How to Bring the Beach Home With a Seashell Centerpiece

Nautilus shells have an odd shape and come in a variety of colors.

A seashell centerpiece can bring a beach theme to a dining-room table or living-room coffee table. The seashell can come from a local beach or from a store, so you do not have to live near the beach to feature a seashell centerpiece in your home. It also may be difficult to find the right shell at a beach because the desired species of marine mollusk is not local or there is a lack of undamaged shells at the beach.

Things You'll Need

• Nautilus shell
• Porcelain platter in a complimentary color and design to the nautilus shell
• Mixture of small, colorful seashells, sand dollars and sea glass

Instructions

1. Place a porcelain platter in the center of the table. The platter should have the same color tones as the nautilus shell. If there is a pattern or design on the platter, it should be an ocean theme.

2. Put the nautilus shell on its side in the center of the platter. Nautilus shells have one opening. Typically, one side of the opening is longer than the other. Make sure the longer side is the side touching the platter.

3. Fill the opening of the nautilus shell with a mixture of small seashells, sea glass and sand dollars. The shell does not have to be full, but the mixture should appear as if it is spilling out of the shell.

4. Arrange more of the seashell, sea glass and sand dollar mixture outside of the nautilus shell and on the platter. There should be an even dispersal of color throughout the shell opening and the platter.

Tips & Warnings

• Place felt stickers beneath the nautilus shell if it is uneven and wobbling on the platter.

• Clean any shells from the beach thoroughly. They could produce an undesirable smell if animal particles remain in them.