- 1). Gather or purchase open, flat shells, such as clam shells, enough for one half for each guest. If you don't live near a beach, head to your local crafts store, which will usually carry seashells.
- 2). Collect or buy enough sand for about 1/4 cup for each place setting.
- 3). If you gathered the shells yourself, wash your seashells with some mild dish wash soap and a soft cloth.
- 4). Paint your seashells with acrylic latex paint. You can use colors that match your dinner plates or the general color scheme of your dining room. You can also opt to leave the seashells with their natural colors for a more earthy appeal.
- 5). Spray the seashells with a few layers of shellac to seal the paint and prevent chipping or damage. If you don't paint them, you'll still want to spray your seashells to preserve them, so that you can use them for future dinner occasions.
- 6). Fill each clam shell with sand, stopping just short of the top, and place them on your table setting.
- 7). Take your place card and push it into the sand so that the sand holds it upright and secure.
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