Menorah + Blossoms

It's a beautiful time of year and I decided to have some fun with it. I can't resist Spring weather or the smell of the apples blossoms and the lilacs so I set up a lovely little nook for some Bible study. It was a fun change of pace and so refreshing. There's nothing like reading in the sunshine.

Stargazing Sukkot Party

This little get together is the perfect low-maintenance way to get together with friends to celebrate the feast of Sukkot. Grab some blankets and head outside to gaze upon the stars and to remember the promises of YHWH. That's all you need. Decorations, snacks, and pillows are all optional and can be whatever is doable or desirable to you.

So this banner is just paper letters and yarn. It's lightweight and easy to put up and you can make any verse or a chag sameach or happy Sukkot into a banner.

I used a trunk, some suitcases, and a crate for table space. You could go without or take a coffee table outside or use a picnic table.

These cupcake toppers though.

These are the best kosher marshmallows I have found! They are vegan and kosher, available at Trader Joe's.

He knows the stars by name. -Psalm 147:4

Four Species Lemonade.

So this is a globe...of the moon. Strangely fascinating.

Star charts can offer some education into what you're looking at. The Gospel in the Stars is a neat read to learn of constellations representing Biblical stories and prophecies.

This party idea would also work well for Yom Teruah, and I think something like this could be a good introduction for friends and families that don't celebrate YHWH's feasts.

Chocolate einkorn cupcakes. I don't really like frosting, so there isn't any.

Have a beautiful Sukkot!

Swoon Worthy Yom Teruah Party

Today I'm excited to share with you a Yom Teruah celebration that I've been envisioning most of the summer. Pink and gold? Apples and lace? Yes, please!

For me, parties are about creating a lovely atmosphere while staying true to my beliefs about conscious consumerism. The last thing I wanted was to go buy a bunch of things that would end up in the trash or shoved in a closet. With those ideals in mind, I'm happy with what I put together for the first of the Fall Feasts. Other than the balloons, everything you see is something I already had or borrowed. So no need to invest big money or haul away garbage bags of disposables when you're done!

Since the menorah represents the presence of YHWH I wanted to include that front and center. And to make this tablescape clearly for Yom Teruah, what better than shofars?

This simple printable is from Tehillim 100. It is usually translated, "Make a joyful noise to the Lord of the earth." But is closer to, "Make a noise of simcha to YHWH, all the lands." If you wanted to use it as a place card you could go with something like, "Make a joyful noise, Rachel."

 The large tablecloth belonged to my grandmother. I added a smaller tablecloth and table runner from my mom for more texture and interest.

 While apples are a traditional food to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, that's not the reason I went with them. I originally wanted peaches (imagine the scent!), but since I have an apple tree about twenty feet right of this photo I decided to utilize those. You could use whatever is in season in your part of the world.

The bushel baskets are something I found in my grandparents garage a while back. My grandmother used to by huge amounts of fruit to freeze or preserve so they are from some nearby orchard. I actually use them quite a bit for fruit and squash picking.

Letter balloons. All the heart eyes! Originally I wanted the huge ones that can float, but then thinking about logistics (IS there a vehicle that can hold nine 40 inch balloons?!) and cost ($10+ each) I decided to go with the one foot size. They don't float but look great when hung on string or ribbon!

And the apples? They are simmering on the stove as they become applesauce.

I'm looking forward to celebrating Yom Teruah in just a few days! I hope you are too! Chag sameach!

Fall Feast Gift Ideas

Though presents aren't typically associated with the Fall Festivals I thought it would be fun to share a few items that are appropriate for these set apart times. Giving something to a friend, making it at a party, using to decorate, or keeping it for yourself is your decision. :)

On a side note, I signed up for The Climbing Tree's Fall Feast Countdowns and it is so enjoyable! Talia sends out an email each day with a craft or activity to do and a brief devotional. She has tons of great ideas for teaching kids about the feasts too! The email list continues through Sukkot so you still have plenty of time to sign up.

Menorah Stickers by Petite Paperie - $1.50
-Why wouldn't you want these?

Shofar Cookie Cutter from Big Cat Crafts - $1.99
-So you can make your own shofar cookies during Yom Teruah.

Happy Challah Day Card on Modern Tribe - $4
-Works for any feast day.

High Holiday Nail Decals by Midrash Manicures - $11.99
-Just awesome.

Seven Species Magnets by TamarHammersArt - $12
-Fridge decor for Sukkot.

From Society 6.

Genesis 15:5 Art Print by Kevin Ohlin - $18
-The counting the stars verse we remember during Sukkot. Also available as a rug, card, tote, and more.

Pomegranate Tea Towel on Modern Tribe- $19
-A pretty and useful Yom Teruah present that doubles as kitchen decor.

From Society 6.

Sukkot Festival Poster by Melek Design - $20 
-Also available in other forms. I particularly want it as a blanket.

Feast of Trumpets Shirt by Yeshua Shirts - $26
-They sell shirts for each feast day.

DIY Projects

Constellation Printable by Mr. Printables
-The perfect guide for stargazing during Sukkot.

Pomegranate Sugar Scrub from The Casual Craftlete
-Who wouldn't love this gift for Yom Teruah? Bonus: simple to make.

Photo by Jared Smith.

Breakfast Macaroons from Sugar & Cloth
-Wouldn't it be fun to have these at a Yom Kippur 'break fast'?!

Yom Teruah Printable from Land of Honey
-I think you need this in your life.

Happy Little Camper Printable by Rae Ann Kelly
-Decorate your Sukkah!

Memory Jar from Alice and Lois
-A simple gift to emphasis remembrance during Yom Teruah.

Photo by Mary Costa.

Palm Frond balloons from Studio DIY
-Surprise a friend with these during Sukkot.

Dried Citrus Garland from Free People
-Use etrog or any handy citrus fruit to decorate your Sukkah.

Palm Print Pillows from Dream Green DIY
-Lovely in your sukkah or as an indoor reminder.

Galaxy Necklace from Oh The Lovely Things
-During Sukkot, bring on the galaxy projects.

What did I miss? Let me know what you want to receive for the feasts!