No doubt, the Chesapeake’s most notable summer party is a cracking-good time that’s as old as the Bay! Now that summer crab-feasting time is in full-swing, you’ll want to set a festive tabletop that is both pretty and practical. Along those lines, we’ve cooked up some inspiration with a subtle spirit of Americana!
Start smart
Let’s face it, crab-cracking is a down-right messy endeavor on the best of days, so it pays to prepare with a proper, no-fuss table-topper. Honor tradition and lean into the theme of the day with this Luau Crab Kraft Paper Roll from Bulk Party Supplies. This will provide an excellent base from which to build the rest of your table scheme.
A plan & a scheme
At the center of it all, these 11.5-inch ceramic serving platters from The Royal Standard will not only come in handy for delivering those steaming crustaceans to your guests, but they’ll help you create a functional and attractive centerpiece by lining three-to four of them up along the length of your table. Wind groupings of crystal blue votives like these from Darjen in between for a casual, but attractive and low-profile party centerpiece.
To each his own
Set each place with a sensible dinner plate—after all, there will be cornbread and corn on the cob, too! We loved these stylish melamine plates from The Company Store for their practicality and simplicity. They will be the perfect base on which to top all the tools of the crab-picking trade that each person will need. These are served up in a classic, pewter bucket from Salisbury that you can use time and again at future seasonal feasts.
The paired pint
Wash down those butter and Old Bay-infused morsels of crab claw meat with a local IPA served up in timeless pint glass emblazoned with a handsome pewter crab. This one from Salisbury sets the standard for quality and classic appeal. Pair your pint with a nearby crab dip bowl from Birch Lane to keep your warmed butter or additional condiments conveniently within reach.
Wicker warmer
Speaking of cornbread, bring yours to the table in this sturdy, handmade wicker bowl by Camden. This White Wash version of the bowl will make a great addition to the tabletop when dressed with this Chesapeake Crab flour sack towel by The Royal Standard. The towel will help keep your bread warm and the wicker will lend tone, texture, and balance to your melamine and pewter scheme.
Keeping it classy
Address the mess as you go with an abundance of these stylish and smart Hoffmaster Fashion Point, white and blue dishtowel-patterned paper napkins. While they’re larger and fluffier than most, you may still need to secure them to the table when our ubiquitous Bay breezes blow. So, we added these pewter crab napkin weights by Salisbury to the table for good measure.
