{Good morning, readers! Today’s post comes from one of FineStationery.com’s Merchandising Specialists, Meredith. Maine holds a special space in Meredith’s heart, so she’ll be sharing a little inspiration for a luncheon styled after the captivating coast. Enjoy!}
Every summer when I was a kid, my parents would drive 12 hours to a teeny tiny town on the coast of Maine called Brooklin. Just down the street from the wooden clapboard general store was my great-grandparent’s farm, affectionately know as “Amen Farm.” I spent much of my time playing along the rocky coastline with my brother, but some of my fondest memories were simply gathering on the back patio to enjoy a summer luncheon as a family.
Amen Farm image circa 1960's
A casual wooden picnic table is easily enhanced with the addition of soft bench cushions and a nautical table setting, complete with hurricane lanterns -- Pottery Barn
Shield your guests from the hot summer sun using a large lawn umbrella in a coordinating color -- Pottery Barn
In honor of Maine’s rocky coast, write guest’s names on river rocks and place them at each place setting -- Bridal Buzz
Instead of traditional lobster, try a bucket of steamed clams. Also known as “Steamers,” they are easy to make and fun to eat! -- Martha Stewart & HubPages.com
This invitation, with its simple navy blue border and nautical knot, is the ideal way to share your event details with your guests -- Invitation by Boatman Geller, available at FineStationery.com
Keep wine chilled on a hot summer day using these beautifully crafted clay wine chillers from local Maine pottery makers -- Rackliffe Pottery
Casual and chic, this cotton dress, complete with pin tucked details, is perfect for an afternoon with food and friends -- Land’s End
A total splurge, these classic pearl earrings are the perfect accessory. These elegant pearl earrings, designed by Jean Schlumberger, feature an 18 karat gold rope design that is accented with tiny diamonds -- Tiffany & Co.
For dessert, nothing is better on a hot summer day than a cool ice cream sundae. Instead of hot chocolate, try topping ice cream with Maine favorites like raspberry or blueberry sauce -- Martha Stewart
Serve dessert on these bright red melamine trays that you can personalize with your initial and name -- Personalized tray by Fontaine Maury, available at FineStationery.com
Send guests on their way with packets of your favorite wildflowers. These letterpressed seed packets can be personalized with your name -- The Petite Press