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

2019

I first did this tablescape for the Fourth of July Weekend in 2019. Our good friends Michelle and Ash were having a family reunion and lots of their family were coming to Texas from Indiana and Michigan, as well as Texas. We offered to cohost so the families would have a home base on the lake, where they would be spending a lot of time putting Ash and Michelle’s new wakeboarding boat, “through its paces”. (Their beautiful new boat is pictured above). I wanted to have some Fourth of July decorations on display when they arrived-to add to the festivities, and I also wanted to have the dining room table ready for any guests who needed or wanted to eat inside and take a break from the outdoor heat.

I chose to do a “Regatta Tablescape” to celebrate the 4th and the family reunion of our guests . The dishes used are ones I fell in love with when I saw them on eBay and I have collected them for a while. They are favorites of mine and also non-seasonal, and so I keep them at the house, to use at any time throughout the year. Unfortunately, because there are no basements in this area -because the water table is so high and because our attics here are more likely to “roast” dishes than to safely store them, I have many of my dishes stored at a storage unit. However, I really like having these dishes at the house because they work so well for any patriotic holidays, and also for any days spent eating while looking at the water. (which are most of our days!)

The Plate Stack

The Regatta Dishes are made by Omnibus (a division of Fitz and Floyd) and on the back of the plate it says -Habitat Americana – “Regatta” by Omnibus International – Dishwasher safe and Microwave safe.

The Chargers are 12 1/2″ in diameter and are made by Mikasa and sold as “Serving Platters”. I love their rich blue color.

The woven cloth placemats were found at Homegoods in approximately 2017.

The Plate Stack was begun with the woven blue and white placemat, and the Mikasa True Blue Platter was placed on top of that.

The “Regatta” plates have 4 different designs as each features a different colored sail and a different colored boat.

Yellow and white sails

Red and white sails

Green and white sails

Blue and white sails

When Michelle and Ash came over to help decorate and get ready for the reunion, we put U.S.A. flag swags up in the yard and nautical flags around the boat dock roof. Perhaps you can see them in the distance. They looked wonderful but unfortunately cotton fabric and the Texas sun don’t go well together so I soon realized I would have to replace them sometime with another fabric that fades less in the bright sunshine.

Update on Flags

This year I bought new nautical flags to replace the old faded cotton ones. These new flags are featured below.

The nautical flags I chose this year are from Amazon, and the “flag garland” contained A LOT of flags, so this year(2023) and in future years there will be flags around the light fixture as well.

The Silverware, Napkins,

Napkin Rings, and Goblets

The flatware is Towle Living “Anchor” and i purchased it on Amazon.

The napkin rings are anchors also.

The striped napkins above emphasize the nautical theme as well at the Patriotic Theme.

The blue goblets are from Frontgate. I was excited to find them on sale. I love how the sides of the goblets are “wavy” like the lake.

Centerpieces

I “shopped” my china cabinet and other areas of the house for nautical items I collected over the years. The three wooden sailboats are from target, I believe, and the two anchors were a gift from Michelle. The ceramic small sailboats are salt and pepper shakers and were made by Fitz and Floyd.

The three Regatta trophies on the tablescape are actually a coffee pot, sugar bowl and creamer. They were made by Omnibus.

I chose these candle holders because the curves and swirls remind me of the waves in the lake.

I ended up with a mix of white and red candles (moving wick battery operated tapers) because I did not have the 6 candles needed for the pair of holders in any one color, so instead I mixed the colors. I’m glad it was necessary to mix the candle colors, because I like the red and white candles better, as it turns out, then i liked either the red or white alone.

Decorations Around the Dining Room, and Around the House

I did a few little flower arrangements in the house for the holiday!

The North American Bear – Vanderbear family went for a boat ride on top of our wall unit.

I displayed my star tiered tray and some other patriotic things near the back door.

I displayed flowers and candle holders on the window sill also (the candle holders held battery operated pillar candles for safety).

For our final night we had our meal and followed it up with chocolate fondue in my new chocolate fountain. All the strawberries, bananas and other fixings were a big hit! It had been a great time for getting to know all of Michelle’s extended family, and for spending time with Ash, Michelle their kids and their families.

Unfortunately all the guests couldn’t stay for the fireworks as some had a long drive to Indiana and some to Michigan, where they had to be back at work. However, those who could, enjoyed a fabulous fireworks show on the lake, which are shot off (coincidentally) right across the lake from us. What a wonderful treat for us!

Above is a video of the 4th of July fireworks from our dock. (click play to start the video) I love fireworks over the water!

Lake Scenes

As I looked back on this post, I realized I had no photographs of lake scenery, although we all enjoyed the scenery all weekend. However, at a reunion, the most important thing is celebrating the guests, so please pardon the lack of scenery shots. To make up for my omission, please enjoy the following memory video/slide show of “golden hour” in 2022, computer generated by Apple Photos using my lake photos from 2022.

To see the slide show of various “Golden Hour” pictures and short video click on play above. I hope you enjoy this compilation of various sunsets from 2022.

Table Details and Origins for “A Regatta Tablescape for Summer”

Regatta Dishes – Omnibus (a division of Fitz and Floyd) a-Habitat Americana – “Regatta” 

Mikasa  “True Blue”– serving platters 12.5” diameter – used as chargers. 

anchor napkin rings – Amazon

Towle Living “Anchor” Flatware – Amazon

Blue and White Woven Cloth Placemats – Homegoods

DII – Nautical Cloth Napkins – DII or Amazon online.

Nautical Flags from 2019 Fouth of July Celebration – Target

Nautical Flags for 2023 Celebration – Amazon

Regatta Coffee Pot, sugar bowl and creamer, that look like Regatta trophies – Omnibus – eBay

Fondue Fountain – Amazon 

Star tiered tray – Homegoods – approximately 2017

3 Wooden sailboats – gifts – possibly from Target originally

Sailboat salt and pepper shakers 2 different sets – likely from eBay 

Cloth covered boat bin – likely from Target

Whale candle holder – Target

Patriotic signs – Homegoods

Red and White moving wick taper candles – battery operated – Amazon

Cambridge Blue Depression Glass “Rose Point Triple Candle Holders” Pair – eBay 

Bears – North American Bear Company Vanderbear Family – Cornelius, Alice, Fuzzy, Fluffy and Muffy – Muffy was purchased at a gift shop, but the other 4 bears are from eBay and Etsy. 

Boat used by the “Vanderbears” is from Homegoods, and is designed for serving cold beverages in cans or bottles.  

“Vanderbear” outfits are from the “Cruisewear Collection”.  Outfits are discontinued, but occasionally available from eBay, Etsy and other resale stores. 

Posts I Hope You Will Like

Whimsical Water Animals Tablescape Celebrates Summer at the Seashore

Tropical Bird Tablescape and What Felt Like a Tropical Storm

Birds, Blooms, and a Bride

A Blue and White Mother’s Day Tablescape

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!

Wishing You a Wonderful Summer with many fun times with your friends and family!!!!! I hope you enjoy all the patriotic holidays the season has to offer, and may God Bless and guide our country!!!

Comments

Thanks for joining me! I would love to hear your comments about the post (please scroll down for comment section). I would also love to hear about your best family reunion, and/or times spent celebrating the Memorial Day, The Fourth of July, or Labor Day (or for International visitors – your memories from a patriotic holiday in your country!

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Thanks so much for stopping by to celebrate the U.S.A. at the lake with us! Happy Summer!!!