HomeStyle: simple stylin' with shells

So, after your umpteenth visit to the beach this summer, you've got quite a collection of shells, sand dollars, coral, and sea urchins that you simply had to pick up ... but what to do with them when you get home?

iVillage resident designer Matthew Mead has a simple but elegant solution: create a centerpiece by stacking some blue glass plates (hit your local restaurant-supply store for some terrific options) and arranging your beach souvenirs on top. The plates will mimic the blue of the ocean to show off your sea treasures—and, when the sun hits just right, it'll create some lovely light-play on your wall or floor.