On an overcast or windy night at our lake house in Ontario, Canada, there is only one spot to eat - but it's a great one.
A simple and elegant nautical theme is perfect in this house with its pine paneling and lighthouse towers. A large model sailboat, plucked from a shelf in the home library, served as the perfect focal point and suited the narrow Mennonite farm table perfectly. White and navy bowls filled with white dahlias accented the sailboat on each side.
Even though it might not be ideal weather for dinning outdoors, we still like to have cocktails on the deck. Large dispensers filled with iced tea and lemonade are left left out most evenings so tat people are free to fill up their cups whenever they please.
Dining at the lake is a casual affair but that doesn't mean that the table doesn't deserve attention. My mother uses a different setting almost every night! My personal favorite is a vintage set; the dinner plates are decorated in navy blue with a logo from a cruise ship, and the salad plates have a small gold anchor logo in the center of the rim.
The plates are placed on top of woven raffia place mats found at the Saturday market in St. Tropez, France. Mixed with navy and white geometric patterned napkins from Madison in Dallas, and life preserver napkin rings, they are the perfect touch.
Blue glassware looks wonderful on almost any summer table with any theme. Navy-handled flatware from Pottery Barn adds a touch of additional color to the natural palette beneath. Other nautical details can be found around the table. The place cards are embellished with a sailor's knot at the top. A silver monkey's fist knot and a vintage brass anchor decorate the table as well. Even the salt and pepper shakers are shaped like lighthouses.
Create your very own nautical-inspired dinner party!
