Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Let's Dish ~ Shells


Let's Dish about sea shell dishes.

The sea shells above are real shells with a grove cut in them to hold place cards. They are from Two's Company, but since this is a tray scape, I'm using them as added details rather than place card holders.



I brought home a wonderful wicker tray from

my trip to the Texas hill country

and few thrifty finds from a

recent trip to Dallas & Ft. Worth.



The shell dishes are by Maxcera.

I purchased them from a

clearance shelf at TJ Maxx last year.



The shell shaped plates feature an

embossed edge with a starfish among sea shells.



The shell shaped bowls have the same fluted

edge with a turned shell detail at the top edge.



They are rustic white with brown under tones.

Absolutely perfect for serving clam chowder,

fish soup, or perhaps a shrimp or crab salad.



I chose clam chowder for tonight's dinner.

It felt like the perfect comfort food

for the rainy evening we are having.



The set of chowder spoons were a thrifty find

this past summer when we spent a week in Maine.

The Cherished Home is a wonderful shop in Belfast, ME.

They were having a great sale the day we visited.

These four coin silver chowder spoons were $25 for the set.

Two are marked Fifield & Brackett with the monogram

N. J. Furber

in gorgeous script.

The other pair is marked Vertelt

with crossed swords and the #12.

A simple TH is the monogram.




Found the napkin ring at an antique store in Ft. Worth.

There was a box of odd pieces, each priced $4.

I can't find a mark, but this little gem has

gorgeous engraved details of flowers,

none of which really show up in the photo.

No doubt it will polish up, but I rather like it's aged patina.



So there you have it.

A sea shell inspired tray scape

created with thrifty finds.



The shell dishes are Rustic White Shell by Maxcera.


TJ Maxx only had 3 bowls and 7 plates.

If you know of a source,

I'd love to find more, especially more of the bowls.



I'm playing along with

Food for Thought

this week with a review of

VIOLETS OF MARCH.

Click here for details about Sarah Jio's debut novel

and a bowl of delicious clam chowder.

Joining











on

43 comments:

  1. UnknownMarch 28, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    Love the romance of the sea shells theme, Sarah ... just beautiful.

    Also, love the tarten cherry settings.

    TTFN ~
    Hugs,
    Marydon

    ~ GIVEAWAY ends 3/30 ~

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  2. OliveMarch 28, 2012 at 7:20 PM

    The bowls are different and perfect for clam chowder. Love all your thrifty finds. I always tell myself that finding things in odd numbers drops the price.

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  3. PondsideMarch 28, 2012 at 7:22 PM

    I love a table with a seashell theme. One of my greatest summer pleasures it collecting seashells down at shore. Can't wait!

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  4. LynnMarch 28, 2012 at 7:23 PM

    The name holders are so cute! Love the pretty bowls and I haven't had clam chowder in ages-gotta fix that soon:@)

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  5. Pamela GordonMarch 28, 2012 at 7:38 PM

    What a great idea to do a trayscape. Very pretty and the chowder looks so yummy!

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  6. Linda @ A La CarteMarch 28, 2012 at 7:40 PM

    Pretty dishes! I love a shell theme also and the touch of violets on the white is so perfect.

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  7. The French HutchMarch 28, 2012 at 7:56 PM

    Love the trayscape Sarah. What a great way to use the place card shell holders. Great finds from your trips. The bowls are gorgeous and perfect for your chowder. Love this idea for a rainy evening.

    Emily

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  8. Linda (More Fun Less Laundry)March 28, 2012 at 8:08 PM

    Hi Sarah, Isn't it wonderful to find goodies on vacation and then be reminded of the fun when you take them out to use on a table or in your home? I always do that, too. This is such a pretty setting with the dishes and the shells! Linda

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  9. SoniaMarch 28, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    I just love your sea shell bowls and dishes! Gorgeous and the clam chowder looks delicious! We had some of the best clam chowder I've ever had in Pismo Beach last month. Now I'm having a craving! Beautiful post Sarah!
    Miss Bloomers

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  10. The TablescaperMarch 28, 2012 at 8:24 PM

    Yummm. What a magnificent bowl.

    So tell me, what is the difference between plaid and tartan???

