Decorating with Shells

The minnies have quite a collection of shells that they have collected from our beach vacation. It's always fun to bring home a little bit of the beach. For me, there's something very magical and special about the beach and I enjoy decorating with shells and other nautical themed items because it makes me think about the ocean. I was actually pretty impressed with the variety of shells that we found on this trip. Sometimes, I find mostly find small, broken shells, but this time, I hit the seashell jackpot. Clam shells, scallops, sponges, and more...

Shells make ideal table weights and are elegant on a summer table. To make this easy and gorgeous table covering, weave pieces of jute in a basketweave pattern, leaving varying amounts of longer pieces on each end. For a sturdier "tablecloth," you may want to knot the basketweave pattern, too. I think that it looks better to scatter the length of the shells for a relaxed look. Tie the shells to the end of the jute.


Shells are perfect for a dinner table or living room centerpiece. I use inexpensive glass containers from Michael's or A.C. Moore. This year, I'm going to fill the candy jar that I got from Sweets and Treats.



Even a small child can decorate with shells they have gathered. Paint a frame white and attach shells to it. What better way to display beach photos! Alternatively, add shells to a hallway mirror.



Another fun way to use shells is as pinch pots. Since we have quite a few clam shells, they would make a serving dish for sauces, dips, salt, sugar, and other small condiments.

There are so many ways to use and share your shells. It will be a fun way to remember the beach. At one point, so many shells were washing up to the shore that Alexia put her hands down in the sand and would catch the shells! I've never seen so many perfect, non-broken shells washing up to the shore.

Do you decorate with shells or use them for a practical use at home? How do you use them?

xoxo