A Lenten Tablescape

Ash Wednesday falls on Feb. 22nd this year which marks the beginning of Lent.  I've always wanted to create a tablescape with this theme in mind but wasn't sure how to go about it.  Lent is not a season that one usually "decorates" for and in fact, often, decorations are removed from churches/homes.

I couldn't find very many suggestions on the internet but while searching through some items around my home, I came up with the idea to use everyday pieces to symbolize the events that we remember during Lent. 

Let me take you on a "tour" of the table and explain what each item symbolizes.

Below are faux leaves/grasses which represent the palm branches which were waved to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem. 

Below, the rooster symbolizes the following 
bible verse 
"Before the Rooster crows, you will have denied me three times" (Peter denies knowledge of Jesus) Matthew 26:34

This Bible is open to the same chapter (Matthew 26) which depicts Peter's denial of Jesus.

These gold coins by the cross represent the "30 pieces of silver" Judas received for betraying Jesus.

This weathered cross reminds us of Christ's crucifixion.  The wheat and grapes symbolize the bread and wine of communion which Jesus instituted during The Last Supper.

This Lenten place setting includes a red napkin to remind us of  the blood Jesus shed for us on the cross. The clear glass plate has a grape pattern etched on it again, reminding us of the institution of wine = blood in communion.

Beside each place setting, I've placed a purple (the colour of Lent) compote filled with water (reminds us of Baptism) and a rose candle (Jesus is often referred to as "The Rose")

Pussywillow branches symbolize the promise of new life we have in the Resurrection of Jesus which we will celebrate at the end of Lent at Easter.

A trio of candles to represent Father, Son & Holy Ghost are filled with purple (the colour of Lent) beads and grass leaves.

The candlelight reminds us that Jesus came to be "a light to the world"

Another look at the items altogether...

 And some evening views...

A black tablecloth is used to depict the somber tone of Lent. Purple is the colour of Lent and napkins in this shade are placed under the centerpiece.

I hope and pray that these Lenten tablescape "symbols" might provide a "refresher" on some of the events we reflect on during this season. 

May the Lord bless you and keep you in His care during this season of self-examination and repentance (some include "fasting" and for me that will be giving up ALL desserts/sweets - so hard for me!)

I'll be linking this post to these terrific blog parties this week.

Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life 
Wow Us Wednesday at Savy Southern Style 
Centerpiece Wednesday at The Style Sisters
Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.  
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home  
Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper

Tablescapes of Love

Happy Valentine's Day!  Hope you have plans to spend some time appreciating those you LOVE today.  Here is a look back at some Valentine Tablescapes from the last few years.   Sometimes, there was just Mr. Delight and I and other times, we had a whole gang over to celebrate the special day.

If you'd like to see more of this post, click HERE

 If you'd like to see more of this post, click HERE

If you'd like to see more of this post, click HERE

Hope you have your table all set for romance tonight! 

I'll be linking to these wonderful blog parties...

Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life 
Wow Us Wednesday at Savy Southern Style
Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.  
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home  
Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper

Valentine Decor 2012

Again, I'm venturing away from "the table", to show you some of the Valentine decorations I've put out around our home.

On the stereo cabinet, I've placed pussy willow branches (from last year) with some dangling heart pendants and snowflakes.  I like to combine a winter look with the Valentine theme.

 

Another example of embracing the seasons is displayed in this vignette of snowflake picks and Valentine pendants as a backdrop for the three crystal trees placed on a mirror with a snowflake tealight holder.

This is the full view of that table with lamp and a trio of votive holders and a red heart-shaped tealight holder.

Mr. and Mrs. Snowman show their appreciation of the winter season.

On the kitchen island, I've created a display of  an apothecary jar filled with faux ice and Valentine wire garland (with "cling-on" V's sticker), a crystal tealight lamp and crystal votive holder placed on a lace placemat.

 

In another nook on the kitchen counters, you'll find faux red tulips with pearl picks, an apothecary jar filled with faux pearls and heart pick beside my handy stack of appetizer plates.

One of my Christmas plates serves double duty as I thought this red "dove" plate  coordinated well with these glass containers filled with faux ice and red hearts.

In the bathroom, these pink beaded hearts go well with the raspberry coloured counters 

(Just had to remove these decorations as BR is currently under renovation by Mr. Delight - yeah!).

A trio of cylinder vases with inserts are filled with coloured beads, pink hearts and little faux flower buds.

This metal stand holds towels, vintage looking water pitcher and some Valentine touches.

Thanks for stopping by.  Please check out these other fantastic blog parties!

Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life 
Wow Us Wednesday at Savy Southern Style
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home  
Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper