Seems as though everyone is heading to the beaches…to have some fun in the sun…to escape the heat…

Even the “Bachelorette” escaped to Curacao…that gorgeous island…

…..Did you see those spectacular beaches…the beaches where Karah leaves her footprints in the sand!

But alas, since I do not live in Curacao…I thought that I would pretend that I am there…

…..having dinner…with ocean breezes and sand and shells…and footsies in the sand.

I was heading down the highway with my co-pilot, Barb from Everyday Home….on our way to the Haven Conference….

…..On the way, is the Pottery Barn Outlet in Gaffney, South Carolina…

………and of course, my car went into auto pilot and found its way to the parking lot in front of Pottery Barn.

Barb and I were ooooing and ahhhing the gorgeous collection of shell plates and accessories…

I so loved those gorgeous shell plates…but my that little guy on my shoulder was speaking to me….

…..do I really need them?…and then I had an epiphany!!! In the middle of the day…

……….as I usually get those epiphanies in the middle of the night (love that word epiphany)….

I shall reveal my “epiphany” later in the post….In the meantime….

I purchased the shells at the dollar store….and used a staple of The South….Grits!..for the sand effect…

The shells come in a cute little basket…so I used them for coasters..filled with shells

…..talk about 2 uses out of one package!

I also used the baskets at the base of the candle holder to contain the shells…

…..thought it would add great texture.

I spy Karah’s flip flops!…

I so love this oyster shell (or is it a clamshell?) bowl…makes a wonderful centerpiece on any table…

Love the look of the daisies in the bowl..but I really think that succulents would look wonderful too…

Shells and Grits…what more can a Southern Girl ask for!!

I folded the napkins in the pinwheel design…as it looked great under the shell plate…

Love the way the pinwheel shaped napkin looks “starish” under the plate…..

So…now to my epiphany…

I knew how much my little Sister Chrissy loves all thing coastal and beachy…

…..I loved these dishes so much that I felt that someone needs to enjoy them more than I…

………..and that would be my little sister Chrissy (she will always be my little sister)….

Isn’t she pretty???…yes, she is!

SO HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISSY….YOU HAVE BEEN VIEWING YOUR BIRTHDAY GIFTS!!…

…..HOPE YOU LIKE THEM…and hows that for dual purposings…you got a great gift and I got a great post out of it!!!

And I hope you enjoyed my “I’m pretending I’m in Curacao Tablescape”…Curacao, the home of that lucky duck, Karah!!

I am joining the following lovely parties:

Kim from Savvy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesdays

Susan from Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday

Heather and Vanessa from At The Picket Fence Inspiration Friday

Lorraine from Miss Flibbertigibbet Hot Fun In The Summertime Blog party

Kathleen from Cuisine Kathleen Let’s Dish

Sherry from No Minimalist Here Open House Party

Marty from A Stroll Thru Life Tabletop Tuesday

Honey from 2805 Potpourri Friday