It’s happening. The back-to-school ads are starting and we had  a significant storm last night, complete with hail. Those unmistakable signs that summer has passed its crest, and the change in season will soon be upon us. It’s a reminder that the warm weather won’t last forever, as much as we might want it to, so let’s have that picnic on the beach, or invite those friends over for an evening.

August 1 marks the start of hurricane season down in the Cape, so plans for dinner include eating in the dining room if the weather looks at all iffy toward mid-afternoon. But we still want a warm, inviting summer theme.

Here is where I turn to my Limoges hand-painted dessert set featuring assorted crustaceans and sea life from Wisteria Antiques, and combine them with Pillivuyt Queen Anne Porcelain from Williams Sonoma.

The peachy-pink tone of Fostoria June Pink Depression glass wine and water goblets from Replacements.com pick up the colours in the sealife on the plates. Officially water and iced tea glasses, respectively, I’ve re-purposed them to suit more modern use.

Enchanting glass sea-themed napkin rings from Pottery Barn hold their smoky-blue linen napkins to finish the look. The oyster-shell pewter salt cellars (complete with pearl at the bottom!) are a fun touch.