Looking for a fun theme perfect for any occasion this summer? For me, there's no better option than a clambake. Summer is the perfect opportunity for gathering family and friends to have a great meal and conversation. If you know me, you know that I don't need a reason to party. I enjoy hosting "just because" parties all summer long. I especially love nautical themed parties; they never go out of style. The family and I celebrated summer with our first-ever clambake and I'm so excited to share all the fun details! Let's get started!
Setting the Table When hosting any themed dinner party, you'll want to be sure to set the tone with your tablescape. I started by covering my table with Burlap Fabric and then added a crisp nautical table runner. Next, I added chargers with a layer of both ceramic plates and paper Clambake Dinner Plates. 
Everyone knows that clambakes are a messy gathering, so be sure to provide your guests with plenty of napkins! I layered Clambake Beverage Napkins and Navy Striped Dinner Napkins with my traditional linen napkins. They're all great for the mess, not to mention they look adorable with a rope napkin ring! 
Every clambake needs a Survival Bucket. These are super easy and fun to put together. See my full tutorial HERE. Not only are the buckets perfect for holding clambake essentials, guests can also use the bucket to discard shells. 
Mini Buckets and Anchor Picks are perfect for the must-have lemon wedges. Easy DIY Nautical Coasters add a pop of color and flair to the table. See my tutorial HERE. 
At any party, seating is just as important as the table. Do you use benches for seating? Cover them with coordinating linens and keep guests comfy with nautical themed throw pillows or cushions. Place a DIY Nautical Napkin under the charger to help with all the crab and clam mess! See how to make these fun DIY napkins HERE. 
Creating the Scene with Decorations Every themed celebration needs decorations! A large bright colored platter with a few layered napkins is the perfect spot for Red Metal Lanterns and Sea Creature Decorations. Add flameless candles to lanterns to take the party into the evening. 
Add nautical decor pieces and fresh cut flowers around the food table to set the perfect mood. Hang a Nautical Flags Banner in front of your food table to bring in more color. 
Delicious Snacks and Refreshing Beverages Provide snacks for your guests to enjoy before and after the clambake. Set out popcorn or crackers in Gingham Popcorn Boxes on a boat-shaped shelf. This shelf is one of my favorite decor pieces from my son's Nautical Birthday Party a few years ago. 
You can find my tutorial for Nautical Treat Boxes on my blog. 
Set up a drink station with a Beverage Dispenser filled with lemon ice water and an ice chest for drinks. I added a little cording and a starfish to my dispenser to carry on the nautical theme. 
Time to Eat! The table is set and the drinks are chilled, now it's time to clambake! 
Serve your favorite seafood on a large platter with your favorite veggies and dig in! 
Serve a savory Seafood Pasta Salad in a large Sea Shell Punch Bowl lined with lettuce. Get my tasty recipe HERE. 
Don't forget the bread! Serve it up in a Large Galvanized Pail. Just add some food liners and you're all set! 
And that's it! Everything you need for your summer clambake! What will you serve at your shindig? Don't forget to check out my tutorials for the DIY Nautical Napkins, Coasters, Clambake Survival Buckets as well as my delicious recipe for Seafood Pasta Salad! Happy Clamming!
