There’s nothing like summer Maine lobster, am I right? Join me in the dining room of our Coastal Maine home today for a laid-back lobster feast.
Before we get started though, I’m thrilled to be joining 12 very talented bloggers today in sharing our coastal-themed summer decor ideas, hosted by my friend Amber over at Follow The Yellow Brick Home.
If you are joining me from Michelle over at Thistle Key Lane welcome! Aren’t her studio updates just fabulous? Michelle and I have been on many of these blog hops together over the years and she’s definitely an inspiration.
Days of Old
Growing up in Maine, lobster and steamed clams were always on the menu. My first job as a teenager was waitressing for Fosters Clambakes, and as I got older I would travel to their away lobster bakes like the ones they hosted at the Boston Tea Party ship. And my grandfather owned a lobster pound and clam hut too. Lobster wasn’t only what was for dinner, it was a way of life.
You may read more in the post, Coastal Maine Heritage – Embracing My Roots here.
Let’s Set the Table
As I reflect on this picture, I will start to set my table with the same lobster crackers and picks that my mother set her table with and share my table with you here today.
Lobster is messy, there’s really no way to get around this. So protecting the table is key. I layered today’s lobster-themed table with 2 recently thrifted tablecloths while out “Thrifting with the Gals“. You may also enjoy This Summer’s Thrift Store Decor Finds.
I tend to go with red, white, and blue colors for my lobster-themed tablescapes. The colors are so cheerful and summery. And of course, match the color of the meal.
Centerpiece
A bouquet of blue hydrangeas found at Trader Joe’s accents this lobster-themed table splendidly.
Along with a long piece of driftwood found at our local beach, topped with collected beach stones.
And the stones can be used for cracking the lobster shells too, as well as holding a stack of paper napkins.
I love collecting local beach driftwood, where I display it in an old wooden barrel in this Small Cottage Guest Bedroom, Vintage and Delightful.
You may also enjoy the post Beachcombing, Blue Mussels, and an Antique Bowl.
Lobster-Themed Table Details
Earlier this week we took a fun day trip over to Kennebunk, ME where we did a little thrifting, shopping, and lunch. That is where I found these befitting lobster napkins for the table.
Paired with Cutlery Couture’s Blue Hydrangea silverware pouches. And you know what? They sell them with Lobsters HERE too!
Round lobster placemats I found years back at Stonewall Kitchen doubled with old Christmas Tree Shop’s lobster plates and of course, my mother’s now vintage lobster crackers and picks.
And always my little helper, Ella peaking out from under the table as I set it.
Paper plates are also a good idea for a lobster-themed table. As you can throw them right out when your messy lobster dinner is over. Just be sure they are the durable kind!
And another great idea I’ve also seen is to layer your table with newspapers. How authentic is that?
And of course thrifted blue glassware.
And I just adore these gifted Beaumont Pottery lobster butter bowls.
The story goes, that I saw these lobster butter bowls posted on a second-hand shop’s Facebook page but when I arrived to buy them, they were already sold. One of my dear followers here later saw the same 8 lobster butter bowls in an antique shop and picked them up for me. We met up at Stonewall Kitchen where she gave them to me. It was so thoughtful and I’m so grateful. I just love them on all of my lobster-themed tables.
Lobster Pot and Platter
And don’t forget to add a lobster pot and platter to your lobster-themed table too. The pot will be there to collect all the empty lobster shells and a large platter is perfect for corn on the cob and other items you’d like to add to your lobster fare.
And don’t forget the Table Ready Fakery Bakery…
And afterward, you may want to soak your vintage tablecloths in Retro Clean. Learn more about my go-to cleaning solution for washable vintage textiles in the post, How to Safely Bring Age Stained Textiles Back to Life.
An authentic Maine lobster meal traditionally consists of:
- 1 1/2 pound lobster
- Steam Clams
- Corn on the Cob
- Baked Potato
- Clam Chowder
- Dinner Rolls
- Optional, Salad
You may also enjoy some of these previous lobster-themed table posts too:
A Quick and Easy Rainy Day Lobster Table Setting
Simple Summer Lobster Tablescape
What Does Frugality Mean to You?
Coastal Grandmother Summer Decor “In My Mother’s Home”
And check out my friend Molly in Maine’s post on THE BEST LITTLE LOBSTER SHACK IN MAINE.
I’m so glad you dropped by today and if you are new to my blog, welcome! I hope you were totally inspired!
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SHOP All THINGS LOBSTER
Next up on today’s coastal decor tour is my friend Cindy from County Road 407. Who is sharing how to decorate with a coastal home decor style without using shells. Cindy is so cute and you are going to love her natural vintage home decor style!
You won’t want to miss the other talented bloggers joining me on today’s coastal decor tour here:
Ann this post delights my heart in so many ways!.. Your tablescape with it’s vintage touches is fabulous. But I truly adore the image of a mini lobster loving you. 🙂
Thank you so much Laura🦞🐾🫶🏻
You’ve created some amazing tablescapes since I’ve been following you, Ann, but I have to say this is one of my all-time favorites – I’m totally in love! The lobster touches are perfection and every detail makes me want to hang on to summer even longer. It’s truly a work of art and would be a blessing to gather around and enjoy the best of what summer has to offer. Big hugs, CoCo
There is so much that I love here Ann, especially the ties to your memories of growing up in Maine!! So special. i love the way you styled your table and the driftwood with the stones is such an amazing idea!! The butter bowl pottery is so much fun!
What a fun and colorful table Ann! And what wonderful memories you have made. You definitely captured the coastal vibe of this hop! Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Shelley
What time is dinner? I’m so ready! This is so much fun and I love hearing your history with lobster. I especially love how you’ve layered your vintage tablecloths, so summery and nautical. Have a great weekend!
I. am. STARVING!!!! Oh yum! Everything looks so beautiful and tasty in your PERFECT authentic Maine Lobster table! You are so blessed to have experienced this kind of childhood and life. I love learning more about Maine and the traditions of New England. Of course I love all of your vintage finds too.
All that driftwood reminded me that I have a piece in my coastal decor tote I had forgotten all about. I will definitely be using it next year.
Thanks so much for joining the hop. Enjoy that delicious Lobster and corn on the cob!
I love your Maine lobster-themed table setting Ann. It’s so colorful and screams summer coastal vibes.
I saw those cute Ella paws sticking out from under the table and had to back up and look again. Haha so cute! I love everything about your lobster table setting from the tablecloths, to the drift wood and rocks. So unique and beautiful! Love that sweet picture of you too!
Anne,
This table setting and all the details are just so fun. Love doing these together.
I absolutely loved reading about you growing up, your family and job! How fun to have such memories. Loved the photo of you as well. Your table looks amazing and makes me want to try it. Nope, I’ve never had lobster. I’m not a huge seafood fan but I think it’s because where I live it’s shipped in and days old – yuck. When I’m in Florida though, it’s delicious! Vacationing in Maine is on my bucket list for sure. BTW at your next lobster bake, you should put some of those fake stick on googly eyes on all the lobsters. I’d die laughing!
EEEK! I am in love with all of your lobster decor. This was the cutest table ever and I want to come enjoy it with you! Pinned!