50 Shells of Gray

Don't worry, this tablescape isn't based on "that" book.  Just the title!  I couldn't find any handcuffs small enough to use as napkin rings (some of you probably have no idea what I'm talking about!).   The theme for this week's Let's Dish Party is "beach".  Perfect for a Florida girl who lives 20 minutes from the beach, right?  So fitting, that I have gone with the coastal feel several times in the past few months, see HERE and HERE.  I still have lots of dishes and accessories I could use and I'm sure I will tackle another one before this summer is gone but I just wanted to take a different path today.  I was shopping at the Villeroy and Boch Outlet this week (they are having a scratch and save sale!) and found a gray runner on clearance.  An idea was born!

Instead of being my usual chatty self, I think I will let the pictures tell the story and give my resources at the end.  This is very unlike me and I may never do this again (even if you would like me to!)  I hope you enjoy my 50 shells of gray and  unusual take on a "beach" theme.  I didn't bother to count but 50 sounds about right!

I like to think of this table representing a late afternoon thunder storm at the beach. I love a good thunderstorm, don't you?

And by candlelight (oops, I wasn't supposed to talk!)

Now for the credits...

Table runner.....Villeroy and Boch Outlet

Flower Vase.....Ross

Flowers...Publix and my yard

Candleholders.....Ross, Marshall's and thrift store

Candles.....Ross and Marshall's

Chargers.....Target

Dinner Plate.....Old Time Pottery

Salad Plate.....Beall's Outlet

Shell Plate.....Goodwill

Sand...grits topped with a little crystal sugar

Flatware.....Ross

Glasses.....Ross and a wedding gift

Shells around tapers.....Pottery Barn (napkin rings)

Napkins.....Target

Be sure to see what my landlocked sister has done for a beach table at Creating Wonderful Spaces.

This tablescape is blowing over to the following parties...

Let's Dish at Cuisine Kathleen

Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch

What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants

Transformation Thursday at Shabby Creek Cottage

Thursday Favorite Things at Katherine's Corner

Thrfty Things Friday at Thrifty Groove

Inspiration Friday at The Picket Fence

Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Beachy Dresser Top

Dining and kitchen tables aren't the only things that need "tablescaping".  Coffee tables, sofa tables, end tables, fireplace mantels and pretty much every horizontal surface you can think of needs some attention too.  Today I am sharing  a bit of my newly decorated "beachy" guest room.  The room is not very big, just enough room for 2 twin beds and something in between them.  I got this dresser from my late Aunt Ann and apparently it's pretty old.  I just appreciate that it is solid wood, has a nice warm finish and looks a bit loved (used!).  I am still looking for headboards for the beds and depending what I find, I may give this little dresser a makeover but for now, this is it!

Let's take a closer look.

Maybe a little closer (in case you're viewing this on a smartphone!)

Instead of a traditional dresser scarf I used a fishnet from Dollar Tree. 

The lamp is from Old Time Pottery and has some nice detail on it.

Most of my accessories were found at Beall's Outlet here in Florida.

This fish dish would be a nice place for guests to place their change or maybe jewelry.

Nothing says beach like.....well, a candle that says "beach"!

I live 20 miles from the beach but it's a popular decorating style no matter where you live.  It's a great way to display shells you may have picked up on vacation too. 

The seashell book (it's actually a box) is from Ross and the frame is from Beall's Outlet.  It was easy to find a beach picture to display in it.  Doesn't everyone have dozens of family pictures taken at a beach somewhere?

I hope you enjoyed my little taste of beach life on a February day!

I am joining the party at Tabletop Tuesday hosted by A Stroll Thru Life.