Easy to Create Summer Inspired Tablescape

I don’t know about you guys but it’s definitely starting to feel like the dog days of summer. I know technically they’ve been here since July 3 and they’ll be on the way out in less than a week but still, you guys, I’m feeling it for sure. I think it has something to do with the intense heat and having to having to write the word “August”…oh my word…where did the time go!

As we spend these last few days and weeks soaking up all that the season has to offer, I thought I would share an easy summer inspired tablescape with you today. We used to spend almost every summer on vacation at the beach building sandcastles, learning to surf, hunting shells and riding the waves. I have a lot of shells from those vacations and to this day it’s still one of my favorite things to do with my family.

Shells are pretty easy to find and they’re really easy to decorate with too. Honestly, I was able to pull this table together in no time. We recently enjoyed a lazy night on the back patio. We had a late afternoon storm which made eating outside tolerable after the rain had cooled everything off. The fare was just as easy to put together as the table given most everything was thrown in the pot together. Napkins were high on the list and actual utensils pretty low. It was simple, relaxing and just what we needed to celebrate what will soon be the end of the season.

I love the weathered farmhouse style table on the back patio. We built it a few years ago from wood that was left over from the building the house. The center plank is my favorite because it has so many cuts on it from our carpenter. I didn’t want to cover it up so I used an old buffalo check valance I picked up for a few dollars in the place of a table runner and scattered shells all the way down the table.

It’s bright enough to eat outside for a good while so the candles weren’t as much for light as were for ambience. It just makes everything sparkle. It also provides a good backdrop for these vintage Ball jars.

Given there was easy to eat seafood on the menu, I didn’t want the plates to feel too fancy. I decided to use a mix of easy to wash cream colored napkins, found starfish, textured chargers, white ironstone plates and these coastal inspired plates for a mix n match feel.

Obviously, it’s way too hot for a fire but that didn’t stop us from sitting around the swing just to hang out.

I used this little wicker table from the front porch as a drink station. I really wanted to keep everything as easy as possible.

I’m super excited for the fall season to begin. It’s definitely one of my favorites. But that doesn’t mean I’m ready to rush through these magical summer days either. I know you guys know this already but I just want give a gentle reminder that each day counts. Every day is a gift. So while we’re celebrating these last days of summer, let’s remember to celebrate each other and our gifts too. Always remember one simple act of kindness can change everything.

Many blessings,

CoCo