Sand Dollars By the Sea!

Beachcombers of the past gave sand dollars their name . . . finding them washed upon the shore, they resembled old silver coins. Legend had it that these coins were deposited by mermaids! Also known now as "sea biscuits" sand dollars live in shallow coastal water and are often purple in color. When they wash up on the beach, they are bleached by the sun and turn white.

Sand dollars are such an iconic symbol of life at the beach! Familiar and friendly reminders of the beauty of the sea. Here are a few of our favorite Sand Dollar decorating ideas from By the Sea Decor. Just a few simple accessories can enliven your home with the feel of the shore!

Starfish By the Sea!

Scientists are trying to change the name of starfish to seastars. Technically, starfish are not fish as they have no gills, scales or fins! We love all the ways that the starfish has added its way onto so many sea-inspired accent pieces. From pillows, to lamps, to tableware, this wonder of the sea is showing up everywhere these days!

We have chosen a few of our treasures to share with you to bring the warmth of the ocean to your seaside getaway. Evoke summer by the sea with our collection of accent pieces inspired by an afternoon beachcombing By the Sea!!

Beach Bling!

Add some seaside sparkle to your beach space with a few of our favorite lustrous finds! Silver coral sculptures put a contemporary twist on a favorite coastal decorating accessory. Need lighting? Our Silver Stacked Sea Urchin Lamp will be both functional and add a little shine to your room. There's nothing like serving your favorite refreshing summertime beverages from our Tahiti Nickel Barware collection. Beatriz Ball serving pieces are completely hand-made in shiny aluminum and add an elegant touch to any gathering.

49 Days, but Who's Counting!!

49 Days left until Memorial Day weekend, but who's counting? Well, I am for one thing. Along with everyone here in the Northeast, I should add. Looking forward to burying my feet into the sand, my nose in a book and my beach umbrella. Want to look up and down the beach and see my group playing their endless summer game of bocce ball. Want to sit on the beach until the late afternoon when it is time to hit the bay by boat. Want to see that glorious sunset over the water. Ahhh, pretty soon . . . pretty soon!

Mother of Pearl By the Sea!

Mother of Pearl has been used for centuries in jewelry and decorative items. Also referred to as "nacre", it is a composite material produced by some mullosk shells as an inner shell layer. This layer is very strong, resilient and iridescent. The term "capiz" is also used to refer to mother of pearl. Capiz is actually a province of the Phillippines known for its mother of pearl shells.

Mother of pearl is a wonderful decorating staple for life at the beach. We have picked a few of our favorite Capiz/Mother of pearl products from By the Sea Decor. We presently carry two versions of our Mother of Pearl column lamp, one in the traditional style and one a more contemporary square design. The Capiz bath accessories are beautifully crafted in warm, natural hues. The variations in color found in mother of pearl, combined with the lustrous shine and the soft organic feel of these pieces, make them easy choices for coastal decor.

The Simplicity of Driftwood

Love the simplicity of this driftwood headboard. Pairing it with white linens is perfect! Each piece of driftwood can carry its own story as it washes up on shore. Add our Lucidia Round Shell Mirror and our Clear Silveria Glass Lamp. Some fresh white soft linens and curtains, a simple bedside table and your room is complete!

Stemless Wine Glasses

New to By the Sea Decor . . . stemless wine glasses! Used for years in Italy, stemless wine glasses are gaining popularity here for certain situations. Also called "O" glasses, this etched glass collection from Rolf Glass is available for immediate shipment in the Tropical Palm and Seashell pattern. I know, I know, it breaks away from the traditional wine glass theory, but in an a casual setting, these stemless wine tumblers may be a great choice. One thing is for sure, cleanup after a gathering is easier with this style of glass. Less breakage when washing and you may even be able to use the diswasher for these!

On the Cover! April 2011 Coastal Living!

Look what is right on the cover of the beautiful April 2011 issue of Coastal Living Magazine. The lime pineapple hand-printed linen pillow made by Isola Bella and found on our website! Love these tropical colors!

56 Days until Memorial Day Weekend - Bring on the Summer!

Only 56 more days until Memorial Day weekend . . . we can make it! Looking forward to really packing away my boots and not taking them out for the rest of the year. Waiting to watch baseball as it should be . . . not bundled up as though we are going skiing. Keep thinking flip-flops! Bring on summer!