Yesterday I hosted a luncheon. The theme was “Come With Me to the Sea”. It has been 110+ here in Phoenix so I thought that we could be transported to a cooler climate if only for an afternoon. Come With Me To The Sea. Here is my living room decked out in summer white slipcovers. (They will change to a Tuscan red in the fall.)
Come With Me To The Sea
To the left of the room, there is normally a small antique chest that my husband bought while living in England. It is currently being restored, so I moved in our antique Chinese chest and topped it with a tray that held a nautical vignette.
The table and buffet were decked out in various shades of white and blue. Don’t you feel cooler just looking at it? (One guest broke her foot, so I left the head of the table open for her wheelchair.)
I had a different centerpiece planned, but on Wednesday an unexpected package arrived. It was from my husband’s grandmother. She is downsizing and sent me this lovely vintage sea-maid that I have long admired for my upcoming birthday. Thank you, Grandma Joyce!
A close up of the buffet shows more treasures from the sea. I love the little shell-shaped candies, in the small glass bowl, but the cookies were oh so yummy!
The Kitchen Area
Moving into the kitchen area I continued the theme but in a somewhat different color palette.
This little sea-maid is drinking from a shell. She moves around to various spots in our home. I found her at Marshalls for $7. I think she enjoyed her shell garland.
On the center island, I set out a few snacks that you might find on a boardwalk: peanuts, pretzels, etc. I also included a bit of small seaside decor.
TIP: In the background, you can somewhat see that I have all of my platters and utensils laid out so that when it is time for lunch I can quickly take items from the refrigerator and place them on the counter. This is a great time saver as you will not be scrambling to find what you need only to discover that it is in the dishwasher, dirty of course. An empty platter will also remind you to pull out everything and not to forget to put out a certain dish. (Yes, I’ve made that error more than once.)
Another time-saving tip is to set up a drink area where guests can help themselves. I learned this lesson the hard way when I spent an entire evening doing nothing but refilling drinks. Shortly before this party started I also set out ice and seaworthy sodas alongside the lemonade, water, and iced tea.
I didn’t take a picture of the plates of food as I was having such fun. But the rest of the menu included shrimp po’ boys, tuna salad, macaroni salad, sliced watermelon, and other yummy delights.
I hope you enjoyed your day at the seaside,
Laura
I like the idea of slipcovers in the living room – makes it easy to change looks without costing too much!That sea theme is great! The cool colors, all the shells, I love it!
Oh my gosh! I can’t believe I won! I loved all your party decor! That sea maid from your husband’s grandmother is so beautiful!
pkThank you the photo’s of your lovely home. Take care,Marianne
What a lovely idea for a luncheon. I especially love Grandma Joyce’s vintage sea maid. It’s a perfect centerpiece and I’m sure it’s extra special to you because it was a gift from her heart!
Wow, what a great party. I’m always on the look out for party ideas. It’s a perfect time to do a beach theme party. I really could use a beach right now.Brandee 🙂
I love the sea maid from your MIL. What a great idea for an August party in Arizona!
What a fun idea for a party. I think I may have to use it myself. I love the picture you have in the frame. Where did you find it? It’s perfect for your theme. I love the way you used it on the givebags too. I wish I could come to your parties!Lucky Cindy to win your great giveaway.Hugs,Joanne
That looks absolutely beautiful and yummy. I am a succor for sea themes and you did it beautifully and so elegant.Congratulations to Cindy!Laura, you have an award at my site. Come and get it.*hugs*
I love that lady in the middle of the table from your grandma, so sweet!The party looked like fun and everything was so pretty!Bella
oh my gosh! can i have your white slipcovers?????
Shoot! I’m too late!!!Oh well, I’m not a sore loser…congrats, Cindy!!For the record, my favourite part of your blog is seeing the beautiful photos of your home. I love those slipcovers!!!!What’s that about the early bird??Linda
I especially love the keys on the tray in the living room. They inspire so much thought… your design is beautiful, crisp and inviting.
Oh so lovely!
Awh lovely summer party! Thanks for sharing! Liz
LOVE IT ALL…wish I could have been there…..Amy (Mom to the Four Sisters)
what a beautiful and thoughtful day… and love the picture on the front of the salt water taffy bag… sweet… so fun and enjoyable…and cool, looks like!!!
What an inviting party atmosphere! I loved the little vintage sea maiden, she is beautiful!
Wow, I just love the vintage sea maid, what a beautiful piece.