Merry Christmas from Clamshell Cottage

We've been on the go so much I didn't have time to decorate as much as I normally do and as usual the Christmas ornaments are stashed away in the attic under a ton of stuff. So I quickly improvised. You know those pretty little holiday 'bouquets' that you get in the marked down bin at Walmart?
I took about twenty of them and hurriedly stuck them here and there around my tabletop tree.
It was a quick fix and I didn't have to worry about untangling a package of hooks and the best part is ~ they're unbreakable!

   So let the parties begin!

Clamshell Cottage Vintage

Urban Shopping-It's Amazing What People Throw Away!

We were driving down some country roads here on Edisto Island and ran across this lovely nativity set that was put out on the curb for the trash man. We hurriedly grabbed them and loaded them into the van and headed home.  I searched online and only found the 3-piece sets that you can still buy new.  Judging by the light socket and wiring inside; I think this set may border on vintage.
I think this was the full set and includes the three wise men in addition to Mary and Joseph.
Sadly, the baby Jesus was missing but we'll keep an eye out. Perhaps we'll get lucky.
We're hoping to build a manger for next year's display. This Christmas we just improvised by cutting some palm branches and draping them over the railing.
This is why we will can never have any other car than a van.
You never know what you'll find at the side of the road!