Host a 4th of July Dinner, Clam Bake Style!

Who’s Ready for a Clam Bake?!

With the 4th of July right around the corner, I wanted to give you a little patriotic inspiration, clam bake style!

This American tradition is the perfect meal to enjoy under the fireworks with friends and family. Plus, it’s actually quite easy to recreate this red, white, and blue party table because…almost all of it is from one place (easy shopping, friends, it’s how I roll), so yay for Wayfair! I’ve linked it all below so you can easily find each item.

Want more?! Love this party for want even more party theme ideas? Check out my ultimate party theme ideas list!

First things first, the table! Clearly the foundation of any tablescape, the TABLE really sets the mood for the entire party. Full on white tablecloth? It signals a more formal affair. Driftwood colored wooden table? I think casual/nautical, perfect for our patriotic clam bake! The Wayfair Valerie Dining Table (in driftwood color, of course) was an obvious choice! It really coordinates with the nautical rope detailing. Next up was the table runner, the Wayfair Mariana Runner in blue – one of my favorite elements to this tablescape!

The food for a clam bake is basically a party in a pot! More details on that below, but I used the food to create a centerpiece by filling Wayfair’s Metal Tray with the clams, corn, and potatoes! The set comes with 3 sizes, so one of the smaller sizes was perfect for holding party favors! I love these trays, they can be used for so many occasions from parties to home decor too. Plus, the rope handles were perfectly on point with the nautical theme.

Each place setting was topped with a Wayfair Lapish Basket (I’m obsessed with these). Tucked down inside was a mini wine, iced water, utensils, straw, napkins ( Wayfair’s Red Indigo Dip Napkin), and a printed menu, clam shaped of course! I love providing party guests with everything they need in a stylish presentation. Everyone feels special when they have their own little collection of party goodies!

For the mini wine bottles, I covered each with a sticker I made to give the party a cohesive color scheme and add in a little personalized “welcome” to the guests! I love how these turned out! What do you think? I also love this idea for weddings, bachelorette parties, etc. So cute and simple!

Now, clam bakes can get a little messy, you are  handling corn on the cob and opening clam after all.  Rest assured, there is a stylish way to help guests’ messy hands. Simply slice a lemon in half, scoop out the insides, and tuck down in a small rolled towel. Pass them around in a cute bowl (like Wayfair’s Ceramic Seashell) as guests finish their meal.

I can’t leave out plates of course! Wayfair’s Vanderbilt Dinner Plates (in red) are perfect! I love having red dishes because you can use them throughout the year! Think Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, etc! You will get a lot of use out of a great set of red plates!

Let’s talk food, clam bakes traditionally include clams, corn on the cob, and roasted red potatoes. You can add in lobster and sausage if you like. It’s a one-post dish which makes it easy, and the colors are oh so vibrant and pretty. Check out Bon Appetit’s recipe for tips on cooking!

Last but not least, favors! I served up petit fours with red detailing set inside Wayfair’s Mini Shell Plates! Wrapped with a piece of rope, they were the perfect little favor. Guests can enjoy the sweet treat and use the mini clam plate as a soap or trinket dish.

PARTY TIP: A simple party favor is the perfect way to send guests off with a reminder of the wonderful party! Try a little sweet treat like a petit four! 

So there you have it! I hope you’re super inspired to grab your friends and family this 4th of July and host a CLAM BAKE! Even if you don’t live in New England, you can still enjoy this classic Americana meal. Whether you’re at the lake, beach, poolside, or just in your dining room, get creative this year and set a gorgeous party tablescape!

Thanks to Wayfair.com for sponsoring our 4th of July Clam Bake tablescape!