Whimsical Water Animals Tablescape Celebrates Summer at the Seashore

The Summer was so hot last summer, that I needed to finish that summer with a fun tablescape that conveyed cooling off in the Sea!!! Now that summer is just around the corner again, (and in Texas it is already here!!) I decided to post this tablescape again. I hope you enjoy this celebration of summer and of a cool swim in the sea!

This week’s table centers around the Dapper Animal collection by Rachel Kozlowski for West Elm.  I am a fan of Rachel’s so I check out West Elm before each season to see what is new.  This summer West Elm featured Rachel’s summer collection of water animal plates. Interestingly, this collection is Melamine – a first for dapper animals I believe, and possibly the first Dapper Animal plates with not just salad plates, but dinner plates and glasses as well (but please correct me if this is not the case).   update: These plates are originally from West Elm, but are not available currently, however, they can sometimes be purchased on eBay or Etsy. West Elm does have a new summer collection of plates this year, that you might enjoy checking out.

Featured animals are the platypus, dolphin, sea turtle and otter.  I was thrilled to see these – as I love to use “waterside” table themes on my lake house table.  I’ve done tables with lighthouses, boats, fish, etc.  but had never done any with any with an otter, platypus and dolphin and I’ve only done a few tables with sea turtles (I think this would make a great “kid’s table” – what child of the recent past can resist the sea turtle in this collection as the sea turtle in the plate looks to be a relative of “Crush” from the Disney “Nemo” movies and what “child” of the late 50’s can resist a plate with “Flipper”?).

Surprising to me, one of the animals on these plates IS present in our lake, and we just found out.  One night we were watching a movie, and I came down to let our dog out.  I shone the high-powered flashlight on our very dark back yard and did a double take when I saw two animals walking single file along the bulkhead “Hakuna Matata” style.  Unfortunately, I did not have my camera, but I could tell they weren’t any of the animals that we knew were in our area – not raccoons, squirrels, nutria, beaver, coyotes, foxes, or possums.  I told my husband “I think we have otters walking on our bulkhead, is that even possible?”  A quick Google search revealed it was possible, as Lake Conroe is home to many river otters, but it is very unusual to get to see them. Our internet search revealed a NEWS CREW ON LAKE CONROE who were attending an event at Papa’s restaurant on the lake and also had a surprise otter encounter, fortunately they had cameras! 

But otters aside, when I first bought these plates, I had a few things in mind to use with them.  First, I wanted to use my seashell chargers from Pottery Barn, and my sea turtles from Hobby Lobby, my Octopus Cookie jar from Homegoods, and also from Homegoods – my fish glasses, seahorse goblets, imitation coral and large blue glass fish.   I added to the center of the table, my new table runner from Homegoods this year, with some vintage items I had purchased for other tablescapes-such as Pia and Sakura fish napkin rings and Salt and Pepper shakers from eBay. I saved the Dapper animal glasses that match the set to use for a small fresh fruit salad, or a dessert, as they don’t hold quite enough liquid to use for beverages on a hot Texas day.  Finally, I added to each place setting the Hans Turnwald – silver plated stone sea turtle napkin rings that were purchased on eBay.  

I love the whimsical nature of the plates and decided to make my centerpieces whimsical too, so I added goggles and a beach ball to the octopus cookie jar, and swim rings and sunglasses to the sea turtles (these were actually made for a Barbie size doll). 

I tried the table two different ways, one with the salad plate on top of the dinner plate which was great for creating space on the table but hid the adorable dinner plates. And the other way was with the salad plate in the more traditional place.  Which do you prefer?  (see below)

My favorite thing about arranging the plates in the above way is that the entire dinner plate is visible and I love the way the 4 different animals are swimming around the plate.

However, this plate arrangement, shows of the individual animals on the salad plate a little more prominently.

The plate stack below shows the layers for the tablescape variation where the salad plate is on top of the stack. Layer 3 is a felt plate separator that I use with my shell chargers if I can hide the plate separator completely by the plate that rests on top. It raises the plate a little, and covers a few shells, which helps the dinner plate not rest too heavily on the shells. This seems to help the shells stay glued to the plate.

The flatware I decided to use is Towle Living Antiqua Frost. It is pictured below. I love the variation of the design on the handles – 2 different sizes of starfish, and two different kinds of shells. This is available in a 4 piece place setting, or a 5 piece place setting. I purchased this originally to coordinate with our original lake dishes, which are white with a seashell pattern.

At one side of the dining room I have the lit tree I purchased at Christmas time and decorate periodically to coordinate with my tablescape.  With this tablescape,  I used the sea animal ornaments I got on clearance at Hobby Lobby last year.  I was happy to see they were back this year, as I wanted to add a few to my collection.  I thought they went well with this plate collection, as well as with some of my other seaside plates. 

All ornaments are from Hobby Lobby

And in one end of my dining room, I added a sandcastle fountain, from Cracker Barrel a few years ago.

Table Details and Origins

Dapper Animal Summer 2022 collection – salad plates, dinner plates, juice glasses – West Elm

Seashell Chargers – these are from Pottery Barn, a few years ago but are no longer available. To get a similar look, check out Susan’s Between Naps on the Porch website for excellent descriptions on how to make even prettier shell chargers than these from Pottery Barn. The only thing I could find that us commercially available now, that even remotely imitated these chargers, are these from Wayfair

Sea turtle figurines – Hobby Lobby

Octopus Cookie Jar – Homegoods – a few years ago 

Seahorse and fish glasses, sea animal table runner – Homegoods – Seahorse glasses were from approximately 2020 but fish glasses and table runner were from 2022

Artificial Coral- Homegoods – available most years

Aqua Placemats – Michaels? – a few years ago 

Towle Living Antiqua Frost Flatware – Amazon – and for a similar look, the Towle Living – Sea Turtle flatware is also available at Amazon

Swimming goggles – Target 

Sea Turtle sunglasses and other accessories – Encore Fun for 11 1/2″ dolls – Amazon

Mini beach balls – Amazon

Lighted Tree 7′ Raz Imports – Amazon

Sandcastle fountain – Cracker Barrel store – a few years ago.  

Sea Turtle Napkin Rings by Hans Turnwald – eBay – search on “Hans Turnwald sea turtle napkin rings”

Sea animal ornaments – Hobby Lobby – many are available online and also at the local stores. Unfortunately, these ornaments are not listed as a collection online, and therefore need to be searched for individually – hammerhead shark, Manta Ray, Dolphin, Sea Turtle, Blue Octopus, Jellyfish, Striped Fish, Tropical fish, Starfish, Whale shark, Lobster, Message in a Bottle, Hermit Crab, Narwal, Scalloped shell, etc. These are usually available sometime between October and the mid December, but you will find more variety in November or possibly even October.

Fish in the center of the table – made by Sakura, and Pia – some of these are napkin rings and some of these are serving pieces, such a salt and pepper shakers, sugar and creamer, etc. – eBay

Wishing you a Happy and Fun Summer!!!

For the Comments Section…

For the Comments Section, please scroll to the Bottom of this Post. I would love to hear your comments on the post and or any seaside vacations you have enjoyed!!

Posts You May Like

If you enjoyed this “sea and seaside” table scape, I think you will also enjoy the following Regatta tablescape that I use at various times throughout the year (we are in Texas, near Houston so sailboats can be seen on our lake in just about every month). I also often use this tablescape for some of the Patriotic holidays.

A Regatta Tablescape for Summer, and also for Labor Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, etc.

If you enjoyed this “Whimsical Water Animals Post” you may enjoy my other post that features Whimsical Animals and features another Dapper Animal plate by artist Rachel Koslowski. This other tablescape celebrates bears in winter. Click on the link below if you would like to check it out.

Freezing Temperature Tablescape with Sled Dogs, Seals and Bears “Oh My!!”

You may also enjoy the “April Showers Brings May Flowers” Post which features whimsical ducks and bunnies with umbrellas. Click below if you would like to check it out.

April Showers Bring May Flowers!! But Do They Also Bring Ducks with Umbrellas????

