A Touch of Gold - Beach Fall Dinner Party

I love it when company comes to visit us at the beach!  The perfect opportunity (excuse) to use a little

creativity to plan an extra special dinner party; delish seafood, fab California wine and an inviting dinner tablescape for our long time friends, Jim and Mary.

Inspired by my gold sea shell dish finds, this year I decided to create a tablescape combining beach found shells, fall-colored sea glass with lots of gold accents.

Starting with a trip to Michael's for a roll of burlap netting with a touch of gold, and a roll of all gold netting to use as a layered table runner.  Then I grabbed some plain white plates ($1.99) and large gold chargers ($2.25) from Home Goods to set the base for the rest of the tablescape. (loved the fun scalloped edges on both!)

*Sea Breeze Wine Glasses are from Caron's Beach House

*Gold-Beige Table Linens are also from our store

*Vintage Aqua and Gold Sea Gull Glasses were found at the Alameda Flea Market

*Seashell Candle Holders can also be found at Caron's Beach House 

 Love my new gold shell dishes from my friends at Nasturium - one of my favorite escapes for a quick shopping trip when I NEED inspiration away from my desk.  My friend Sudi is the designer and her elegant  Red Pomegranate dinnerware is hand-crafted in Turkey.  Exquisite pieces!

Oyster Shell Napkin Rings -- would love to know what you think of these!

I think we had a good time! (hence, the few blurry photos!)

P.S. Our incredible coconut scallops on the blog soon -  Super easy, and super yum

7 Painted Pumpkin Ideas for the Coast

Okay - Tom and I really, really tried to carve a "coastal" pumpkin into something fantastic and artistic so that I would have some kind of awesome photo for you. Needless to say, it was not such a successful endeavor.

I started out with a great idea, just did not pan out - at least not great "blog-worthy" pics. Was definitely a Pinterest FAIL! We did have fun though, and he did let me take his picture....

But I digress.... Here's my annual round-up of seven fun pumpkin ideas for the coast - "non-carved" painted options!

Amazing pumpkin painted art from Kate McRostie!  Discovered on her Facebook page - love love these pretty pumpkins.  We have had several pillows on our site over the years that have her whimsical 

under-the-sea designs.

Here's the Sea Turtle from her Sealife pillow collection!

Adorable beach ball pumpkins by Paint the Gown Red.  Fun beach girl blog too with the instructions on how to create these painted beach pumpkins.  Find the E-Z instructions Here

An anchor embellishment adds just the right nautical cottage touch!  Discovered at Passion for White

Super cute collection of aqua and blues!  Love the sparkles on the "wave" pumpkin - 

For more info - click here to the creators Pinterest Page

Coastal Living Magazine's collection of beachy aqua and blues - you must know that I am always drawn to anything with whales or octopi!  They are produced a cute how-to video - to learn more, here's a convenient link to check out: Beachy Painted Pumpkins

Colorful painted pumpkin patch - I think the bright stripes and patterns would be perfect in a coastal home!  Handmade Charlotte gives complete instructions and stencils so that you could try this too - click here for all of the details!

Crafts by Courtney always has such great ideas!  Here are a few examples that might work for me next year -  (I am giving up carving....)

Hope these few enchanting pumpkin ideas give you a little inspiration! Only a few more weeks until Halloween...

One more - 

Love this rhinestone idea on white pumpkins! Could do coral patterns, octopus legs - anything sea life inspired would work - (not sure of image source - sorry!)

Driftwood Bouquet - Beachcomber Style

Creating a Driftwood Vignette for an Entry Table

Another great idea from Tim Neve's Sand Castles - use driftwood branches for a "bouquet" in a large sea-aqua bottle!  If you have a sea fan, that would also be a fun touch. You might have something like this hiding in your basement, or can easy find something similar to Tim Neve's example at your favorite vintage store (even your local T.J. Maxx or World Market)

Don't forget the rule of three to make a decor statement!

Love these rope and netting vases  - by the way!

Lanterns are always a fun accessory - especially for fall entry ways.  Add shells, rope, driftwood; use your imagination to create something really unique!  These copper hurricanes with natural rope handles that will naturally oxidize would be a fabulous addition.

Again, an example of  a beach house look that you can create with little money and just a smidge of imagination with your beachcombed finds!

Thought you all might enjoy my "Driftwood Bouquet"- Not only am I a collector of driftwood pieces, but I tend to gather up sea-washed rope from our beaches.

I find that it has interesting texture, weird shape and great ocean color.  Way too pretty to throw away!  I'd also like to think that I am keeping it away from dangering any sea life too.