Tablescapes, Ode to the SeaShell
I have loved sea shells for as long as I can remember, they fascinate me with their beauty, detail and design.
I have had this Fitz & Floyd china, Coquille, for a long time. Coquille is french for shell. This pattern was made between 1984-1992. It started my love affair with tablescaping~
It is a delicate china with a large peachy pink shell image on each dinner plate.
Two different shells on the salad plate
and yet other shells in the bottom of the serving bowl
I have these fun ceramic goblets to match too
The bright light you see is the reflection of the chandelier in the glass table top~
When I bought these placemats back in January I had this china in mind
I knew they would look perfect with our upholstered chairs and the Coquille china
and of course my newly “fashioned” forks. You can see the tutorial on Fancy Flatware by clicking here
They fit right in!
I made this shell charger last summer after reading Susan’s tutorial “Pottery Barn knock-off shell chargers” over on Between Naps on the Porch
I used a silver charger and shells from Hobby Lobby. I glued the large ones on first then put globs of glue in between and dumped the smaller shells on top. Did you know you can get rid of those unsightly glue gun hairs by using a hairdryer? Yep, they melt away under the hot air!
I only made one, thinking just to use it in a centerpiece~ I have square silver chargers that I used under the placemats
The centerpiece base is a large shell server, then the shell charger is elevated by a glass cake tier and topped with a large hurricane candle with shells in the base. Adjacent to this is a Coquille serving bowl that holds a glass candle stick full of more shells
I think it’s fun to not always be symmetrical,
This feels balanced to me because it has 3 main elements
I also had a little fun with the napkin and flatware placement~
HH doesn’t understand why I don’t take this china to our beach house, but hey, if you can’t be on the coast, bring the coast to you! This way we can always dine by the sea!
What are we having for dinner you ask? Why, what else but of course,
Coquilles St Jacques for a printable version click here
recipe from Anthony Bourdain on epicurious.com
1 3/4 cups water
3/4 cup dry white wine
1 small onion, chopped
Bouquet garni (see below)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 pound very fresh scallops
8 ounces mushrooms, washed and chopped
6 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Bread crumbs
Grated Swiss or Gruyère cheese
Mom’s Tip To make a bouquet garni, wrap a sprig or two of parsley, two bay leaves, and a sprig of fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves) in some cheesecloth. Tie into a neat bundle with thread or clean string.
Bon Appetit!
I’m joining some of these great parties this week:
the Tablescaper for SEASONAL SUNDAY and OH, THE PLACES I’VE BEEN!
Uncommon Designs for MONDAY FUNDAY and SUMMER TABLESCAPES
Between Naps on the Porch for METAMORPHIS MONDAY & TABLESCAPE THURSDAY
Stone Gable for ON THE MENU MONDAY and TUTORIALS, TIPS & TIDBITS THURSDAY
A Stroll Thru Life for INSPIRE ME TUESDAY
The Gunny Sack for TIME TO SPARKLE
Memories by the Mile for TUESDAY TRIVIA
Savvy Southern Style for WOW US WEDNESDAY
Worthing Court for HOME{WORK} WEDNESDAY
Cuisine Kathleen for LET’S DISH
Rattlebridge Farms for FOODIE FRIDAY
Alderberry Hill for MAKE THE SCENE MONDAY
The Dedicated House for MAKE IT PRETTY MONDAY and ANYTHING BLUE FRIDAY
No Minimalist Here for OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY
It’s Overflowing for SHARE YOUR CREATIVITY
On Sutton Place for BLITZED ON PINTEREST
Clean & Sensible for INSPIRATION EXCHANGE
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You must have had this table in mind when you did the flatware. Everything is absolutely perfect. Even the chair fabric blends with the colors on the table!
I totally agree….seashells have fascinated me since a little girl. So fun to come here my friend.
It is so refreshing to see a sea inspired table. I love everything about tablescape, especially the flatware and goblets, Jenna.
Jenna~ Your Fitz and Floyd shell pattern and goblets take seaside dining to new heights! I love the peachy/coral shade and it’s perfect with your new shell forks! I missed the post last year when you made your charger, perfect with inexpensive charger and shells that washed ashore at HL!
I tried leaving a comment, but that wordpress thing was not cooperating! I am trying again. I love this, all of it. I am copying your flatware soon, having looked at the tutorial. I am shameless, I know.
Your table is beautiful…I have always loved this Fitz and Floyd pattern. Thanks for linking to the Open House party.
xx,
Sherry
Pure loveliness! Who wouldn’t love eating at such a lovely table setting. The coral color is warm and stunning at the same time. Love the shell edged plate you made and the forks, too. Just the perfect bit of whimsy. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing at Monday Funday Link Party!!
Hope your week is extraordinary!
What a beautiful tablescape!
I’m popping over from A Stroll Thru Life.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
I love your beach themed tablescape. Beautiful!!!
Dee
http://alapinlife.blogspot.com/
This is totally glorious….it would have started my tablescaping, too. I keep seeing shells, but I almost hesitate to dive in with them…they really are beautiful and fairly accessible these days, even out here on the prairie. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay
The dishes are so pretty. I love how soft the shells are. The footed goblets are a nice additions. Great centerpiece. I love how you arranged the shells. Coquilles are my favs.. must try that recipe!! xo marlis
Oh my goodness! When I saw how pretty those ruffled place mats looked under those fantastic plates, I thought I would faint! This tablescape is gorgeous! I have seen the plates previously, but I have never seen those goblets – wow, wow, and wow! You did a wonderful job with your “Ode” to the seashells. We have a place in Florida and I could just scoop up this entire table and run away with it – hahaha!!
Thanks Diane, I do love the ruffled placemats with the plates! Your comments are too kind! Btw, every time I click on your website url it takes me to a website [confessionsoftheobsessed.com] that is not yours, has anyone ever mentioned that to you? It took me a while to figure out how to find you. I don’t know how to fix it but just thought I’d let you know~ Jenna
Your table is fantastic! Your goblets are so cute!
Jenna, your table is wonderful and your charger turned out beautiful! I love those forks…you are beyond clever to think of dressing them up with shells. They are perfect with your beachy table setting! I’m going to remember the tip about hair dryers and glue strings..never knew that!
XO