Activity: A Burns Night Supper for Imbolc
As we move through Imbolc, the Celtic festival of returning light and quiet renewal, the final weeks of January hold their own rituals of warmth and gathering. Burns Night, celebrated on 25 January, arrives perfectly in step with the season: a moment to honour words, heritage and fellowship while Winter still lies deep around us.
Raising a dram to Scotland’s national Bard offers a welcome pause in the darker days, and the simple act of setting the table becomes a small midwinter celebration in itself. Here’s how I marked Burns Night this year, along with ideas to bring a little seasonal magic to your own supper.
1. Set a Winter-Bright Burns Tablescape
I kept things understated and seasonal: a teasel that echoes the Scottish thistle, a stag tucked amongst foraged pinecones, and just a whisper of tartan ribbon. These quiet touches nod to tradition without slipping into cliché, and they sit beautifully against the soft glow of candlelight.
2. Cook a Comforting Seasonal SuppeR
Burns Night traditionally centres on haggis, neeps and tatties — a meal of true Winter comfort. I made my favourite vegetarian haggis (you’ll find the recipe saved in my Instagram Story highlights): hearty, spiced and umami-rich, filled with oats, lentils, mushrooms and beans. Exactly the kind of sustaining dish Imbolc calls for.
3. Honour the Bard with Words and Ritual
Part of the joy of Burns Night lies in taking a moment to read aloud: a poem, a blessing, or even just the familiar lines of Address to a Haggis. Spoken words feel especially powerful in the stillness of this season. It’s a simple, grounding ritual — one that ties us to generations who have celebrated in the same way.
4. Add Small Touches of Light
Candlemas approaches, and Imbolc is deeply associated with light returning. I added candles everywhere: pink tapers from Style Your Spaces, fairy lights from The White Company, and beeswax tealights gathered on the mantle. Fire represents purification and hope in the Celtic tradition, and filling the room with warm glow brings that symbolism to life.
5. Celebrate Gathering — Even if Small
Burns Night is about community, humour and kinship. Whether you’re hosting a full meal or simply sharing a dram at home, it’s a chance to mark the turning of the year with intention and ease. A small wreath from a PYRUS kit added a final touch of handmade beauty to the evening.
