Make a splash with whimsical pool decor
Lobsters aren't only good for eating. They can help you decorate for your next poolside party. Napkins ($6.25 for set of 18), bottle opener ($18.95), lobster decoration ($42), notes (to send thank-yous afterwards) ($8.75) and coasters ($11.95 for set of 4) at Lion in the Sun, 314 Main St., Huntington, 631-423-5757 Credit: Newsday / Lorina Capitulo
This 18-inch round Lobster Tray from Rockflowerpaper coordinates with the company's line of placemats and coasters. It is made of heavy poly ceramic composite with a high-gloss lacquer finish, and is heat resistant. $50 at Lion in the Sun, 314 Main St., Huntington, 631-423-5757
Look at this kitschy cutout of a mermaid made from 20-by-32-inch plywood and painted to have a distressed look. It is painted using an exterior latex paint but for an extra $5, you can choose to add a sealer so it can hang in the sun and rain. Available in a range of colors. $98 at cottageandbungalow.com
This handmade felted Flip-flop Mat was created by felting, and it's durable yet soft. The pattern screams "summer" and looks great leading away from the pool. $150 at Frontgate.com
This custom-made White Starfish Wreath was made from dozens of ivory white starfish jumbled on an ivory muslin-wrapped foam base. $142 at Thebeachhousestore.com
Swap in these Seaside Retreat Linen Starfish Pillow Covers each summer, and you've instantly transformed your living area or your pool area into a lazy beach retreat. They are 100 percent linen and come as white or natural with the starfish. The cover is hand-stenciled and hand-cut. $110 at Cottagecoastalstore.com
These classic Americana oars were hand-carved from solid mango wood and hand-painted with a distressed finish to give a boathouse, beach-house, deck or home an authentic beachy feel. Starts at $29 per oar at Potterybarn.com
This collection of stoneware vases was inspired by coral reef denizens. They have irregular dimples, torn edges and iron spots that give each vase its own living vessel look. $163 for a set of five at Seasideinspired.com
This Wooden Whale Sign created by a Sayville company can be completely customized by sign, color and direction (the whale can face right or left). $150 at Seafarer Gift Shop, 28 S. Main St., Sayville, or online at Seafarergiftshop.com
Decorate your backyard with these Sunburst Lanterns, which were inspired by antique hobnail glass. They're made from mouth-blown glass and set in iron frames treated to resist rust. Sprinkle them around your patio or hang them from some low trees. Starts at $8 at Pier1.com
This Pool N Patio Towel Valet will hold everything you need poolside: towels, sunscreen, phone, water, sunglasses, etc. And it looks good doing it. $40 at Bed Bath & Beyond locations throughout Long Island or Bedbathandbeyond.com
