Cover the table with a nautical-inspired tablecloth. Choose a crisp white and navy blue striped or a red tablecloth. Or accent a plain white cotton tablecloth by laying fish netting over it.
Decorate with nautical-themed place settings. Choose plates featuring lobsters, crabs, anchors, lighthouses or ship wheel designs for a casually elegant look. Set white-handled silverware on neatly folded navy blue or red cloth napkins. Place lighthouse-shaped salt and pepper shakers on the table.
Create one-of-a-kind place mats by laminating vintage ocean maps. Buy the maps in an antique shop and cover them with clear contact paper.
Arrange a ship replica in the middle of the dinner table as a simple and eye-catching centerpiece. Place a mini round life preserver in the center of the table and arrange white, navy blue and red pillar candles inside as another option. Wrap sisal rope around a tall, round vase and use it to hold red and white flowers.