    - The Tablescaper

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  11. xinexMarch 28, 2012 at 8:24 PM

    Very pretty oplates and bowls, Sarah. I like the rustic look of the edges.Is plaid acceptable for the tartan parties?
    ...Christine

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  12. MaryMarch 28, 2012 at 8:52 PM

    Sarah~ Now I have a sneak peak at your FFT post :) I love your shell dishes and bowls~ they were NOT at my TJ Maxx...I would have snapped them up! I love your chowder spoons~ what a perfect souvenir from your trip to Maine. I love your napkin ring too, don't you wish these little pieces could talk and share their history!

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  13. MarigeneMarch 28, 2012 at 9:29 PM

    Oh, I like those shell dishes...the chowder looks yummy, too! Great deal on the chowder spoons and napkin ring.

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  14. Pinky at Designs by PinkyMarch 28, 2012 at 9:41 PM

    AHHH, I love your shell dishes! I adore the beach and displayng shells in the summertime. I have quite a collection, as I have been collecting them for over 30 years! The napkin ring is so nice, don't you wish it could tell you it's history!!?? XO, Pinky

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  15. MarlisMarch 28, 2012 at 9:43 PM

    Always intrigued by shells. So rare in Lubbock.. I remember seeing those pieces too. You made a wonderful scape with them. Love the spoons and the beautiful napkin ring.. xo marlis

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  16. MeredithMarch 28, 2012 at 10:23 PM

    What great finds! I need to take a trip to the hill country soon, but I don't think my boys would enjoy my shopping:)

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  17. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenMarch 28, 2012 at 10:34 PM

    I love seeing all the thrifty bargains that people find and how they put them all together!!

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  18. Yellow Rose ArborMarch 28, 2012 at 11:17 PM

    What a lovely trayscape! Love the name too! The chowder looks delicious, such neat shell bowls!

    I wish I could join your Tartan parade, but I don't have anything! I do have a red and green plaid tablecloth, but nothing else!

    Thanks you for your sweet comment about my sister.

    Katherine

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  19. bjMarch 29, 2012 at 12:32 AM

    Altho I don't DO fish, I just might could if I had such pretty shell dishes. :))

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  20. Blondie's JournalMarch 29, 2012 at 2:26 AM

    Your dishes are so pretty, Sarah! Your tray of beach pretties and warm soup looks perfect for a rainy day! I was at Pier 1 last week and they had so many sea shell themed pieces...I'd love to go back and get a few things for the lake. It's getting to be that time! :)

    XO,
    Jane

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  21. Johanna GehrleinMarch 29, 2012 at 5:16 AM

    Hi Sarah,
    I am very fond to sea shells and Mother of pearl. Its amazing for me how much shapes and soft colors nature made. Your finds are beautiful and you paired them perfectly. This is the most sophisticated way to serve Clam chowder. Thank you for this eye-candy.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  22. ZinniaMarch 29, 2012 at 9:01 AM

    To serve fish dishes in the wonderful dishes must be perfect! I like your elegant napkin holders. I do prefer patina I wish you a nice weekend! Zinnias

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  23. JocelynMarch 29, 2012 at 9:10 AM

    Wow I love your shell dishes. So summery. Everything looks wonderful together.

    Jocelyn @
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  24. Jewel SaulsMarch 29, 2012 at 10:01 AM

    Your shells are gorgeous and I love your bowls! I hope you find more. I have had the same experience with TJ Maxx having an odd number of dishes and not being able to find them online or at Replacements! Those are worth the hunt though!!!!
    I love plaid and am looking forward to the Tartan Days!

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  25. BabsMarch 29, 2012 at 10:04 AM

    Sarah, I LOVE your coin silver chowder spoons. What a great find and the shell bowls.You've brought everything together beautifully. The napkin ring with the violets tuck in is perfect for your book theme.

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  26. Chubby ChiequeMarch 29, 2012 at 10:26 AM

    Hello dear Sara,
    Graciousness... what an adorable collections. How I wish I could find such treasures in Sweden.

    TY for the great idea.

