It's time to set the table once again for Tablescape Thursday. I've set an end of Summer table this week. Do you count Labor Day as the end of Summer or the calendar date of September 22nd? Either way, it will soon be Fall.
Welcome to my "last trip to the beach" tablescape. Actually September has often been one of our favorite months for taking a weekend beach escape. Many years we've had splendid beach weather and when our children were older, we would go for the 1st weekend after Labor Day. After I retire, we will have to start that tradition back up again. 
I've set a place for you --- so tell me, did you have a visit to the ocean this summer? I seem to linger over the last days of Summer...sort of like lingering at the table after a wonderful meal with friends.
For this table, my flower ring has become a shell ring.
Rather than a setting of tropical colors....I've set the soft colors of sand and shells at sunset.
Most of the shells have come from our Spring Florida trips -- days when we get our first taste of coming lazy summer afternoons.
My big shell wasn't a treasure found on the beach....it was found at an antique store here in Richmond.
These vintage flamingos are a part of my summer decor....soon to be packed up for another year.
Layers of silver, white and lace.
My china pattern is Stanford Court. I love the shell pattern.
While I do have the matching salad plates, sometimes I mix in something else. These glass plates were from my husband's grandmother.
The etching shows up a bit better against the table.
You can see the white on white design of the tissue linen placemats through the gold rimmed glass chargers.
From afternoon....
....to evening......
....the last days of Summer are a magical time spent at the beach.
Hope you will be able to linger through these last summer days and enjoy a few moments in your favorite spots.
Be sure to visit "Between Naps on the Porch" to see many tables prepared for you. There are always such creative inspirations to be discovered there.
See ya!
Pretty, pretty, pretty. Love the shells.
ReplyDeleteEverything is just lovely. You have such beautiful things for your table.
ReplyDeleteYour tissue linen placemats are wonderful!
Enjoyed visiting,
Laura
White Spray Paint
Love the layers of silver, white and lace all very pretty! Like the vintage flamingoes too! Laura from Cottage and Broome
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Martha...no ocean her in Kansas to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely Martha. A perfect end of summer table.
ReplyDeleteI love all the lace and your napkins. In fact I love it all. Summer here was too short. Today is chilly.
ReplyDeleteMartha, this is so pretty. The linens are gorgeous. Love the edge of those napkins. Those gold-bordered chargers and wonderful, and you are so clever to put shells in your flower ring. I hate to say goodbye to summer (even though it's been hotter than a pickled pepper), but if you've got to say goodbye, this is the way to do it. laurie
ReplyDeleteThe evening shot was lovely. If our church ever has a women's conference I am bringing you down for tablescapes. Yours rock every time. I wish I had your eye.
ReplyDeleteHi Martha,
ReplyDeleteYour table is so inviting and I love all the shells and the end of summer theme, so beautiful.
We are awaiting summer over here.
Happy Thursday
Hugs
Carolyn
Very pretty!
ReplyDeleteHi Martha! Lovely tablescape! Your china is so beautiful, especially set against the lacy placemats. The flamingo adds just the right touch of whimsy to your table. I'm not quite ready for summer to go just yet, so I'm voting on the September 22nd date!!
ReplyDeleteHi Martha, I am so happy you posted this elegant yet beachy table. I did not get to the beach this year, so I will enjoy all of your shells and pretty layers of white and pretend the white is the sand. Your evening candlelight shots are so romantic! Like watching the sun set!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this pretty virtual vacation!
Yvonne
This is really beautiful, a nice change from a usual beachy setting!
ReplyDeleteWe live near the ocean so we go often, but mostly just to restaurants there, not sunbathing!
Katherine
So pretty. I love your silver and lace!!
ReplyDeleteMartha, this table is so pretty. We don't live near a beach and this year water has been a scarcity so seeing your ode to the beach is wonderful.. I love your shells and the flower ring is magnificent.. so versatile. I love your dishes.. they are so pretty. xo marlis
ReplyDeleteI love your lace,etched crystal and the chargers with the gold rims. Wow, your napkins are lovely. A lovely trip to the beach!
