Activity: Celebrate Imbolc at Home
Imbolc marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox: a Celtic festival of returning light, renewal and quiet beginnings. Traditionally associated with fire, purification and the reawakening of the Earth, it’s a moment to welcome the earliest signs of Spring. Lighting candles, refreshing the home and sharing a simple meal all echo this ancient celebration of hope and new growth.
Here’s how I marked Imbolc this year, along with ideas for creating your own gentle ritual at home.
1. Create a Simple Imbolc Tablescape
To honour the seasonal shift, I set the table for a quiet, celebratory meal. I chose my Angela Mugnai tablecloth, the perfect bridge between Winter and Spring with its tiny edelweiss print, and tied in the greens and reds with beeswax and soy candles from Fairholme Studio in my Pops & Piaf candlestick holders. Red gingham napkins were wrapped with gold Natural Dyeworks ribbons for a soft, rustic touch.
2. Welcome the First Signs of Spring
Snowdrops, long associated with Imbolc, are just beginning to appear. I placed pots of indoor snowdrops (from English Potted Plant Co) along the table and mantelpiece: small but powerful symbols of hope. Their quiet presence brings such joy in these last weeks of Winter.
3. Add Warmth and Light
Imbolc and Candlemas both place great importance on light. Traditionally, the hearth fire was extinguished and re-lit, and candles were placed in every room to usher in purification and protection. I echoed this by lighting beeswax candles throughout the space, layering in soft textures (faux fur, fairy lights, tulips and narcissi) to create gentle warmth as the days begin to lengthen again.
4. Keep the Tableware Simple and Symbolic
I used vintage white and gold crockery, touches of red and sprigs of honesty to reflect the season’s palette. On the mantle, Wax Atelier candles glowed beside Annie Brougham’s snowdrop and pussy willow prints — nods to the natural world slowly awakening outdoors.
5. Share a Meal with Intention
Imbolc is a festival of renewal and early abundance, so even the simplest meal becomes a meaningful moment when shared by candlelight. Taking the time to pause, reflect and welcome the quiet beginnings of Spring is at the heart of this celebration.
