beach party center piece for $1.50

I am hosting a beach party under white tents this weekend here on eastern Long Island.  It is a fundraiser for the local children's' sailing school.

I have to set up about 10 tables outside for an event.  I have simple white tablecloths for each table.  I wanted to put a little something decorative as the centerpiece.  I was given a zero budget for this, so I did it on the extreme cheap $1.50 each.

I took a walk on the beach to look for some inspiration and something I could work with.  I came home with a few buckets of shells, stones and driftwood pieces (sand too).

I found a stack of old tarnished trays at a thrift store for $1 each.  I also scored some clear glass canning jars for 25 cents a piece.  A big bag of tea lights came to about 25 cents a piece.

I filled the canning jar half way with beach sand, placed a tea light candle and some shells inside.  I placed the jar in the center of the tarnished metal tray and literately dumped some of my beach treasures right onto the tray.

I tried it out on my kitchen table, but these are going to be going to the beach side party outdoors for the evening.

Have a great weekend, Lori