescape Thursday hostess, Susan of "Between Naps on the Porch" this week to see all the tables that have been set across blogland. You'll be sure to find one you'll love. Be sure to check back any Wednesday night to see amazing tables at her site starting between 8 and 9 in the evening and continuing through Thursday. If you get a chance to comment on a couple of your favorites, you'll make their day -- it's always so rewarding to hear from visitors who've stopped by.

See ya!