    Happy TS,
    /CC

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  27. UnknownMarch 29, 2012 at 11:28 AM

    LOVE IT! real neat dishes .Thanks for sharing Joann

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  28. UnknownMarch 29, 2012 at 11:55 AM

    Beautiful! I love the sea shell dishes and bowls....a very nice post. And who doesn't like violets!
    Blessings My Friend,

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  29. Tablescapes By DianeMarch 29, 2012 at 12:18 PM

    Hi lovely lady.
    I also love the sea shell dishes and bowls... You have some Beautiful pieces. Thanks so much for your sweet comments on my Spring Tablescape. I hope you and your family have a wonderful week.
    XXOO Diane

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  30. Phyllis @Around the HouseMarch 29, 2012 at 12:47 PM

    Love those shell bowls and plates..I would suggest going to another tj maxx and try Marshals and home goods...the three usually carry alot of the same things...beautiful

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  31. Alycia NicholsMarch 29, 2012 at 2:47 PM

    I used to order a lot from Two's Company when I owned my fine rentals business. They have some really neat stuff. I should probably try to hook up with them again now that I'm back in business! I love all the seashells, and the chowder looks so scrumptious!!! It's warm here today, but I'm in the nice air conditioning, so a bowl of hot chowder would be just fine by me! Great find on the napkin ring with that aged patina! I love it just the way it is! Looking forward to the Tartan Parade!

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  32. a quiet lifeMarch 29, 2012 at 4:34 PM

    oh how fun to get a sneak preview! what a clever idea with the shells for nametags~

    and such pretty dishes, of course i love all things from the sea! and the bowl looks like a crashing wave...

    dishes, flowers, food and good book, my idea of a perfect post!

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  33. Tea in TexasMarch 29, 2012 at 4:45 PM

    Lovely tray and the shell china is very pretty! I hope you enjoyed your trip to DFW. We live in the area an it has many great places to shop. The chowder spoons are beautiful and I love you found them in Maine. Thanks for visiting my post. Happy Tea Party! Pam

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  34. Steph's StitchingMarch 29, 2012 at 6:01 PM

    Lovely. Going to Chi O family weekend to see our girl. I'll tell her you said hi.

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  35. KathleenMarch 29, 2012 at 6:59 PM

    Those shell dishes are lovely! I will keep my eyes open for them. I hope Alma sees this as she is in TJ and HG a lot!
    I don't think I have ever seen Chowdah' spoons, :). I had a hard time finding rounded soup spoons!
    Loved this post, thanks for sharing it on Let's Dish! Think plaid!

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  36. ElaineMarch 29, 2012 at 10:19 PM

    I will certainly be on the lookout for those dishes! I just love them, and what better way to serve clam chowder!

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  37. Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee)March 29, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    Lovely shell dishes!
    Thanks for sharing.
    Hope to see you on my blog:)
    Have a nice day.

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  38. The Charm of HomeMarch 30, 2012 at 9:29 AM

    I love your shell dishes! This is a favorite of mine too. As soon as Easter is over I am breaking out all of the sea themed things! Thank you for joining me for Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  39. Chari at Happy To DesignMarch 30, 2012 at 1:10 PM

    Hi Sarah...

    My friend, your "seascape" tray is gorgeous! I love the shell dishes...the bowls are my favorite and of course the clam chowder looks delicious! It's lunch time at my place and now I'm really hungry! Hehe! Love the idea about cutting a groove in the shells to make place card holders! I would love to give that idea a try. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful seascape tray with us today...it was certainly yummy! I will keep a look out for the bowls and let you know if I see any!

    Warmest spring wishes,
    Chari

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  40. SueMarch 30, 2012 at 3:51 PM

    I must live under a rock because I didn't know there was such a thing as chowder spoons! LOL
    Love your shell dishes, Sarah. I hope you find more to add to your collection. It never fails- I discover a pattern I like and there are never enough of them.
    :-) Sue

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  41. Entertaining WomenMarch 31, 2012 at 11:48 PM

    The shell dishes are so lovely...romantic...ethereal. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

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  42. DiannApril 1, 2012 at 1:43 PM

    What beautiful shell dishes Sarah! And the other accessories are lovely. your chowder is making me hungry! Thank you for joining TTF this week. And have a great day!

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  43. KathyApril 4, 2012 at 7:46 AM

    Hello Sarah, gorgeous dishes - the clam chowder sounds perfect - if I see these dishes I'll let you know!
    I always wonder how they decide to stock each store - odd numbers!
    Thank you for sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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