Ocean Tablescape

Soft blue ocean waves, warm sand and a glowing sunset provide the inspiration for this table styled with serene colors and rich textural elements.  Here the emphasis is on reflective glass, soft sparkling light, and natural materials. 

Beige, taupe, light blue and silver form the color scheme for this soft, water-inspired tablescape.  The dishes selected do not match, but instead share a common feature.  Each piece has a flowing pattern and a muted color that complements the overall theme.  The woven place mats are highly textural and offset a layered damask tablecloth and light blue table runner, reflecting the mood of sand and sea.

The softness and serenity of the ocean is also seen in the choice of flowers used in this arrangement.  Fading hydrangeas are cut and loosely inserted into a light blue pot with a scroll motif. Sprigs of blueberries are then added to punctuate the arrangement with a hint of clear vivid color. Hydrangeas are one of the few flowers that can be said to improve with age and the whitewashed look of the petals is subtle enough to set off this table.  Because they are usually fading by midsummer, these are a good choice for a July or August table.  However, these blooms wilt quickly once cut, so it is perhaps best to acquire them the day of the event.  If hydrangeas are not available, other soft white blooms or small flowers like gardenias floating in glass bowls would also work well with this look.

Seashells are randomly scattered though out the table to emphasize the ocean theme.  Some are on printed napkins, others on the table runner and near each place setting.  The filigree pattern of the stemware reflects the organic shapes of the shells and other flowing lines throughout the tablescape.

A pair of traditional taper candles are used to bring a formal quality to the table.  Then, to complete the look, several tea lights are scattered throughout the design creating a sparkling quality when lit.  This diffuses the light and brings a subtle illumination to the table for a shimmering, sunset-inspired effect.