Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
Life

How to throw a Coastal Grandmother Dinner Party, Tiktok’s Latest Obsession

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCSD chapter.

With the ever changing landscape of TikTok, it can be hard to keep up with the latest trend. However, I’m hoping that the swoon worthy “Coastal Grandmother” aesthetic is here to stay. 

Inspired by the dinner party greats, such as Ina Garten and Martha Stewart, this new summer mood is elegant and effortless, paying homage to the style of the Northeast Coast. If you’re wanting to throw a soiree with the girls and pretend like you’re at your summer home in Martha’s Vineyard, here’s how.

Opt For Al Fresco dininG.

For the ultimate summer party environment, set up a table outside and let your guests enjoy the fresh breeze while you dine. Make sure to light some citronella candles in order to keep the bugs at bay!

Find inspo here.

Use fresh and light colors in the tablescape.

Blue and white china are perfect for the coastal feel, but any light color palette will be lovely. Keep the tablescape elegant with a white linen tablecloth and simple floral arrangements.

Find inspo here.

Hydrangeas are a must.

A cornerstone of the coastal grandmother aesthetic, hydrangeas add a delicate feel to your dinner party. Add them to the table with some tea candles for a warm aesthetic.

Find inspo here.

Design your menu with coastal flavors.

For a classic East Coast menu, go for a seafood forward dinner of lobster or shrimp, accompanied by potatoes, corn, and fresh lemon. If this doesn’t suit your guests, opt for a light pasta and a charcuterie board.

Find inspo here.

Dress the part.

Think breezy linens, blue striped button ups, or a delicate floral maxi. A well dressed host is essential for any party, and a coastal-grandmother inspired outfit will tie together your dinner’s aesthetic! 

Find inspo here.

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Lucy Kudlinski is a second year student at the University of California, San Diego. She is a Dance and Communication major, and aspires to be a journalist in the dance industry. Lucy is also a member of the UC San Diego Dance Team and the Zeta Mu chapter of Sigma Kappa. In her free time, Lucy loves to bake, scuba dive, ski, and do anything involving adventure!