Okay, so you’re throwing an under-the-sea party? AMAZING. Forget boring blue streamers and a sad-looking fish piñata.
We are going to turn your space into a full-on aquatic wonderland that will have your guests gasping—in a good way!
From glowing jellyfish you can make in 20 minutes to a treasure chest snack bar that’s pure magic, I’ve got all the secrets right here. Let’s dive in!
1. The Grand Ocean Gateway
Make your entrance unforgettable by building this immersive ocean archway.
Start with a basic wooden wedding arch or forage for some dramatic driftwood-style branches from a craft store.
Drape it all with inexpensive fishing net—the more, the better! Weave aqua-colored organza or tulle fabric through the branches for that watery, ethereal vibe.
The finishing touch? String your own seashell garlands using a small drill bit or simply hot glue shells onto lengths of twine. For total immersion, pour a path of play sand leading through the arch.
2. The Sweetest Coral Reef
Your dessert table is the heart of the party, so give it a backdrop that sings!
Hang a turquoise fabric or even a pretty shower curtain for an instant water effect.
Drape a decorative fishing net over it at a jaunty angle. Now for the fun part: grab glittery cardstock in silver, gold, and blue, trace a simple fish shape, and cut out a whole school!
Attach them to the net and backdrop with tape loops or glue dots. A tablescape this dazzling is a guaranteed hit for any festive brunch or party.
3. Dive into a Draped Ocean Sky
Why should walls have all the fun? Transform your entire ceiling into a shimmering underwater canopy.
This looks a million bucks but is surprisingly simple. Buy long bolts of inexpensive organza or tulle in ocean hues like teal, seafoam green, and deep blue.
Secure them to a central point in the ceiling and drape them outwards. Hang fishing nets between the fabric panels at different heights, and suspend clear plastic ball ornaments with fishing line to create the illusion of bubbles. It’s a dramatic draping technique that wows.
4. Your Mermaid Throne Awaits
You absolutely need a photo booth, and this mermaid throne is pure magic.
The giant clamshell is your star, which you can often rent from party suppliers. To DIY a smaller one, paint a plastic kiddie pool with pearlescent white spray paint!
For the backdrop, nothing beats an iridescent foil fringe curtain—it shimmers and shifts color just like a real pearl. Frame the whole scene with fishing nets wrapped in rope, and add purple and blue uplighting for that mystical grotto glow.
5. The Sunken Treasure Snack Station
Turn your snack display into a hunt for pirate’s booty!
Find a rustic wooden chest at a craft or home goods store and prop the lid open. Let it overflow with treasures: gold foil-wrapped chocolate coins, candy necklaces, and maybe a few faux pearl strands.
Drape your table in a deep blue velvet or satin cloth to mimic the ocean depths, then throw a fishing net over it. A few large conch shells and some gold-sprayed plastic fish complete this rich, decadent look.
6. Ethereal Jellyfish Lanterns
This is the DIY that will have everyone talking! It’s so easy and the effect is breathtaking, especially at dusk.
Start with plain white paper lanterns. Using a hot glue gun, attach long, flowing tentacles made from strips of iridescent ribbon, white crepe paper, and glittery tulle to the bottom wire ring.
Hang them from your porch or pergola and thread string lights through the tops for a gentle, magical glow. It’s the perfect way to create a dreamy outdoor corner.
7. Craft a Cozy Coral Reef Nook
Create a comfy, immersive chill-out zone where guests can relax.
Grab a few large sheets of sturdy cardboard and draw some bold, organic coral shapes. Cut them out and paint them in vibrant shades of coral pink and deep teal.
Arrange your cardboard coral against a corner wall to create your reef. Scatter a sea of colorful floor cushions in ocean tones around the base. Finally, hang paper fish from the ceiling with clear thread to make them look like they’re swimming right above you!
8. An Ocean of Wishes Guestbook
Swap your standard guestbook for this incredibly charming and interactive alternative.
Set up a small table with a collection of small glass bottles with corks. Provide strips of parchment or light blue paper and some pens.
A cute sign invites guests to write a wish or a sweet note for the guest of honor, roll it up, and place it in a bottle. It becomes a beautiful keepsake you can display long after the party. This idea would also be darling for a wedding welcome station.
9. Shimmering Sea Glass Curtain
Let the daylight play a part in your decor with this stunning window hanging.
You’ll need clear fishing line, a piece of driftwood or a dowel rod, and a mix of treasures. String on faux sea glass beads (from any craft store!), small seashells, and little wooden fish cutouts.
Create multiple strands of varying lengths and tie them to your driftwood rod. Hang it in your sunniest window and watch it sparkle and dance. It’s a touch of coastal minimalism that feels utterly magical.
10. Sandy Shores Table Runner
This centerpiece is a total showstopper and brings the beach right to your table.
