Table Notes | Setting the Table No. 9

There is a particular kind of chaos that only happens when you pack to go to the beach with people you have loved your whole life.

Every summer, we go to the Outer Banks with my family including cousins and their families. It is a house (overflowing into two houses these days) full of people who have been eating meals together since before any of us could set a table. We cook at home. We eat at home. We stay up too late and wake up early to the sound of children in the kitchen looking for breakfast.

These are all the essentials that I use year after year:

First, a Trudie quilt. Perfect for the long car ride, snacks beside the pool, or on a chair with a book. We have less than 9 of the Abigail Quilt left in stock, so grab it now before it is gone for good!

A Lands’ End tote because it holds everything and asks nothing of you.

Minnow and J.Crew swim because getting dressed for the beach should take thirty seconds and still feel right.

Weezie towels because at some point you stop tolerating scratchy ones.

Crocs because the cousins have finally convinced me and I am not looking back.

Our new Trudie hat because the sun is not negotiating.

Summer Fridays sunscreen every morning layered with ThinkBaby sunscreen on everyone. I like to keep it simple and put the same sensitive sunscreen on everyone.

Sunglasses I will inevitably lose by Wednesday.

A snackle box for never-ending poolside snacking.

And a book — Dolly All the Time — because every good beach trip deserves one book you actually finish.

This is the best sort of chaos. The kind with a full table and nowhere to be until dinner.

This is a progressive meal. One spent eating and cooking, so we are keeping the table simple with a simple table setting. the Beatrice tablecloth and Beatrice napkins.

The Table

• Beatrice tablecloth (round or rectangle)

• Beatrice napkins

• White entree bowls

• Chocolate brown bistro flatware

• Wine glasses

The Menu

• Smoked salmon dip with crackers

• Steak salad

• Lobster risotto

• Chocolate olive oil cake to finish

The Outfit

The outfits for an anniversary dinner at home are comfortable yet dressier than some of the more recent summer pieces we’ve shared.

This striped skirt has two great top options. The matching set or the tank for a bit more casual vibe. I just love the versatility of a skirt for this reason. This dress is another great option and so beautiful. And then an easy handbag, fancy sunglasses, and classic flat options as accessories for both.

Everything from this post is linked in my ShopMy collection.