Summer by the seaside. Sand and surf and seafood. Yum.
Ironically, this pattern by Pier 1 made its appearance in stores in January of this year. While I’m all for thinking ahead, this did seem to be rushing the season, just a bit. I made a mental note to look at it again in a couple of months, as a possible addition to the Cape House. To my astonishment, nary a piece was left in April and the remnants were on the clearance rack. “No, we aren’t expecting any further shipments, ma’am. It’s been discontinued.” Seriously?
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- Seahorse
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- Octopus
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- Fish
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- Crab
Damn! There’s nothing like finding out you can’t have something to convince you that you really, really want it. I had been mildly interested before, but now I really wanted it. I mentally kicked myself for procrastinating earlier and began sorting out which pieces were most worth pursuing. I particularly liked the deep swirling shades of blue featured in the sea creatures depicted on the salad plates.
The set also had dinner plates, pasta bowls, mugs and fabulous little bowls which are perfect as finger bowls when serving a messy dish like lobster, which we did last week when the family was down.
The challenge was on! I tracked down three sets of the four salad plates in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Apparently, Sea Life salad plates weren’t a big seller in the middle of winter in Winnipeg (known jokingly as “Winterpeg” in Canada). Hmmm.
A store in Chicago had eight of the dinner plates, bowls and mugs and agreed to ship them. My local store had the small bowls, so I picked up eight of those. Unfortunately, the challenge didn’t end there. The box from the Chicago store was very poorly packed, so five of the eight mugs were smashed, as was one of the dinner plates and one of the bowls. No, they wouldn’t just take my word for it. “Please return the broken items to your local store and we will credit you for them. And yes, you will pay to ship again on the replacement items.” If and when we can find them from yet another store, with even more reduced inventory. Grrrrr.
Annoyed and frustrated, she persisted. Sheer stubbornness carried the day. Someone once described me as having the persistence of a terrier, and it’s an accurate accusation. Over an hour on the phone to various stores to track down the remaining items and it was done. Yes! Success!
I styled the plates with blue placemats, also from Pier 1, a couple of years ago. The flatware is Berry & Thread by Juliska.
The turquoise glasses are antique Venetian glass from Elise Abrams Antiques.
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- Red lantern from Pottery Barn
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- Turquoise glass starfish from Pottery Barn
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- Pewter open salts
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- Shells and starfish from Christmas Tree Shops
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- Coral Napkin ring from Pier 1
I’ve had most of the accessories for years, with the exception of the coral napkin rings and the galvanized two-piece stand which were from Pier 1 this year (yes, they’re also discontinued)…
When is she going to put the water in?
And the food? Anything in here for me?
My usual assistant, Tigger, was on the job. He was just poised to shove his paw into the glass on the top – I can see it coming. If there had been water in that glass he’d have done it. It’s a revolting habit he has, but at age 16, I’m unlikely to change him.
Enjoy the upcoming weekend, dear readers! I hope the weather is fabulous wherever you are.
I’m sharing this post with Between Naps on the Porch.
How frustrating to have packages arrive with broken contents. There seems to be a lot of that going around. I wonder if that is a new phenomenon? I suppose people are shopping more online and shipping. Fun table, great for your outdoor dining. Love your assistant. He is a beauty.
Thanks, Lorri!
In this case, the broken contents were a packing issue. I think the stores themselves are not trained very well in how to ship things. The boxes went out with minimal packing material – literally one skinny piece of paper around each piece and then into the cardboard. I was amazed the entire box wasn’t smashed.
As to my trusty assistant, Tigger is sure to appear at some point in every outdoor table setting. He’s quite a character.
Thanks for visiting! HK
While I hate that anything was smashed in transit, there is nothing I don’t absolutely love about this table setting, including (and maybe especially) Tigger. How thoughtful of him to make an appearance at just the right moment! Such a smart, handsome and entitled little guy. And those napkin holders! Wow! Love them!
Hey Mary!
So glad you liked it. I had a great deal of fun setting the table when at last I had all the components 🙂
And good old Tigger… He’s getting on in years, much to my infinite regret, but he continues to bring a lot of joy, Dean Martinesque character that he is.
I love your style. You set the theme for the table without over-stating it. So many tables capes are kitschy or excessive. Yours are just right! I love your salt cellars, green glass starfish and those cute red lanterns. Can you divulge your sources?
Thank you so much!
The salt cellars, green glass starfish and red lanterns are all from years ago, unfortunately, however, here are some current providers of similar items:
Pewter salt cellars from Vagabond House, Horchow and Ballard Designs
Amazon has some glass starfish paperweights
Ikea and Pier 1 often have red lanterns.
Hope this helps! Thanks for visiting.
Your persistence certainly paid off! I find the retail cycles extremely frustrating too. But the result is a pretty take on an ocean theme. Tigger is a scene stealer! I used to have to style tables with our beloved cat safely locked out – she was small, but determined and the klutziest cat I’ve ever seen! Miss her terribly
Thanks so much, Sandra. Happily Tigger is quite graceful, unlike one of our other cats, Moxie. She, like your cat, is an absolute klutz and very determined. She delights in leaping right in front of you and tripping you up. She’s not allowed to go outside, thankfully!
What beautiful dishes! I understand why you went on “the hunt” for these beauties! And your assistant reminds me of my own! What can you say, cats own their humans, not the other way around! They certainly have us well trained!
Thanks Darlene! I’m hoping Pier 1 brings them back next year, as they sometimes do.
We have a sign in our house that says “Dogs have owners. Cats have staff”. So true!
This is very cute. I love a theme table that does not hit you over the head with the subject. We dishaholics willnstop at nothing to acquire those pieces that we fall for!
Thanks, Linda. It’s often difficult to know where to leave off with theme tables, I agree. There are so many cute embellishments! It’s easy to get carried away. I’m very glad you liked the table
Thank you for visiting and commenting. It makes my day :).
I’m so excited for you that you got all of the pieces you needed for this beautiful, (I’m drooling) tablescape. At least I have the coral napkin rings (which I love).
Aren’t the coral napkin rings fun? What have you planned for your table? Would love to see! It’s what I love most about posting and sharing – seeing what other people have done :).
Thanks for visiting!
Im looking to purchase a set of these dishes. Any clue where I can begin?
Hi Margaret,
Pier 1 has a current offering that is very similar, called Sea Adventure. The salad plates have four different sea creatures and the dinner plates have a coral pattern. Very attractive!
If you’d prefer the originals, you might ask Replacements to “find it for me” (they currently have no stock), or eBay is always a good option. Thanks for dropping in.
I have a set of 4 salad plates and really want to expand on this. Where I can I order more of these amazing Sea Life designed plates? I did not realize, how much I LOVE these. They are truly gorgeous!!!!
Pier 1 has gone out of business, Sheila, though it is being somewhat resurrected by another company. The results are so-so.
You may be able to purchase some of the Sea Life plates on eBay or at Replacements.com. Good luck!