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A dining table is the place for gathering family and friends for a good meal, cool refreshments and enjoyable conversation.
Here are some coastal tablescape ideas for a variety of design styles. You can start with basic “plain” plates in white and clear glassware (stuff you probably already have in the cabinet), and then layer on your choice of coastal colors and a coastal decor motif to match your dinner theme or party mood.
Think lobster motif plates for a lobster boil, Palm leaves to set a charger plate on for a Tropical Island theme.
A few well-chosen accessories will instantly invite the casual and laid back coastal lifestyle we crave year ’round, inside or outside.
Cover image: Table Runner from Highland Dunes
Elegant Coastal Tablescape for Intimate Dinner Party
Chloe Crabtree is the blogger and lifestyle influencer behind Celebrate and Decorate. Her elegant coastal tablescape features black and white sea life images that is reminiscent of scrimshaw designs.
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Lobster Canape Plates from Birch Lane
Give your tabletop a splash of New England charm with this set of four lobster-adorned canape appetizer plates. Crafted of sturdy melamine, these versatile plates are perfect for outdoor fare. Set of four
Nautical/Marine Themed Plates from Wayfair
Serve up a helping of deep-sea style with these dessert plates that feature a lighthouse, anchor, ship’s wheel, and frigate in a black and white design that looks like etched scrimshaw.
Coastal Chic Tablescape with Whimsical Blue Elements
A few whimsical ceramic elements in light blue give this coastal chic tablescape its calm seas appeal. You can easily change out the base color to green, coral, gray, beige or all white. Use whatever sea shells you’ve collected (washed of course) as the topper for each plate.
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White Porcelain Sea Urchin Planter
Crafted and finished by hand, this white sea urchin decor recalls underwater scenes with their stunning lifelike textures. Group the small and large sizes together for your table.
Front Porch Beach Cottage Tablescape in Neutrals
Beige doesn’t mean boring! Between Naps on the Front Porch broke out the sea shell chargers to create this beautiful coastal tablescape in neutrals. The result is “Wow!”
DIY Home Decorating Ideas
There are lots of great DIY ideas that can be gleamed from this tablescape. For example:
- Last Life Furniture – Looking at all of the white furnishings inspires me to paint an old peeling gray wicker chair and plop it on the back porch. Do you have an almost-ready-to-ditch piece of furniture that can survive another incarnation with a coat of paint?
- Sea Shell Charger Plates – I have some gold chargers that I purchased at Pier One, like one hundred years ago. They’ve been used as under planter plates, to hold all the holiday cards, cocktail servers as well as charger plates for Christmas. They have seen better days. The gold finish is worn off showing the black underneath but they’re in great shape. Try updating your old charger plates with spray paint. Then hot glue sea shells around the edges. Simple sea-inspired glam!
- Light and Breezy Curtains – Hang inexpensive white curtains or bolt fabric at the top of porch pillars. This will “close in” the area and create an intimate vibe.
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Coastal Bird Figurines from WAYFAIR
Wooden, Metal and Ceramic coastal bird figurines.
Sea Life Inspired Coastal Tablescape
The tablescape designed by The Welcomed Guest is an eclectic mix of coastal styles. The sea coral centerpiece infuses a touch of sea life. The painted lighthouse candle holders add a bit of whimsy, while the leather Parsons chairs nod to a traditional style.
She used “Coastal Life Blue” dinnerware by 222 Fifth from TJMaxx is the table setting of choice. How cute are they? And inexpensive blue charger plates and placemats from Pier One Imports.
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Sea Life Dinnerware at Wayfair
Decorated with a motif of sand and shells with soft shades of turquoise and coral.
Traditional Meets Industrial Coastal Outdoor Dining
A Blissful Nest blogger, Rebekah Dempsey is an interior designer and home decor enthusiast. The metal dining chairs add an industrial touch to the traditional coastal table setting.
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Traditional Oil Lanterns by Lehman’s
Traditional, reliable oil lanterns stay lit in any weather and have been trusted by outdoor workers for well over a century. These are an ideal addition to outdoor tablescapes. Many colors and options
Lanterns for Candles (decorative) from Pier One. More design options, sizes and price range from Wayfair.
Rustic Coastal Tablescape
Use galvanized buckets to store eating utensils, etc. Pick them up for cheap money at places like Target, Wal-Mart or WorldMarket. Mini hurricane lanterns are used for individual settings while the larger hurricane lanterns adorned with candles and sea shells are the star centerpiece in this Rustic Coastal tablescape.
For more on how to get the Rustic Coastal Design Style check out 10 Most Popular Coastal Design Styles.
Nautical Tablescape
Gina at Random Thoughts Home loves all things Nautical. Blue and white stripes are a classic element in Nautical coastal design. The chargers have the look of industrial fishing nets! Simple blue votive candles surrounded by beachcombing finds anchor the whimsical tablescape setting.
Are you an avid beachcomber? Check out 15 Best Shelling Beaches in Florida
Tropical Island Tablescape
This totally tropical tablescape will put you on island time in a hurry. Bright colors and fun designs. Add rum and the music of a steel drum band and you’ve got yourself a party!
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Melamine Parrot Dinnerware
Resin Wicker Outdoor Dining Tables at HAYNEEDLE and TARGET
So set your coastal tablescape and invite over a few friends. Dine inside or outside. Start with basic neutrals and then add in whatever embellishments and elements suit your mood or menu.
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Thank you for sharing the coastal love: