Buoy, Oh Buoy! Let's Get Coastal

Bring a little lobster love to your next gathering with just enough grit to feel real—and just enough polish to feel special.

Whether you’re hosting a summer seafood boil, a nautical birthday bash, or just channeling your inner sea captain, this buoy-themed centerpiece delivers big maritime energy with clever layers of texture, playfulness, and coastal nostalgia.

A whitewashed, distressed wooden crate acts as the visual anchor, grounding the design in the rugged, timeworn authenticity of a seaside dock.

Bold, striped wooden buoys in varying sizes and colors take center stage, transforming iconic maritime gear into striking sculptural decor.

Layered nets, glass floats, and jingle-bell lobsters create a whimsical, hands-on coastal vibe.

• 14.5" Striped Wood Buoy - 3 colors
• 8" Striped Pastel Buoy - 3 colors
• Turquoise-Glass Buoy Floats (6) Cluster
• 2" Mini Glass Blue Buoy Float Cluster
• 4" Vintage-Style Glass Buoy - 3 colors
• 3" Vintage-Style Glass Buoy - 5 Colors
• 2" Mini Glass Buoy Float - 6 colors
• Heavy Gauge Fish Net - 3 x 5 Feet
• Red Lobster Jingle Bells Ornament
• Red Lobster Wood-Cutout Ornament
• Blue Crab Wood-Cutout Ornament

Additional Supplies

• Wood box or crate - unfinished
• Whitewash wood enhancer
• Weathered gray stain

First, we'll turn a wood crate into a weathered wharf relic.

• Start with an unfinished wood crate—rough, raw, and ready.
• Brush on 2 coats of whitewash enhancer.
• No need to wipe—just let each coat dry naturally for that chalky, sun-bleached look.

• Sand the surface to create patchy wear—think salty air and years at sea.
• Apply a weathered gray stain to the sanded areas.
• After 2–3 minutes, wipe away excess stain with a dry cloth.
• One coat is the sweet spot—it says aged-by-the-elements without trying too hard.

Now it’s time to build a buoyant story…

• Start with a crisp white tablecloth—clean and classic.
• Place your distressed crate slightly right of center. Off-balance is interesting.
• Drape two 3x5 ft heavy-gauge fishing nets down the table’s center, letting them spill over the crate naturally.
• Loosen the weave and ruffle the layers—it should feel like it was just pulled off a trawler.
• Stagger 14" and 8" striped wooden buoys down the center alternating colors & heights for that harbor-chic effect.
• Tuck in glass fishing floats in assorted colors and sizes—make it glisten..
• Stand a red jingle-bell lobster against the crate on each side of the table.
• They don’t just decorate—they punctuate. A little whimsy goes a long way.

• Fold blue cloth napkins and place at each setting.
• Top with alternating red lobster and blue crab wood cut-out ornaments as a cute keepsake.

• This design keeps the story alive from every angle.
• Buoys peek out, nets ripple,and lobsters charm, so no guest is left behind.

• Lobster Shack Napkins (20) - 2 sizes
• Crab Zinc Napkin Rings - Set of 4
• Harbour Buoys Beverage Napkins (20)
• Nautical Wood-Block Card Holder - Anchor

Engage guests with layered details, surprising elements, and reimagined objects that spark curiosity, invite closer looks, and reveal a story as your table is explored.

Check out more nautical & sailing themed decorations here...

Let your table start the conversation.

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