I grew up on the coast of North Carolina. The coast is lined with a row of coastal islands called The OuterBanks. The coast of North Carolina also juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream which explains the mild climate.
Everything has a nautical theme including Christmas decorations and food.
Christmas trees often have shell decorations such as starfish and sand dollars.
This is my sister’s tree decorated with a garland of starfish and ornaments of boats and seashells.
A table decoration made from oyster shells.
The traditional food of the holiday includes seafood, too!
Stuffing made with oysters.
Spaghetti and shrimp
And back in Raleigh the winter garden is in bloom!
Mahonia
Snowflake
And we toured Oakview Plantation:
The farm was purchased by the State when the beltline was created in the 80s and the house and barns section was purchased by the County as a park and the remainder of the farm was used for county offices.
I love old buildings and this old farm is beautiful! Although, their goats a large and the vertical pupils freak me out! I guess I watched too many horror movies growing up in the 80s?
Now on to spring planing for the garden!
Arthur in the Garden! 
Love your sister’s tree. I use sand dollars that I have found through the years on my tree. I’ve seen a lot of pretty things made with oyster shells. I especially like the tree. So simple, yet so pretty. Who would have thought about it years ago. Thanks for sharing all these lovely photos. My stack of seed catalogs are waiting…!
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Yes! The garden catalogs for 2015 are called me, too!
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Hahahaha,..dear Arthur! You make me laugh,…a lovely tour,…I enjoyed it! I wish you a fun, healthy & happy 2015! 🎅🎅
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Thanks! Happy new year!
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happy 2015!! x
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I like the ocean going tree ornaments. I have a friend who lives in New Mexico and has chili pepper ornaments. I guess we use what we know best. Up here it’s all about snowflakes and icicles.
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Thanks! It was almost 60f on Christmas Day!
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The oyster stuffing looks fabulous!
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Seafood makes everything better!
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Love the tree decorations!
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It is! I am a seafood lover!
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They are fun to make and can become keepsakes! I still have some of my grandmothers decorations!
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What A Beautiful Post – Happy New Year to you Arthur
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Thanks!
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