Create a nautical tablescape for summer decor using lighthouses, DIY napkins, and copper accents. Coastal decor is perfect for summer decorating whether you live near the coast or not.
I have lots of coastal and nautical decor throughout the year, but I especially love to highlight it during the summer.

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In the past, I’ve used our breakfast nook table for a coastal tablescape but this year, I decided to dress up the dining room with a nautical themed tablescape.
Summer Nautical Tablescape

Layering each place setting is always an easy way to add a more formal look to a tablescape. I started with a copper charger plate and it topped with a white dinner plate. To give it the nautical look I wanted without spending lots of money on new dishes, I used a set of Tommy Bahama plastic plates that have a nautical knot pattern that I found at TJ Maxx.

Collecting lighthouses, both large and miniature, is something I’ve been doing for at least 30 years. I reached the point years ago at which I had to stop buying them unless I actually visited the lighthouse. I display lots of my favorite ones, and have more stored away.
I never thought of using them as part of a tablescape, but placing a miniature replica lighthouse at each place setting gives more interest and details to the table setting.

I used an assortment of the mini replicas, one at each place setting.

I’ve also added a couple of bread plates to the table that have a lighthouse pattern.

For the centerpiece, I shopped my house to find pieces that would work. The glass vase is one that is kept in our coastal guest bedroom. The two wooden lighthouses are gifts I was given a few years ago. I like the height of them sitting on either side of the vase.

The Nautical Napkins are recently made with my Cricut and Easy Press. I love how they look on top of the plates.

The lighthouse design was super easy to make. I like the simplicity of this one.

I made two each of the knotted rope, lighthouse, and anchor design. It was fun to search through all of the designs that are available through Design Space for Cricut.

I love how this all came together and I especially love that I used items I already hand on hand for most of the tablescape. Combining my love of lighthouses with other nautical pieces is a great way to create a unique summer tablescape that we’ll enjoy for the next couple of months.

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Nautical Tablescape for Summer Decor

Supply List for Nautical Table Setting
- Copper Charger Plates
- Copper Flatware
- Copper Coasters
- Nautical Plastic Plates
- DIY Nautical Napkins
- Lighthouses
- Nautical Candle Vase
I mentioned that I’ve been collecting lighthouses for a long time. Do you have a collection that has been years in the making? I’d love to hear about it.
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Rebecca Payne says
So cute! I love your mini lighthouses. Great job!
Beverly says
Thanks, Rebecca! I was happy to find a way to use them for a tablescape.
Linda Primmer says
How lovely your nautical table is. Love the napkins you created with your Cricut. Endless possibilities. The light houses are so fun. I am happy to feature your summer tablescape at Love Your Creativity.
Beverly says
Thanks so much, Linda. I appreciate the party and the feature!