The Ultimate Coastal Clambake Party: A Build-Your-Own Lobster Roll Bar

There is something about a New England clambake that instantly feels like summer.

Hydrangeas on the table. Woven textures. Fresh lobster rolls. Crisp rosé. Friends gathered outside long after sunset.

For this dinner party, I wanted to recreate that relaxed, coastal feeling at home with a Build-Your-Own Lobster Roll Bar. Instead of serving plated meals, guests could customize their own lobster rolls—choosing between Maine Style (chilled with a light mayo dressing) or Connecticut Style (warm with melted butter)—while enjoying one of my favorite summer salads and refreshing Cape Cod cocktails.

It was interactive, beautiful, and surprisingly easy to prep ahead, making it one of my favorite summer entertaining ideas to date.

The Menu

🦞 Build-Your-Own Lobster Roll Bar

🌽 Blueberry, Corn & Burrata Salad

🍹 Cape Cod Cocktails

The Tablescape

I wanted the table to feel classic New England with a feminine twist—coastal, colorful, and layered with timeless pieces.

Some of my favorite details included:

• Rifle Paper Co. coastal dinnerware, serving platters, linens, and the sailboat cocktail shaker

• Personalized ceramic bud vases from Mark & Graham

• Fresh hydrangeas, roses, and ranunculus

• Bamboo flatware and woven chargers

• Personalized wine charms for guests

• Mini lobster roll baskets lined with blue gingham paper

The combination felt collected, relaxed, and perfect for summer entertaining.

Build-Your-Own Lobster Roll Bar

One of my favorite entertaining tricks is giving guests options.

I served both Maine-style and Connecticut-style lobster so everyone could build their perfect roll.

Maine Style Lobster

Ingredients

• 2 pounds cooked lobster meat, chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
• ½ teaspoon celery salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

Mix everything together gently and refrigerate until serving.

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Connecticut Style Lobster

Ingredients

• 2 pounds cooked lobster meat
• 6 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives

Melt butter over low heat. Add lobster just until warmed through (about 2–3 minutes). Stir in lemon juice and chives.

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Toasted Rolls

Butter split-top buns generously and toast on a skillet until golden brown.

Fill with your lobster mixture of choice.

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Toppings Bar

Serve alongside:

• Melted butter
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh chives
• Fresh dill
• Old Bay seasoning
• Flaky sea salt
• Cracked pepper
• Hot sauce
• Potato chips

Blueberry, Corn & Burrata Salad

This is the salad I make all summer long. It’s fresh, colorful, and pairs perfectly with seafood.

Ingredients

• 4 ears fresh sweet corn
• 2 cups blueberries
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 2 balls burrata
• Fresh basil
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Grill or boil the corn until tender, then slice kernels from the cob.
2. Combine corn, blueberries, tomatoes, cucumber, and basil.
3. Whisk together olive oil, champagne vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss with the salad.
5. Tear burrata over the top just before serving.
6. Finish with flaky sea salt, cracked pepper, and a few extra basil leaves.

Cape Cod Cocktail

A classic cocktail that couldn’t be easier.

Ingredients (1 serving)

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• Lime wedge
• Ice

Fill a glass with ice. Add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Stir and garnish with a fresh lime wedge.

For a pitcher: Combine 2 cups vodka, 4 cups cranberry juice, and ½ cup fresh lime juice.

My Favorite Hosting Tips

• Prep both lobster mixtures the night before.Wash and chop all salad ingredients ahead of time.
• Toast the buns just before guests arrive.
• Keep the lobster chilled over ice until serving.
• Let guests build their own rolls—it doubles as dinner and entertainment.

Shop the Look

1. Rifle Paper Co. dinnerware, serving platters, table linens and napkins
2. Mark & Graham ceramic bud vases, bamboo plates, scalloped placemats, shell serving bowl and sailboat cocktail set
3. Pottery Barn bamboo flatware
4. Fresh hydrangeas, roses, and ranunculus
5. Hill House Home dress

Whether you’re hosting the Fourth of July, Labor Day weekend, or simply inviting friends over on a warm summer evening, a lobster roll bar is such a fun way to elevate dinner while keeping things relaxed.

If you recreate this party, I’d love to see it! Tag @lauren_loves_gifting so I can share your beautiful tables.