ReplyDeleteMartha, I will welcome Fall this year. The Kansas hot summer temps were outrageous.
ReplyDeleteLovely table you have graced with your pretties!!! Looks beautiful.
I didn't make it to the ocean this year....what a sweet thing this would be to enjoy every year.
God bless,
d
Love your last days at the beach table! It is a really nice time now to go to the beach without the heat and the crowds! I love the shell design on your china.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your sweet visit and your encouragement on our hats!!!
The glass charger really earns its chops when the candlelight begins its dance....incredibly valuable element that can be used in so many tablescapes. The Stanton Court is gorgeous, and perfect for your seascape. Your flower ring is proving to be a true jewel. Thank you for sharing you beautiful design. Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteGorgeous lace and napkins, everything is so elegant and a very beautiful tablescape. I love the layers of dishes, great chargers! Lovely! I'm visiting from TT at Susan's, see you. Hugs,
ReplyDeleteFABBY
Your table looks so romantic with the glow of candles, Martha., Love the placemats. Everything looks so pretty...Christine
ReplyDeleteHey there, Martha! I LOVE IT that you turned that cool flower ring into a "shell ring" for this tablescape. Seriously...that flower ring is the coolest thing. And those chargers....I am in love!!! Those would be perfect for SO MANY settings. Great score! I personally consider fall to be late September. I think this year it officially begins on September 23. I am "easing into" fall tables as you saw when you visited my blog. (Thank you for stopping by!) I hope you do get to restart the tradition of heading to the beach for the last weekend of summer/first weekend after Labor Day. Sounds like a wonderful time that obviously has lots of great memories for you. Have a wonderful weekend, Martha!
ReplyDeleteA very pretty table! I love your linens and plates. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings My Friend,
Layers of silver, white and lace...some of my all-time favorites and you put them together with the wonderful beach elements so very well!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, hang on to summer!
Beautiful as always!!!
Hugs/blessings,
Lana
I just love the way that beautiful linen looks with the china, especially the way you have the napkin draped. I also love those clear chargers! I would love some of them.
ReplyDeleteHi Martha! Your table is gorgeous! I love those pretty napkins and the way you've placed them under the plates. The glass charges are so pretty too as well as your dishes. Your flower ring is perfect for your shells and candles! You're making me a tad sad about summer leaving! Not really, I'm just teasing! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping in to see me and you are always a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Martha, I didn't get to go to the beach this year. We are landlocked in Utah, but the past two years I did. September at the beach sounds quiet and lovely. I love your flower holder and the flatware -- the square edge is so pretty. Joni
ReplyDeleteJust lovely, Martha. I am very bad at tablescapes...but I think you have to do them a lot to get good at it ...and it's you love doing it because you do it so well!
ReplyDeleteLOVE it! :)
I have almost those same embroidered lace napkins that I inherited from my great Aunt Janice. They are so special.
ReplyDeleteI love how you layered everything so perfectly Martha. I'm bad at tablescapes too, but you are truly gifted. I'm kinda glad Summer is over and looking forward to cooler temps. Gonna miss my flip-flops though.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Kim
Very pretty table Martha! I love the glass charger plates and the linens are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAdore your table! The linen napkins just took my breath away! Napkins are my latest obsession from scouring flea markets, my mother and grandmother's linens and even making them myself. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteBreath taking table.
ReplyDeleteThe laces look so beautiful, loved it.
Thank you for sharing
Karin Şen Cankan
karinsfairytale.blogspot.com
Martha this is such a pretty table. I love the sea shell theme! :) Your dishes and glass are the perfect mix.
ReplyDelete~Liz
How elegant that cream and white is against the antique table.
ReplyDeleteNo beach for me! I'm glad you got to spend some time there! The sea shell theme is really lovely.