How to Make a Simple Seashell Centerpiece

When the family and I went to the beach a few months ago one of the things we did was collect seashells. I brought along a box of ziplock bags and each of us kept a bag in our pocket for walks along the beach.

Every night back at the hotel, we would look at each other's shells, and comment where we found them on the beach, what we liked about them, etc., and as part of this month's Thrifty Style Team I'm going to show you how easy it was to turn these treasures into a beautiful centerpiece that preserves the shells (no glue!).

Thrifty Style Team Logo

You can see all of the other amazing and thrifty Home Decor ideas and inspiration at the bottom of this post.

When we got home, and after we unpacked, I took all of our seashells, cleaned them thoroughly, and thought about how I could display them as a seashell centerpiece.

I didn't want to put them in a vase or jar, and while I had them sitting on the dining room table drying, I spied my favorite lazy Susan and that's when it hit me!

Baby palm tree in the center of a display of colorful seashells for a seashell centerpiece

I had purchased a potted baby palm tree at Sam's Club and had it on the buffet in the dining room and realized how perfect it would be as a part of a centerpiece.

Gather Your Shells and Create!

Once I added it to the middle of the rustic lazy Susan, my youngest son and I started to arrange the shells by color and size all around the lazy Susan.

The colors went from faded white, to beige, to brown, to light grey, to dark grey, with blues and purples mixed in. white.

overhead view of broken seashells in a potted palm used as a seashell centerpiece

We added smaller broken and interesting ones to the gravel at the base of the baby palm.

Lazy susan on table with baby palm tree in the center surrounded by beautiful seashells to create a simple seashell centerpiece

It turned out even prettier than I thought it would.

Now all of those beautiful memories of our vacation will be right in front of us every day!

And now for the rest of The Thrifty Style Team's Shares (scroll below this gorgeous collage for all the links!)

Redhead Can Decorate - Old Martini Glass Repurposed into Q-Tip Holder

Our Crafty Mom - Beautiful Buffalo Check Bench Makeover

Chas' Crazy Creations - Vintage Drawer Pulls Jewelry Hanger

2 Bees in a Pod - 12 Fall Décor Items to Buy at the Thrift Store

DIY Beautify - No Cost Decorating Tips

The Tattered Pew - 5 Simple Ways to Decorate With Flea Market Finds

Vinyet Etc. - DIY Décor Beads From a Thrifted Beaded Seat Cover

What Meegan Makes - Late Summer Tablescape In Pink

I Should Be Mopping the Floor - Garden Gift Ideas and Tags

Postcards from the Ridge - 29 Creative Ways to Repurpose and Upcycle Things for Your Home

Sweet Pea - Easy Upcycled Twine and Lace Cans Craft

Cottage on Bunker Hill - Anthropologie Dupe Moss Wreath

Cottage at the Crossroads - Thrifty Peat Pot Pumpkin Holder

The How-To Home (me!) - How to Make a Simple Seashell Centerpiece

Lora Bloomquist Create and Ponder - Fun Vintage School Décor Ideas

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

17 Comments

  1. Lora Bloomquist says:

    Really like how you color-coordinated them. Sentimental decor is the best:)

    1. Mary Beth says:

      Thank you so much, Lora! And I agree about sentimental decor. <3

  2. You had me at sea shells! I am a shell collector, as well. Your sea shell centerpiece is as lovely as can be. I can't wait to make my own soon. Thanks Mary Beth.

  3. Paula@SweetPea says:

    I love this idea!

  4. Vicki and Jenn 2 Bees in a Pod says:

    Mary Beth - this is such a unique idea. A perfect way to display your shells, and to keep the vacation memories going!

  5. I can't visit the beach without filling my pockets with shells! The lazy Susan is a great way to display and enjoy them!

  6. Jennifer Howard says:

    You can never go wrong with seashells!! My favorite thing to do is walk the beach and look for shells, seaglass, & little flat smooth rocks.

  7. Chas Greener says:

    What a great idea, I have sea shells too and now I know what to do with them. Thanks!

  8. Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge says:

    I love this idea! I always collect shells when we go to the beach but just have them in jars and bowls. Thanks for the inspiration!

  9. Simple, beautiful, cost effective and special meaning!! I say it’s perfect decor!

  10. Kelly Radcliff says:

    Oh I love seashells too! Your centerpiece is just beautiful!

  11. Laurie@Vinyet Etc says:

    We are leaving on vacation tomorrow and I have been living without any sea air for 2 years, this beautiful post makes me so excited for tomorrow! Can't wait to collect some shells, keeping our memories out too! Thanks for the inspiration.

  12. Brenda Pruitt says:

    This is a great idea. Using nature with nature. Natural things are a great decorating accessory and oftentimes free.
    Brenda

  13. Laura L WALKER says:

    such a lovely way to bring the beach and summer into your home while enjoying the memories. xo Laura

  14. Kristi L Dominguez says:

    Such a lovely centerpiece...with sweet memories, too! xoxo, Kristi

  15. Michelle James says:

    Your seashell centerpiece is so pretty and a great addition to summer decor or a coastal style. Thank you for sharing this beautiful project!

  16. Mary Beth, nothing says summer more than seashells. Love how you created a centerpiece with them. I once used a small palm in a centerpiece and you should see the size of it now. We can keep ours outside during the winter but I do cover mine with a blanket when it gets below freezing.