First, lay down a fabric runner in a light blue or seafoam green. Then, carefully pour a generous line of clean craft sand down the middle.
Nestle various seashells and starfish into the sand. For a pop of color and height, glue paper fish cutouts to thin bamboo skewers and “plant” them along your mini-beach. It’s one of those brilliant summer tablescape ideas that guests will adore.
11. The Bubbly 3D Wall Mural
Ready for a seriously impressive feature wall? This 3D mural creates an incredible sense of depth.
Paint a wall in a rich ocean blue. Create a “seabed” by hot-gluing a thick border of crushed and whole seashells along the baseboard.
Next, drape a fishing net across the wall and secure it. The magic trick for bubbles? Use clear plastic ornaments and craft balls in various sizes, attaching them directly to the wall with removable adhesive strips. Tuck a few iridescent fish into the net to complete the scene.
12. A Pirate’s Grog & Grub Cart
Give your drink station a swashbuckling twist!
Transform a simple bar cart by wrapping the handles and dispenser spouts in rustic jute rope and draping it with fishing net. Fill two large glass drink dispensers with “grog”—one with blue punch and one with red.
Create a simple sign on distressed paper. Scatter gold chocolate coins and seashells around the base for a final flourish. It’s a fun take on rustic-chic party decor.
13. Kelp Forest Photo Backdrop
Need a quick, high-impact backdrop for your gift or food table? This is it.
Buy several rolls of crepe paper streamers in various shades of green and teal. Cut them into long strips, leaving them attached to the roll at one end if possible.
Secure the top ends to the wall or ceiling, then gently twist each streamer as it hangs down to create a wavy, organic kelp-like effect. It’s an unbelievably effective and low-cost decor project.
14. Wave-Washed Room Divider
This beautiful screen is perfect for defining a party space or hiding a less-than-festive corner.
Build a simple, large rectangular frame out of lightweight wood, or repurpose an old pane-less window frame. Stretch and staple a fishing net tightly across the entire opening.
Then, cut long strips of fabric in white, aqua, and deep blue. Weave them horizontally through the net, creating an abstract, flowing wave pattern. It’s a piece of functional art!
15. A Treasure Trove of Favors
Present your party favors in a way that’s part of the decor itself.
Grab a pegboard and paint it a splashy ocean blue. Frame it with thick, nautical jute rope for a polished edge. Hang simple burlap drawstring bags from the hooks.
For the perfect finishing touch, use a hot glue gun to attach a single, pretty seashell to the front of each bag. It’s an organized, adorable display that gives off major boho-beach vibes.
16. The Mini Marine Biologist Bin
If you have little guppies attending, a sensory bin is a lifesaver.
Fill a large, shallow plastic tub with blue water beads—they have a fantastic, slippery texture and look just like water, but with way less mess!
Toss in a treasure trove of plastic ocean animals, real seashells, and small scoops or buckets. Drape a small fishing net over one corner for extra texture. It’s a perfect, themed activity to keep small hands happy and engaged.
17. Enchanted Ocean Treetops
Don’t forget your outdoor space! Create a magical underwater feeling right in your backyard.
Drape large fishing nets between tree branches to form a whimsical, see-through canopy. Cut long strips of seafoam green and white ribbon and tie them to the nets, allowing them to flutter in the breeze like seaweed.
For a final touch, hang a few colorful plastic fish from the branches. This simple setup turns any garden into an enchanted wonderland.
18. The Spectacular Schooling Fish Chandelier
If you want one DIY project that delivers maximum WOW, this is it.
You’ll need a few bamboo or wooden embroidery hoops of different sizes. Cut out dozens and dozens of fish shapes from colorful cardstock.
Using clear fishing line, string up the fish at varying lengths. Tie the other end of the lines all around the hoops. Finally, hang the completed hoops from the ceiling at staggered heights to create the illusion of a massive, swirling school of fish.
19. The Cozy Shipwreck Lounge
Transform your living room into a charming, shipwrecked hideaway in minutes.
The key is to drape everything casually with fishing nets—over the back of the sofa, across the coffee table, on an armchair. Don’t be too neat about it!
Next, weave strings of warm fairy lights through all the nets for an instant magical glow. Scatter some large seashells and pieces of driftwood on your surfaces for that authentic, washed-ashore feel. It’s the ultimate cozy party setup.
20. Bioluminescent Deep-Sea Dining
For a more grown-up, sophisticated take on the theme, create a tablescape that glows from within.
Start with a black or navy tablecloth to represent the deep sea. For your centerpieces, fill tall, clear glass cylinder vases with water.
Here’s the secret: drop one or two submersible, color-changing LED lights into the bottom of each vase. Add a few sprigs of plastic aquarium plants. The result is a breathtaking, glowing tablescape that mimics the magic of bioluminescence.
