Modern coastal table decor is a perfect choice for summer soirees, your Father’s Day table decorations included. If you’re looking for Father’s Day table ideas to honor the dad in your life, then hop on board and let’s set sail! It’s all hands on deck to learn the ropes of how to pull off a stylish nautical themed setting!
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Water was definitely part of my upbringing, as was true for my husband. Since both of our dads instilled this love in us, a nautical table setting was a natural choice for this year’s Father’s Day dinner.
However, the nautical theme could easily translate for many different types of celebrations you may host, including baby showers and birthdays.
In this post, I’ll share what I used to create this table setting, including the nautical centerpiece, place settings, and decor. You’ll also learn a SUPER SIMPLE DIY: how to create these adorable coastal floating tea lights holders. My hope if that these ideas will inspire you and give you ideas you can implement into a table you’re planning to set in honor of someone special!
In this post, I’ll share what I used to create this table setting, including the nautical centerpiece, place settings, and decor. You’ll also learn a SUPER SIMPLE DIY: how to create these adorable coastal floating tea lights holders. My hope if that these ideas will inspire you and give you ideas you can implement into a table you’re planning to set in honor of someone special!
This post is all about Father’s Day table ideas.
Father’s Day Table Ideas
Linens
The nautical tablecloth chosen for this tablescape has blue and white stripes and tassel edges. The preppy and iconic sailor stripe makes the perfect base for this nautical table decor. Although not actually tied in a sailor’s hitch, the tassels give a nod to dock ropes and lines on sailboats. Fun, right!?
Circular blue placemats in a loose, open weave also looked coastal to me. They hint at fishing nets without being overt. These I found at Home Goods last year. They may bring them back this year – so it may be worth checking your local store. Otherwise, this is a similar option.
Last but not least, the cloth napkin is one of my favorite nautical table decorations in this setting. Abstract watercolor sailboats in various shades of blue give them a modern edge. The material is a light linen, which is perfect for summer months and dining outside!
Centerpieces
Truth be told, it took brainstorming before I had a Eureka moment on an approach to the centerpieces. After looking into a lot of different coastal options, I finally hit on the idea of using driftwood as the main feature.
While at first worried it could be impossible to find driftwood, I should have known better. You really can buy just about anything online! Turns out, Etsy has a fantastic seller with loads of fantastic driftwood options.
The natural tone and unique shape of the driftwood, added interest and movement to the table. It truly was the anchor of the entire nautical tablescape. (You saw that coming, right!?)
Nautical table centerpieces need to include a guiding light. To fill that requirement, I picked a ceramic hurricane candle holder in a sand tone (sold out but here is another great option also from Crate & Barrel). Instead of burning “real” candles and risking a waxy mess, I opted for battery powered (similar).
To finish off the centerpiece, I made these simple DIY coastal floating tea light (similar) vases (similar) with sea shells (similar). A water element seem just the thing for this theme, and I’m thrilled with the light and ambiance they bring to the table.
Want to know how to make these yourself? Scroll to the end of this post for DIY instructions!
Table Settings
Crisp white plates were in order for this nautical themed meal. I used a salad plate stacked on top of a dinner plate. With the napkins folded over them, anything with a pattern might have clashed. Simple was the way to go.
On top of the napkin was placed a place card (similar), sprig of dried floral that reminded me of dune grass, and rope knots (out of stock but here is the 2022 version from the same brand). The rope knots are actually placard holders, but I opted to use them instead as a weight to keep the florals and placard from blowing away.
Gold cutlery was chosen to bring in the warm glow of this metal. This is the only metallic on the table, and it looked especially pretty as the sun began to set and the candlelight bounced off of it.
I kept glassware simple too with a basic wine glass and water glass. Mine are from Ikea, but similar wine glass and water glasses can be found on Amazon as well.
Father’s Day Decorations
Since this look is for Father’s Day, I wanted to include something specific to that occasion in the nautical decorations. Enter letter board (similar). I love this quote. Don’t you?
I placed the letter board in a rattan basket, which felt beachy. And added a linen pillow in a pretty yellow brown color and a navy blanket. In reality, I could see someone maybe wanting a blanket to keep them warm as the evening cools. Me especially – I always run cold!
To top things off, a garland with nautical flags was displayed near the table. I found this last year at Target, but this is a similar option to consider.
Floating Tea Light Nautical Centerpiece DIY
SUPPLIES
Glass vases (cylinder or shape of choice)
Sea shells
Tea lights
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Add seashells to bottom of vase. It’s easier to start with this step to ensure the shells stay at the bottom and don’t float to the top.
Step 2: Fill vase about 1/3 to 1/2 with water.
Step 3: Making sure tea light wick is up so it’s easy to light, gently place on the water.
Step 4: Light and enjoy!
Save These Ideas to Pinterest
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Land ho! We finally made it to the end of this post. If you stuck with me through all of the punny nautical terms and sailing phrases, well done!
In all seriousness, I appreciate you stopping by today. It means a lot that you chose to click on this content. I sincerely hope you found what you came for and can use this information to create a beautiful celebration for your loved ones.
If you have another minute, I would love if you could please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts. Feedback welcomed!
Hope to see you again soon!
Cheers!
