Shell Tablescape in Aqua and Cream

I have been wanting to do a table setting based on a shell motif for a long time. What finally go me to do this table was finding a pair of tall candlesticks with shell motif in Home Goods last month, July 2011. My youngest sister and I were doing a quick run-thru the store when she spotted them and pointed them out to me. I snapped them up right away!

Back at home the following week, I shopped around the house for shell items to use and started to place things on the dining room table. The color scheme of natural colors, white and aqua came into focus with Metlox "Lotus" dinner plates in a bright aqua hue. Metlox is a California pottery, and I have long enjoyed California ceramics. The "Lotus" pattern is a lovely evocation of the flower. The plates sent me after pale blu- green woven place mats. To separate the aqua plate from the pale blue-green placemat I added crisp white chargers.

The first shell items are shell-shaped bowls from the J.C. Penney "Water" dinnerware.

For bread and butter plates I used the "Water" canape plates. A large "Water" serving bowl took its place at the edge of the table.

Next came Fitz and Floyd "Oceanea" items as accent pieces -- salt and pepper sets, open serving dishes, canape server plate and sauce boat.

Towle stainless flatware in the "English Shell" pattern and silverplate shell-shaped place card holders also contributed to the shell theme. Vintage silverplated butter spreaders were addded on each b&b plate.

Bright aqua napkins display ceramic shell napkin rings.


Pale Spanish Green Libbey goblets complete the setting.

The centerpiece consists of a crystal vase with hydrangeas from my garden. On either side is the tall candlestick. Three balls encrusted with shells contribute to the vignette.

I should mention that in taking the photos this evening I had to deal with somewhat drooping blooms (and some dust), since this table was set several days ago -- and was used for two family meals on two different days, one on Saturday and one on Monday. So the tablesetting is a bit ragged. I just couldn't seem to get around to taking photos.

Here are a couple shots taken when the flowers were fresher. As soon as my brother, who was visiting from New Hampshire, came into the dining room, he took out his cell phone and took photos. I pointed out the place card with his name so he took a closeup of his place setting!

I am glad to be joining the fabulous weekly blog event, Tablescape Thursday, graciously hosted by Susan. I haven’t been able to participate for the past few months, but am glad to join in this week. Visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for more Tablescape Thursday posts.

Resources:
Placemats: Light aqua woven, TJ Maxx 2008
Chargers: white lacquer - online, 2 years ago
Dinner Plates: Metlox Poppytrail "Lotus" in aqua, June 2011
Salad Plates: J C Penney "Water" canape plates
Glassware: Libbey Gibraltar goblets in Spanish Green – thrift shop find 2008
Flatware: Towle Supreme Stainless "English shell; vintage silverplate Butter Spreaders
Napkins: Marshalls, about 19 years ago
Napkin Rings: off-white ceramic shell design – Ebay
Salt and Pepper Shakers: Fitz and Floyd "Oceanea"
Shell motif Tall Candlesticks – Home Goods, July 2011
Ecru Pillar Candles: Walmart, August 2011
3 Shell Balls – Walmart, summer 2009
Shells: various sources over the years
Silverplate shell Place Card Holders – have had for several years