Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Lobster Linens...now what?

I will not be serving lobster for Father's Day.  This scenario is the creation of the clever decorating staff at Pottery Barn, but you know you want to dine here.
I fall in love very easily...with linens, tableware, decorative accessories, books, food...and men, but for today I need help with my new purchase of the wonderfully fun lobster linens at Pottery Barn to which I recently treated myself.

June is a month I refer to as "The Trifecta of Horror" because every Sunday involves a gift-giving holiday and people who have absolutely everything.  The 12th is my parents' anniversary (seriously after 63 years what more does a couple need?), the 19th is Father's Day (again, if he doesn't buy it, he makes it, has it, or doesn't need it), and the 26th is dad's birthday (see above comments).
So, every year I try to make the meal and table very special (even if the gifts are practical and routine).  This year, because I am absolutely aching to go to the shore, when I spotted these linens in the Pottery Barn catalog, I pounced.  So clever, fun, and unique, I just had to have them.  Then, as luck would have it, I found a set of napkin rings that work perfectly with this set.  The only problem I now have is what on earth to do with the center of the table.  So consider this blog post as a plea for advice.  Here are the pictures of what I have (photos from the Pottery Barn and Pine Hill websites), now give me your wildest ideas.
Here is a closer view.  I did not opt for the monogramming.
These napkin rings (and this photo) are from Pine Hill.  The rings should go perfectly with the linens from PB.
This is a view of the runner (that I did not get).  I include it as it offers yet another view of this fabulous fabric.
Okay, Tablescapers, start your engines!  What would you use as a centerpiece?  I'm looking for clever, fabulous, crazy, unique, and, oh, budget-minded (as I sort of blew my budget on this set and, of course, I will have to actually buy and serve some food!  When you invite people for dinner, they expect it.)

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23 comments:

Babs said...

Pattie T, Love those PB linens. Don't blame you for splurging on them. As for a centerpiece, I'm normally not one for OTT and usually do the expected thing with oversized lanterns or hurricanes with chunky candles, but if I wanted to really make a statement, I'd find a lobster pot/trap and use that for a centerpiece...providing the table was large enough.
Have fun and hope you get a lot of creative ideas. I forgot to follow you last time I visited but now I'm officially a follower. Can't wait to see how your table turns out.
Babs

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

I love linens too and have far too many, but would buy more in an instant!

I saw these at PB online or in a catalog. Love them!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I think a lobster trap would be fabulous IF you can find one. But I also think a lantern with seashells inside would work....
LOVE the tablecloth.....but, I don't eat LOBSTER!!

blogsiren said...

What about using fresh corn as a centerpiece? You could tie them together with twine around a candle, or float them in the bottom of a tall glass vase, with a floating candle above on the waters edge. You could add some slices of colored pepper too for texture and interest. Carve out some potatoes for tea light holders. Wrap the bottom of the potato with foil, like a baked potato..Use some inexpensive clay pots to hold the utensils and I always find some cute but inexpensive pot holders for each guest as a way to handle the crab or lobster as they crack them..helps to save the skin on your hands from the sharp edges of the seafood. Pots of herbs are great too as centerpieces and you get to keep them for the kitchen. Just a few ideas...

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Really great tablecloth & I love the lobster napkin rings! Thanks for stopping by my blog and for the nice comment!

Anonymous said...

Pattie, you are so funny. I laughed at your comment about the month of gift giving!! Your tablecloth is beautiful!

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

I saw this tablecloth in person and I SO much wanted to take it home with me! I may get just the napkins. A small crate would be easy to suggest a lobster trap and to stage some shells and candles. A dark wicker hamper or basket on it's side with mums spilling out would be a fresh look too. have fun!

The Tablescaper said...

That is an awesome tablecloth. I can so see why you didn't leave it behind.

If you're serving lobster, they could easily be the centerpiece. Otherwise work to bring out the red in the cloth. Perhaps a cluster of red candles wrapped with a cord and some seashells?

Amazing napkin rings!

- The Tablescaper

xinex said...

