For our last summer hurrah, many of you spend Labor Day weekend at the seashore. Here in the Midwest, we call it going to the lake house.

You might find a few shells on our inland shores, but for this tablescape, I used my son’s collection of shells that I found in the garage with some of his other treasures. He’s thirty-six years old; I think it’s time that I considered that collection mine to use!

The shells are collected in a glass vase, with special specimens displayed on the runner from the sale rack at HomeGoods.

The natural bleached out beauty of the shells is complemented by the cream chargers, dishes, and shell bowls on a cream linen cloth.

The turquoise coral pattern in the runner is repeated in the sea glass accent plate and the napkins.

To add shine and contrast to the natural elements, backyard hydrangeas are displayed in vintage silver teapots. Silver napkin rings, mercury glass votives, and pewter candlesticks continue the story. The best drink for the long weekend is martinis in cute glasses with shaped handles that I got for my birthday.

I hope my U.S. friends have a safe holiday and a relaxing long weekend.