Set Sail in Style: Tablescape Ideas for Yacht Dinner Parties

Salty air, shimmering waves and vibrant sunsets – there’s nothing like spending a summer evening on the water. I think the sea is the perfect backdrop for entertaining, especially when you’re hosting friends for a fabulous dinner on an even more fabulous yacht! Of course, it’s not just about serving a delicious meal or popping a bottle of champagne; a private boat dinner is also an excellent excuse to get creative and show off your unique style.

Whether you are planning a sunset dinner cruise with your special ‘other’ this summer or inviting your loved ones over for brunch on the bow, we have so many gorgeous boat decor accessories for the occasion, and I’m letting you in on all of my styling secrets!

Cocktail Accessories

Let’s start with the drinks – if you’re decorating your cocktails with olives, cherries, or other garnishes, you need a cocktail pick to keep them in place. However, you don’t have to go with basic toothpicks; our Nautical cocktail picks add a fun, festive touch that every sailor will appreciate. You can even mark glasses with our matching Nautical wine charms to make sure no one grabs the wrong drink.

If you’re foregoing garnishes, you can still accessorize your drinks with maritime flair! Embellish your cocktails with our Anchor swizzle sticks, and your guests are sure to feel fabulous as they stir, sip and socialize on the water.

Of course, you can’t have cocktails if you can’t open your bottles! No bar cart is complete without a bottle opener, and I prefer mine to sparkle. Sticking with the nautical theme? Welcome our Lobster bottle opener (affectionately named Leo the Lobster) on board. This helpful crustacean won’t just keep the drinks flowing – he’ll have your guests asking, “Where did you get that?” every time you open a new bottle.

Placemats & Coasters

Now that the drinks are handled, we can move on to the main event: the table. Whether you’re serving fresh lobster or seafood linguine, a well-designed tablescape is the secret to creating a meal that guests will talk about for months (or even years!). Of course, it’s best to start with the basics...your placemats and coasters! I love creating visual interest on my tables by mixing patterns and textures in coordinating colours. For example, our Zig Zag placemats would look great paired with our Starfish coasters – both take classic neutral hues and add a bit of sparkle with hand-beaded detailing.

If playing with patterns isn’t your thing, match your coasters with our Starfish placemats. The starfish is one of my favourite motifs for the summer, and I just adore how the taupe beading looks a bit like sand! This tablescape will transport your guests to the most luxurious tropical destinations...even if you’re dining at your local marina or in your backyard… we can all dream of our yacht!

Placemats and coasters don’t have to be reserved for romantic boat dinners or summer parties, either. Make them a part of your yachting interior design by keeping them on the table every day! Just be sure to curate a collection of different styles for when you want to change things up.

Napkins & Napkin Rings

Don’t forget napkins, which are essential for any yachting event involving food – whether it’s a sit down meal in the dining cabin or canapes on deck. Complete your boat decor with our Gold trim linen dinner napkins. The navy colour is both chic and nautical, while the intricate gold trim adds a little more glamour. 

While it’s fun to get creative with how you fold your napkins, I love the way they look when simply tucked into a statement napkin ring. Our Enamel koi napkin rings, for example, are always a hit at my dinner parties. Plus, the koi is a symbol of good fortune...and what guest doesn’t want to leave a party with a little luck on their side?

Whether you’re hosting dinner on a superyacht or enjoying charcuterie and cocktails on your sailboat, our dazzling decor is sure to make waves. I can’t wait to see how you style your nautical tablescapes this summer! As always, I’m here to help if you need a little guidance – reach out, and I’d be happy to give suggestions for your specific soiree. Be sure to take a look at our full range of items, too. There are so many fun pieces for summer parties on and off land!

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