Creative themes through the seasons
- Easter crafts
- Flag garland
- Christenings
- Wedding Decor
- Summer crafts in the garden
- Halloween decor
- Christmas preparations
Christening essentials
Christian baptism marks the integration of a child (or adult) into a gathered community, including of course the family, and is the occasion for a family celebration.
there is renewed interest in civil and secular baptism, which recognizes the child's entry into the republican community, and for which a godmother and godfather are also chosen (with merely symbolic rights).
there is renewed interest in civil and secular baptism, which recognizes the child's entry into the republican community, and for which a godmother and godfather are also chosen (with merely symbolic rights).
The white garment
For a Catholic christening, the priest asks for 2 essential symbolic items:
- a large candle, lit by the godfather during the ceremony,
- a white garment that the godmother must put on the child after the water rite.
Traditionally, the baby was dressed in a long white gown, even for boys. This gown was often hand-sewn from a wedding gown, reusing the fine lace. The christening gown was then used for the naming ceremonies of an entire family, the symbol of a gown being passed down from generation to generation adding to the very symbolism of christening and the child's entry into a community.
Nowadays, the white garment requested by the priest is often a white, soft satin christening scarf for the child's neck, easy for the godmother to use and which can be personalized with the child's first name and christening date, and of course kept by the child as a souvenir of this special day.
A nice idea for the candle that will be lit by the godfather, it's possible to decorate and personalize it for this special day, see here how to decorate a christening candle using various techniques.
What gifts should you give for a christening?
Whether the baptism is religious or secular, there are medals available for the child being baptized, featuring a variety of themes. Traditionally, the godmother gives the medal, which is engraved on the back with the child’s first name and baptism date, while the godfather gives the chain on which the medal will be worn.
Other gifts can be given, often lasting keepsakes to commemorate the day, such as silverware, silver cutlery engraved with the child’s first name, a painted portrait of the baby, or handmade decorations that can be personalized: door plaques or coat hooks decorated with the child’s name, a growth chart, a frame, or a unique handmade photo album...
For godmothers and godfathers, parents can opt for a symbolic thank-you gift that reflects the role this person will play in the child's life: for example, the word "godmother" or "godfather" can be engraved on a leather bracelet, with the date of the christening, the baptized person's first name and a short thank-you note inside.
The engraved message can be more cheerful, with words like "Godmother of my heart", "Super Godfather" or "Best Godfather" that will touch those concerned.
a bracelet personalized in this way can also be offered as a lovely surprise to ask the godmother or godfather if he or she agrees to play this important role in the life of the future baptized.
The engraved message can be more cheerful, with words like "Godmother of my heart", "Super Godfather" or "Best Godfather" that will touch those concerned.
a bracelet personalized in this way can also be offered as a lovely surprise to ask the godmother or godfather if he or she agrees to play this important role in the life of the future baptized.
Sugared almonds
The tradition of sugared almonds dates back to the 10th century, when almonds, now coated with sugar, were offered to guests and friends. Nowadays, almonds are no longer thrown on the fly as they leave the church, but are offered in "boîte à dragées", small boxes decorated in the style and colors chosen for the festive table. Choose noble, long-lasting materials rather than plasticized or resin supports or decorations.
Miniature crocheted white cotton bonbonnières are particularly popular for christenings, thanks to their pure white color and the natural look of the cotton, and guests are delighted to keep their handmade creations.
The ballotin or aumônière shapes are also available, and can be embellished with ribbons and small decorations on the theme of the celebration.
The ballotin or aumônière shapes are also available, and can be embellished with ribbons and small decorations on the theme of the celebration.
Matching baskets, larger than the bonbonières (but in the same style, made of white cotton and hand-crocheted), can be used to hold table dragees for guests on the festive tables.
Table decorations and place cards
Mots de Papier offers hemstitched paper place cards for your festive tables, with a theme that can be matched to christening invitations, menu cards, thank-you cards...