Also, if you liked the lakeside/ocean feel of this post, you may enjoy the following two “sunset on the lake” posts.

A Glorious Sunset on the Lake – April 15, 2023

and

Sunset on the Lake – April 2, 2023

Link Parties

Following is a list of websites I really like!  They are listed under the day of the week where they also host a Family Friendly “Link Parties” aka “Blog Hops”.

If you click on the name of the blog (in blue) on the evening of the day of the week they are listed under, it should take you to the Link Party, where many bloggers have joined with them to share their own ideas.  I love how the link parties connect you with both a great blog, and other blogger’s ideas as well!  Many thanks to all these bloggers for bringing so many ideas to all of us!!! 

You can actually find these link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for. 

Sunday 

Life as a Leo wife (Nikki), Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly),  Décor Craft Design (Mel) ,A Labour of Life (Linda),  Ducks ‘n a Row (Sinea),  Love My Messy Messy Mess (Katie)   host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party.  I love checking out the home decor, holiday decorations and current projects of all the hostesses as well as the ideas from their link party ! 

Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”.  I love checking out Linda’s gorgeous holiday decorations and tablescapes, and her chandelier decorations are a beautiful finishing touch!!

The House on Silverado  hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party. I am fairly new to Niky’s site but am loving her holiday decorating and her new grandma stories!!

Ridge Haven Homestead  – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop.  In addition to the blog hop, I am enjoying reading about Laurie’s homestead, the “off the grid” lifestyle they are living and the cabin they are building. 

April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly on the first Sunday of the month. I am enjoying reading about April’s traveling adventures, as well as her projects at home!  

Monday

Life Tales Books Blogspot  hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party. Jennifer is a Photos and Story Treasures Consultant, and I am enjoying her ideas on photos and memory books, as well as her link party!  

Holly-Pink Lady(Holly) and Sunshine and books blog (Sarah) host “Hello Monday Link Party”. In addition to the link party, I am enjoying Sarah’s book recommendations, and Holly’s recipes and party ideas.  

Between Naps on the Porch hosts  “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters”. I love seeing Susan’s amazing home projects which are very inspiring!! I always come away with some great ideas from her posts and from those who have linked up!! 

The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!

Charlene at A Pinch of Joy hosts “Busy Mondays”. Charlene’s website is all about home decorating, and holiday decorations and recipes. The first two things are things I love to do and the Recipes are things I like to eat!

Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party  Tamar’s website has some great photography, interesting places to visit, and thoughts on many things. Recently, I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah celebrations! 

Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn, Nicky at  Life as a Leo Wife, Michelle at  Moms are frugal and a few other hostesses host “You’re the Star Blog Hop” I love checking out these websites and the link party for holiday decor, crafts, money saving ideas and tablescapes. 

Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life   hosts  the “Inspire me Tuesday” link party. Marty has an eye for design and decorating, and turning your house into a home. I always enjoy reading about her projects. 

Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly)  and Penny’s Passion (Penny) host the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. I have enjoyed Beverly’s Red Barn project and her projects and decorating . Penny’s website has both projects and recipes I have enjoyed reading about – and more – see “Thinking Out Loud” under “Thursday” in this list. 

Jenerally Informed  hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”. Jen from Jenerally informed and Leslie from playmates to parties host “happy now” which brings many craft and decorating ideas and recipes for fun holiday foods. 

Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party” which brings many decorating ideas, recipes, and ideas for family activities. 

Kim and Cassie from Lou Lou Girls host the the “Fabulous Party”. Lou Lou Girls post unique recipes, family activities, DIY and party ideas! 

Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures hosts “Tuesdays with a Twist”. Marci posts on gardening, sewing, recipes, crafts and books! Marci’s link party contains many other fun ideas as well. 

My Wee Abode (Julie) hosts the “Tuesday Turn About” Link Party. Julie is turning her small home into a charming coastal farmhouse home. Her website and link party include great home decorating, DIY, craft projects and recipes.

Wednesday

Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”.  I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel! as well as her decorating ideas, crafts, grandchild activities and home projects. 

French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style”  link party where decorating, recipes, fashion, tablescape styles are all shared. 

