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DIY Lighthouse Centerpiece

Make your own lighthouse centerpiece to add style and ambiance to your summer dinner party. While a lighthouse is typically a beacon of safety for ships at sea, a miniature version will stand tall and provide a soft flickering glow to a nautical-inspired gathering. Complete the tablescape with natural sea elements of seashells, starfish and sand dollars that you gathered on your last trip to the shore. Scatter the variety of beach souvenirs around the lighthouse and serving platters.

Things You'll Need

  • 6-inch-tall clay rose pot
  • White acrylic paint
  • Paintbrush
  • 4 3/4-inch-diameter clay pot saucer
  • Light blue acrylic paint
  • Baby food jar
  • Clear household cement glue
  • Tea light candle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Paint the outside and the bottom of a 6-inch-tall clay rose pot using white acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry. Repeat with additional coats for complete coverage.

    • 2

      Paint the inside, outside and bottom of a 4 3/4-inch clay pot saucer using light blue acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry. Repeat with additional coats for complete coverage. Note: A white and light blue combination is ideal for beach or coastal decorating, but other colors can be substituted to better blend with your dining room's decor palette.

    • 3

      Remove and discard the lid from an empty and clean baby food jar. Paint the threaded rim on the outside of the jar using light blue acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry. Repeat with additional coats, if necessary.

    • 4

      Stand the painted clay pot on your work surface with the bottom facing up. Apply clear household cement to the bottom of the pot. Place the painted clay saucer right side up on the pot's bottom. Center the saucer so that the bottom of the saucer extends evenly around all sides of the pot. Firmly press the saucer down to allow it to grip the cement.

    • 5

      Apply clear household cement to the bottom of the baby food jar. Place the jar in the center of the clay saucer. Firmly press the jar down to allow it to grip the cement. Allow the cement to dry overnight for a strong hold.

    • 6

      Place a tea light candle in the baby food jar to complete the lighthouse.