Use seashells to make beach-themed crafts.
You don't have to actually go to the beach to have a beach party. Spice up your next summertime, outdoor party by giving it a beach theme. Keep the guests entertained, no matter how old they are, by having them make beach-themed crafts together. If you have the time, you can also make some crafts before the party to use as decorations or table settings.
Seashell Picture Frames
A bit of hot glue and some shells can spruce up plain, inexpensive picture frames. If you don't live near the seashore, you can still probably buy a bag of shells at a craft store. Look for picture frames wide enough to glue the shells onto, or crush the shells and arrange the pieces, mosaic style, around the frame. To use the frames as party decorations, fill them with photos of you and other guests in beach attire or with postcards from beautiful beaches.
Silly Shells
Children will have fun turning plain clam or conch shells into silly friends to take home. Set out the best-looking, largest shells you can find, along with some googly eyes, magic markers or poster paint, pom-poms and white glue. Help younger guests decorate their shells by gluing the eyes and pom-poms to the outside top of the shell. They can also paint the shells, or use the markers to write their name or the name of their shell on the outside of it.
Beachy Tableware
Dress up a beach party with seashell-decorated tableware. Glue small shells to cheap, plastic napkin rings, and insert ocean-blue napkins. Make wine charms by threading marine animal charms and blue, green or tan beads onto small hoop earrings.
Castles in the Sand
If you have room at your party, set up a sandbox, and let guests try to build a magnificent sand castle or other sculpture made of sand. Since space is limited, have guests sign up for a time slot when they arrive. Give each guest half an hour to build a castle. Take a photo of each sandcastle before knocking it down so the next guest can build.
Sandy Art
Purchase several bags of colored sand and small glass bottles of various shapes. Make sure the bottles have lids. Pour the sand into squeeze bottles, and let party guests fill the bottles with layers of sand. Provide small sticks so that they can create waves and dips in between the layers of sand.
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