Esme Salon recently began hosting a “Wordless Wednesday” photography link party – I can’t wait to link up!

Creatively Beth  hosts the “Creatively Crafty” Link Party. Beth’s website contains wonderful craft posts, including amazing up-cycle, from scratch, and Dollar Store Crafts. Beth’s link party contains a variety of family friendly posts including recipes, crafts, and holiday decor. 

Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop.  I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that Laurie and her family are building. 

Karin at Fifth Sparrow No More, hosts “Whimsy Home Link Party”. Karin posts about Finding the Beauty – in decorating, travel and faith and family! 

Cecelia at My Thrift Store Addiction hosts “Vintage Charm” link party. What Cecelia does with her thrift store finds is so creative!

Lydia at  Pandora and Max hosts the “All Seasons” Link Party. Lydia’s recent blog entry was all about her trip – and the sunsets are a “must see” – fabulous!

Thursdays

I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday. I have been following Susan for quite a long time, and absolutely love her Tablescapes!!! I also love the ideas shared on her Tablescape Thursday link party! 

Katherine’s corner hosts the  “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop.  I love the assortment of wonderful decorating, recipe, tablescape, and inspirational ideas found here. 

Southern Sunflowers   hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday.  I have really enjoyed linking to their link party and the various decorating, recipe, tablescape and craft ideas found on this website and their “Home Matters” Link Party. 

Penny’s Passion  hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday. Thinking out Loud is a great post published each Thursday, and covers many interesting topics. Today the topic was “elf on the shelf – for empty nesters” and I love the traditions Penny has started in her home. So cute!

Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week.  The photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are the places he and his wife photograph! 

Good Random Fun  hosts the “Little Things” link party, which I enjoy. Its a place for sharing and reading about lots of different topics and ideas. 

Marsha in the Middle and Melynda, from Scratch Made Food for Hungry People, and Lisa, from Boondock Ramblings host “Weekend Traffic Jam” which goes live on Thursday at 8:30 pm CT. Marsha posts about Fashion and the link party contains holiday decorations, fashion, and recipes (to name a few of the family friendly links). 

Friday

Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the “Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.” It is a gathering for home decor ideas, recipes, tablescapes, reflections, etc. I am enjoying being a part fo this group. 

Building Our Hive hosts the “Funtastic Friday” Link Party which includes recipes, home decor, tablescapes, crafts, travel and other family friendly posts. 

Cindy at County Road 407  hosts the “Farmhouse Friday” Link Party, which begins at 6:30 am CT each Friday and features home decor – all styles; holiday decorating, tablescapes, crafts, etc. 

Andrea at The Cottage Market hosts “A Morning Cup of Joe” link party. Both the website and the link party feature DIY projects, Recipes, home decor, crafts and holiday decorations. 

Erika at A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea at Momfessionals, host “Friday Favorites”. Both websites and the link party feature family activities, home decor, fashion, entertaining, recipes, and holiday decorations and traditions. 

At Lou Lou Girls Kim, Cassie and Amber bring lots of good recipes and family activities to us and also host “Fabulous Friday” a link party that brings us recipes, holiday decor, family activities and many other family friendly ideas! 

Saturday

Pieced Pastimes  Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party”  which includes home decors, recipes and holiday fun foods, tablescapes, crafts, etc. Among the many things I appreciate at Pieced Pastimes is the first picture of many posts, where Suzanne shows her current view at home (in New Hampshire) I love her wonderful view in all weather!

I hope you enjoyed this Whimsical sea table!!

I hope it brings back some good memories of some seaside vacations you have had or even some vacations “on” the sea.

I also hope it inspires some plans for making memories – lakeside or seaside – even if you only have time for a day trip. Have a wonderful summer !!!!

Comments

Your comments mean the world to me and I comment back on each one!!! The Comment section is just below. Please know that I never share your email, and if you choose not to share your last name, and/or if you prefer to use a nickname rather than your name that is great too. I’d love to hear your comments about this post, your preferences on which variety of the “plate stack” you prefer, and also any waterside adventure you have had or are planning.

Thanks so much for stopping by!!!

Happy Summer!!!!