Coastal craft: make simple seaside-style baubles

Our gorgeous baubles are like Christmas snow globes, but filled with sand and shells and other tiny beachcombed treasures. Labelled with exquisite handwritten tags, they indicate where guests should sit.

How we made them

We used clear shatterproof plastic Christmas baubles and carefully removed the end of each bauble to pour in a few tiny shells and a little sand. You could add an extra touch of sparkle with a few crystal beads. We replaced the end and applied strong adhesive all over the top of each bauble and bound it with coarse jute string until completely covered, and the contents sealed inside. You could use any coloured twine, raffia or candy-striped ribbon for a different look. We wrote guests' names on luggage tags and tied them on with another length of string. You could use a calligraphy pen to give your labels a professional flourish. The baubles were placed with a few washed shells on a folded napkin at each place setting.
Bauble, Xmas Direct. Jute twine, Pipii. Shells, Dorset Gifts. Tags, Willow & Stone. White scalloped plate, similar from Dibor. Tablecloth fabric, Sutton, Sanderson.

More ideas for seaside-themed tables

Striped linens and cottons look suitably nautical for a beachy tablecloth, or pick fabrics with boats, fish, sea creatures or seaside designs. Try Cath Kidston and Ian Mankin. Choose chunky blue and white tableware and blue glass tumblers, widely available from supermarkets. Cutlery with colourful handles is another jolly touch; try John Lewis. Stop napkins blowing away on the breeze by weighing them down with beautiful pebbles.

For more ideas for country-style entertaining see House to Home

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