Under the Sea

The rains have ceased, replaced by heat and humidity. Summer is in full swing and I'm looking for relief! And what better place than the sea?

Actually, this photo was taken in Key West when we were down there in May. To recreate the feeling in mid-August, I set a table that will transport us back there in spirit!

I began with deep-sea-blue placemats accented with glassware the color of the sky.

I think the diamond pattern on the glasses catches and diffracts the light like the sun on waves. You've seen these before, but here they deliver a totally different feel.

Next came these plates and bowls I bought when daughter J was just a little girl. I thought they were so darn cute then and I still do!

The napkins were a recent find — they depict whimsical fish with the same feel as the dishware. Silverware with colored handles echo the plate edge.

What to do for a centerpiece? We usually use these plates when dining on the patio. But the table there has an umbrella in the center so I mostly don't bother with a centerpiece. Inside, however, I think a centerpiece is in order.

Into the center went a small stand topped with a colorful fish plate and a pretty pillar candle.

Shells of various types surround the candle and adorn the place settings.

I used these ceramic shells, intended for tea lights, as salt cellars. They hold coarse gray sea salt from France and reddish "Pinot Noir" craft salt from a winery in Oregon.

Swimming through the shells are these vivid salt and pepper shakers found in an antique mall in Dahlonega. They have such personality!



Joining in the fun is this hand-painted wooden fish bought long ago on a Caribbean island. . .

and this brightly painted toucan acquired in Curaçao, who seems to be watching the goings-on.

I like how the mosaics in the table model the sea floor, and those on the perimeter are set in a wave pattern.

Until we meet in Key West!