Ocean themed Christmas centerpiece

I am spending my first holiday season at the beach in gardening zone 9b. When I say, ‘at the beach’, the big beautiful blue ocean is right outside our window. Yes, it is beautiful! However, moving from USDA gardening zone 6b to 9b is a big change. As I begin thinking about holiday decorations, I want to incorporate the natural beauty of the beach into those decorations.

I am drawn to centerpieces that have candles. In addition, candles remind me of the holidays and bring back happy thoughts. This year I created a Christmas centerpiece with an ocean theme and candles, of course. Let’s look at how I put this ocean-themed Christmas centerpiece together.

Supplies Needed

Here is a list of the supplies that I used to create this centerpiece:

• 3 – 4-inch terra-cotta pots (I sprayed mine with silver glitter paint)
• 1 – 10-inch terra-cotta saucer
• 3 – Silver ribbon bows
• 3 – 12-inch white candles
• Balsam Fir sprigs
• Holly berries from the floral store
• Seashells
• Sand

Let’s get started

Step 1

We start by filling each of the 4-inch terra cotta pots with sand. Then place the pots inside the 10-inch saucer.

Step 2

Next, add a candle to each pot. Push the candle through the sand all the way down to the bottom of the pot. Then, using your fingers ‘tamp’ down the sand all around the candles. This will add a measure of stability to the candles. I like to use ‘dripless’ candles. Look for ‘dripless’ in the description when purchasing candles. Dripless candles burn nicer and are safer.

Step 3

Next, fill in around the pots with Balsam Fir. Cut stems of Balsam Fir approximately 5-6 inches long. Using these stems, fill in between each of the three pots. The cut side of the stems should be tucked down towards the inside of the pots.

Step 4

Now attach a silver bow to the front end of three sprigs of Balsam Fir. Then, tuck these sprigs around the pots with one bow between each pot. Bows are easy to make yourself. I like this  YouTube video that does a good job describing how to make a bow.

Step 5

Next, add seashells around the candles in each pot. The seashells will add an additional layer of stability for the candles. Seashells can be purchased or found on the beach. The seashells I used came from the beach where I live in Florida. For color, I added a few clear and blue flat glass gems to each pot.

Step 6

Add the holly berry sprigs around each of the pots.

Step 7

Add ¾ cup of water to the terra cotta saucer. This will help keep the Balsam Fir fresh and hang on to their needles longer. Place the ocean-themed Christmas centerpiece on your table and enjoy it!

Please remember to take precautions when using candles. Follow these safety guidelines:

• Trim wick to 1/4″ each time before lighting.
• Do not place any objects in the terra cotta pots that could catch fire.
• Avoid drafty areas.
• Never burn a candle completely; dispose of it when it burns to within 2″ of its holder. In this case the sand.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Keep out of reach of children.

For more ideas on how to use holiday decorations from nature, see the links below.

Holiday Decorations from Nature

Christmas Wreath with Florida Plants