Beautiful table linens! Love the lobster prints...Christine

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh I love Lobster and this table will be so awesome!
I like the lantern idea for a centerpiece, something nautical for sure!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I love your new table linens too! How cute! You could use a pail piled high with shells for your centerpiece. Thanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Anonymous said...

Love the lobster trap idea ..... however, finding lighthouses of 3 (or 5) different sizes might work also.

Gotta love PB!

Joy

Poppy @ With a Dash of Color said...

Hi Pattie, I love your Pottery Barn linen, it is perfect for a beach tablescape and the cute lobster rings are so adorable.Small galvanized pails filled with lemons, shells or candles.. rows of them in center can be used as centerpieces for your table.Can't wait to see your finished tablescape.. I'm sure it will look fabulous. Thanks for stopping by and liking my patriotic tablescape and yes those are Currier and Ives,Old Gristmill" pattern dinner plates manufactured by Royal China. My husband and I purchased them at a country auction many years ago. Have a wonderful week!~Poppy

http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

a quiet life said...

i love pottery barn, i could move right in!

Carrie said...

How about a huge anchor for the centerpiece?

Lynn said...

Amazing linens and great napkin rings! I think a lantern would be a great centerpiece, you might even have on around the house or outside.
Or a simple vase of red and white flowers. Have fun:@)

~~louise~~ said...

Oh what fun, Pattie. June is a busy month for me too. As a matter of fact, today is my sister's birthday!!!

I'm absent of suggestions which is rather strange in this particular instance, being from Long Island and all and absolutely missing Lobster season. Now you have me craving Lobster, bad!

If I had to make a suggestion, I'd go with the lobster pot too. However, my own thoughts consist of a big pile of sand in the middle of the table, contained of course, filled with all kinds of seashells, perhaps some clams, seaweed, etc. A sort of outside the pot Lobster Bake.

Thank you so much for sharing, I absolutely adore your tablescape posts!!!

Janet Rudolph said...

Love these linens, but you know I love them as you do. Don't have the lobster ones. Anyway, have a wonderful June with lots of present giving.. Happy Anniversary to your parents. 63 years! Yay!

I saw a fabulous lobster at the flea market the past two times I went. He was paper mache, but art quality and signed and way beyond my budget. He was like nothing you've ever seen. Very glossy. Would make the perfect centerpiece, and then you could hang him on the wall!

Marlis said...

I think a "lobster pot" would be great. spray pain an old two handled soup pot red and then fill it, but with what? or a great recycled jug type container filled with sand and sea shells.. an old fisherman's net with see critters (plastic) and some cool candles on driftwood, some driftwood? I love love love that fabric and i think i am going to have to go look and see if any is left! anything natural for the center would be fine.. You have such wonderful taste... I can't wait to see what you do with this! many blessings, marlis

The Dragonfly On Iron Gate said...

I hope who ever is thinking for you, can think for me too. I have this set sitting here. I'm waiting for something to hit me. I have two weeks until the US Open and I have people here for 5 nights of dinners !! (I'm not cooking) but have all the rest of it to pull together... I'm going to follow (the leader mayhap) Jules ♥

susan @ romancing the home said...

Thanks for sharing this adorable tablesetting - I am buying them too! Enjoy your crazy month of June celebrations- somes like your family has a lot of fun together!

Entertaining Women said...

Wonderful linens...they'll be so special for your party. How about fish netting? Coral comes to mind as a perfect accoutrement. If using flowers, how about Bird of Paradise? I saw a huge pair of fishing reels on a mantle in a home one time...they were spectacular. Don't know if you have access do deep sea gear in St. Louis. Instead of a lobster trap, how about a fishing creel, or a Nantucket basket filled with maybe ornamental grasses. Do you have any Barley Twist candlesticks...or bronze or other wood candlesticks? They'd be cool. Also, noticed the lemons in the PB pic...they might be wonderful with the leaves attached. That probably enough brain storming for now. I'll be eager to see what you create. Cherry Kay

Vanessa Coppa said...

I saw your blog featured on Tracy's Living Cookbook. I'm obsessed with table decor too (and amazingly jealous of your PB lobster table linens!) Can't wait to follow your blog and see what else is to come.