On the Homefront: Colorful Coastal Table

Colorful crabs and shrimp platter and shrimp trivet purchased at
the Charleston City Market.

For Labor Day, I decided to set a colorful coastal table, since Labor Day weekend is traditionally the last opportunity for a family beach vacation here in our part of the South.  Of course I used a lot of my fish- and crustacean-themed dinnerware in a variety of lovely colors, while keeping the table runner and place mats neutral to let the dishware stand out.  For me, this table looks quite summery, and is a great way to say farewell to the last days of the season before autumn slowly makes its way to the South.

Threshold table runner from Target; oval woven natural placemat; Citrus Grove Dinner Plate in Peach from Publix; colorful Fish Garden salad/dessert plate from Pier 1 (one of four different designs); stainless steel flatware; yellow napkin; shrimp napkin ring; colorful wine glass; orange water glass from The Cupboard in Fort Collins, CO (obviously I don't remember where I got most of these things!).

This Clearly Fish Condiment Serving Set came from the gift shop at
the Georgia Aquarium, as did the Tropical Crab Dip Bowl below (both
by Boston Warehouse).

I can't remember where I got this cute crab bowl
(possibly HomeGoods).

A closer look at the shrimp napkin ring.

My husband picked up this smiling crab bowl
on one of his many trips.

Two crabby wine holders (I just hope they let us have our wine!).

Since the table setting features many crustaceans, I made Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits, which my husband loves.  Even though this is not my favorite way to eat shrimp, shrimp and grits were perfect for a Southern coastal-themed menu.  The recipe comes from a lovely print we bought at the Charleston City Market when we were there in the spring.  A crab dip continues the crustacean fare, while biscuits and creamed kale enhance the Southern aspect of the menu, as does a simple peach cobbler.

Coastal Crustacean Menu:

Beer, Wine, and/or Iced Tea

Hot Crab Dip
Benne Wafers* and Bell Pepper Strips

Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits

Cream Biscuits/Butter

Southern Creamed Kale

Super Easy Peach Cobbler

*You can make your own benne wafers or buy any sort of sesame crackers available at your favorite food store.

The Lindt Lindor Truffles on the table for Labor Day are peanut butter (peanuts are another Southern crop) and milk chocolate:

Sunny the Dalmatian returns for this last celebration of summer:

Vietri Incanto Mare White Crab Canape Plates with
crab salt and pepper shakers by Cape Shore.

The Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits recipe.

A Lowcountry She Crab Soup recipe to try when the weather cools down.

Goodbye to summer, and hello to fall!