Today I'm sharing a Yule Log tablescape. Before you start thinking that I've lost it by putting a log on my table, I need to give you background info.
The tradition of bringing a specially selected log into a home started many centuries ago. The custom was thought to begin during Medieval times in Scandinavian and Northern European countries. The word "yule" itself refers to the darkest time of the year so the burning of a Yule Log was thought to be a celebration of the return of the Sun and the increasing length of the days after the Winter Solstice.
The custom of burning a Yule Log on Christmas Eve eventually spread all over Europe. A tree would be carefully selected, usually a particular species, and would be brought into the house with great ceremony. The log would be lit with the remains of the previous year's log. Many immigrants brought the custom of burning a Yule Log on Christmas Eve to America although I will say that my family never did.
But when Hurricane Matthew blew over one of our trees in our yard, Leo spend days cutting up and removing the limbs. Looking at some of the logs that he saved, I got to thinking that one would make a great centerpiece on our Christmas table. So I asked if he would drill 3 holes in one of the logs to hold candles and he was happy to oblige.
But when I requested that he cut up part of the stump to create some large wood slices to use as chargers, that's when I got a look that I interpreted as a BIG NO!
So silver chargers had to stand in but do add a bit of elegance to the rustic table, I think. I happened to already have 2 of these tree shaped candles on hand. I think that I purchased them at Pier One a few years ago, but I did a search online for some similar. I did find these (affiliate link) birch bark candles on Amazon that I thought would look great in a Yule Log.
Remember how I told you that I now have a sewing machine in my previous post? Well, I found this pine cone fabric at Joann's and made 3 table runners to go on the table. If you look closely, the fabric has a little sparkly to it which goes well with the silver chargers.
Underneath the runner is a white linen tablecloth so I decided to use white napkins and white dinnerware. In each plate is a rosemary wreath to further carry out the nature theme.
I must point out the gorgeous emerald green vintage stemware that I borrowed from my sister-in-law. We have both been admiring it and she has started a collection of it. Isn't it beautiful?
I decided to bring in a bit of blue by tying blue ribbons onto the rosemary wreaths and adding a few blue ornaments onto the table.
To adorn the Yule Log itself, I first placed some moss on the log and then went out into the yard to cut some variegated pittosporum and Leyland cypress.
Imagine my surprise when I stepped into the garden and found that I still had some white roses blooming, even after we have had frost a few nights!
The finishing touch to my Yule Log tablescape was tucking in 2 sets of fairy lights into the greenery. Those fairy lights definitely add some magic no matter where you place them!
To continue with the blue and green theme, I added some blue items to the pine cupboard in the dining room along with more pine cones and greenery.
And the container on the server got a mix of green moss balls and blue ornaments.
And I added these bird nests at the base of the container to compliment my Yule Log tablescape.
Today the custom of bringing a Yule Log into homes has frequently been replaced with a log-shaped sponge cake served as dessert. It, too, would make an awesome centerpiece for a table. But I cannot wait to tell the granddaughters who will be here Christmas Eve that the table's centerpiece came from the tree that they watched fall during the hurricane.
I think that we've started a new tradition here at Windhams' Crossroads!
Emily
Your tablescape is so beautiful! I never knew the tradition and story behind Yule logs - how interesting! I love how you mixed a bit of blue in with the evergreens, silvers and rustic elements - it's such a soft but sweet complement to your decorations!
Leanne
Your table is absolutely stunning! I love all the greenery and that yule log is perfect.
Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge
Jane, your table and your hutch are so pretty. I love the green glasses! I never knew the history of the yule log and I'm so glad you shared it. Have a merry Christmas! ~ Angie
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking
So gorgeous!!! Love all the tones of green!
Robyn
Your table is beautiful Jane! How did you make those cute little rosemary wreaths? Is that grapevine?Thanks for sharing!
Diane @ An Extraordinary Day
Jane, your table is absolutely charming! I love how your decorated your yule log with all those natural elements and the rosemary wreath is the perfect touch! I don't think anyone would miss the wood slice chargers. Beautiful!
Paula
Beautiful tablescape! A yule log is a tradition that I've always admired but never carried out. Your table is sure to bring about many compliments when your family enjoys a meal together.
Lydia
This is so clever and absolutely beautiful! I'm going to try to replicate something similar for my Christmas tablescape!
Lynn Spencer
Jane, I was already swooning when I saw your table, complete with that beautiful yule log, rosemary wreaths and pineone tablecloths. But then, I saw that incredible pine hutch and my knees buckled. What a beautiful piece! And it looks so beautiful decorated with those pinecones.
Just a lovely room and I know you will have a lovely Christmas dinner with your family in this room.
Have a fantastic weekend.
Hugs, LYnn
Deborah
Another hubby and wife team!!!!! WHOHOOOOO! And a use what you got item..awesome. It's so beautiful!!!! GREAT JOB!
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Beautiful table Jane...love the Yule Log!!....and I think I would have gotten the same look if I asked to have my hubby saw a log for chargers!....Glad you were able to make something great out of something that you have lost in that horrible storm. Merry Christmas!
Kathleen G
Boy, I haven't seen a yule log in a blog post in awhile. Using the fallen tree is very special too. I love your Christmas tablescape, Kathleen in Az
Jean Windham
I loved the tablescape Jane did. The use of the log was so unusual and pretty especially using the emerald green glasses. I also enjoyed the history regarding use of logs at Christmas. I loved the blog post. Jean
Sondra
Jane, your Yule log tablescape is so pretty! I love how you used the light blue to compliment the greens... it's perfect! I truly enjoyed the story of the yule log and what it means. And I so would've tried for those wood slice chargers, just like you did! My request would've been met with the same response, I am certain!! LOL
So glad to have you on the 2016 HFTH tour! Merry Christmas!
Elizabeth
Jane your table cape is beautiful! I love the yule log. It reminds me back when my mom made something similar and gave to my school teacher, which was back in the 60's. My teacher loved it! Again beautiful job!
Jeanette Chaney
I've heard of the yule log but never understood why. Now I do! 🙂 The log was meant to be on your holiday table from the day the tree fell. Glad everyone was okay. Glad to be on the tour with you.
Vicki and Jennifer 2 Bees in a Pod
Your tablescape is pretty and creative! We love the yule log and the story that goes with it...we had no idea. PS - we sure wish Leo would have agreed to make chargers LOL. So fun hopping with you!