Sizzling Summer Clambakes: Decor

Set your tables with simple red and white checkered tablecloths and napkins.

Bring large picnic style blankets to a party at the beach or lay the blankets out in your backyard for an authentic clambake feel.

If your party is at home, bring a little bit of the shore to your table by decorating with: paper pirate scrolls, seashells, ship's wheel, hemp ropes, and fishing nets.

You can find these items at a local craft or party store.

Here's how to pull it all together:

Scatter shells on top of your table, drape ropes on the backs of chairs, and hang nets off the ceiling or porch rails.

Fill the nets with plastic fish, crabs, and starfish.

Fill vases with white daisies or tall, ornamental grasses make for perfect centerpieces.

Add the sound of the surf to a party at home with an ocean soundtrack.

Set a beach pail and shovel at each place as a party favor.

Fill each one with oyster crackers, Old Bay seasoning, a lobster claw cracker and moist wipes.