Jellicle Cats Tablescape

Thrifting WonderlandHoliday decor, Tablescapes38 Comments on Jellicle Cats Tablescape

Photo by Tatyana Eremina

Jellicle Cats come out to-night,
            Jellicle Cats come one come all:
            The Jellicle Moon is shining bright—
            Jellicles come to the Jellicle Ball.

Welcome, Friends, to a journey into the shadows of my Halloween tablescape. This year I’m inviting you to step away from the ordinary and enter a realm where the air shivers with quiet mystery. I’ve conjured a theme that draws on the enchanting verses of T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. Beneath the eerie glow of the Jellicle Moon, the night whispers secrets, and the cats—clever and curious—emerge to dance at their midnight Ball. There are no ghosts or goblins here, only a world where magic weaves through every detail, beckoning you to follow along and discover what mysteries await in this otherworldly gathering.

I’m joining a group of talented ladies led by Rita of Panoply to bring you a plethora of creative and fun ideas to inspire your own Halloween table settings. You’ll find links to all of their sites at the end of this Blog. Thanks so much, Rita, for pulling us together for another great tablescape tour.

Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats are by T. S. Eliot who wrote the poems in the 1930s and included them, under his assumed name “Old Possum”, in letters to his godchildren. They are light-hearted verses about the character and social attributes of cats. The best-known musical adaptation of the poems is Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s musical Cats, which was premiered in the West End of London in 1981 and on Broadway in 1982. Most of the lyrics for the songs were taken directly from the poems of Eliot.

These verses were the inspiration for my Halloween table setting. I hope you enjoy visiting the Jellico Cats and their Jellico Ball.

They like to practice their airs and graces

And wait for the Jellicle Moon to rise.

The Jellicle Cats are stirring in the shadows, weaving between the branches and perching on the brooms of witches hovering silently in the night. Ripples of excitement cascade through the air as the Jellicle Moon begins to rise casting an eerie glow over the gathering below. Tonight, beneath it’s haunting light — The Jellicle Ball will unfold.

The menu is decided, and you fortunate souls are invited to dine at the table with the Jellicle Cats. They have conjured up a sumptuous feast, each dish more tantalizing than the last, prepared to share with those bold enough to join them in this twilight revelry. Are you ready to savor the mysteries they have laid before you?

The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter,

It isn’t just one of your holiday games;

You may think at first I’m as mad as a hatter

When I tell you a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.

Tonight, the table is set with a touch of feline charm. The Jellicle Cats have crafted special place cards, each inscribed with the second of their three names—the ones whispered only among their closest companions. We are honored to be counted among these friends, dining beside the likes of Macavity, Gus, Mr. Mistoffelees, and Bustopher Jones. The cards are grand and elegant, perfectly sized to allow the cats to perch beside them, joining in the festivities and casting their mischievous glances across the table. It is a rare and wondrous thing to be part of such a gathering, where the secrets of the Jellicle names are unveiled for those deemed worthy.

The plate stack for tonight’s mysterious feast begins with a base of sleek black metal chargers, setting a bold foundation. Above them, a white dinner plate adorned with fine black lines evokes the delicate yet sensitive whiskers of the cats. Next comes a deep, solid black salad or dessert plate, encircled with a double ring of gold, glimmering under the soft candlelight. The final touch is a striking white plate, rimmed with alternating bands of black and gold, echoing the elegance of the evening. This artful arrangement rests upon a white brocade tablecloth, its subtle patterns shimmering like moonlight on fur, inviting all who gather to share in the night’s secrets and delights.

To complete the setting a black rose napkin has been added next to the menu.

Silver-plated wine goblets and champagne flutes, each bearing a touch of patina that perfectly complements the mysterious theme of the Jellicle Ball, glimmer enticingly on the table. The faint, uneven sheen of the silver catches the flickering candlelight, adding an air of antiqued elegance to the setting. As the cats gaze into the goblets, their curious eyes meet their own reflections, distorted and shadowed, as if glimpsing into another world—a fitting accompaniment to this night of whispered secrets and enchanting revelry.

The flatware adds a touch of intrigue to the table, with its burnished black handles flowing into bright silver blades and bowls that catch the eye. Each piece features subtle curves and waves, as captivating and unpredictable as the Jellicle Cats themselves, who weave and dance among the plates and glasses. The cutlery’s elegant design mirrors the graceful yet playful movements of the cats, inviting all to partake in a meal where every detail, like the night, is full of wonder and surprise.

At the heart of the table sits an iron jack-o-lantern, its hollow face flickering with a warm, mysterious glow that casts dancing shadows across the gathering. Ivy tendrils stream from the iron pumpkin, winding their way down the length of the table like verdant rivers, creating a lush, enchanted pathway. Interspersed among the greenery are votives and delicate balls woven from garden vines, their shapes both whimsical and wild—perfect playthings to entertain the Jellicle Cats during dinner. The scene is a delightful mix of the natural and the otherworldly, where every flicker of light and every rustle of leaves hints at something just beyond the veil of the ordinary.

At each end of the table, black candelabra stand like silent sentinels, their intricate arms stretching upward, holding candles poised to cast their glow into the night.

Jellicle Cats are white and black,

Jellicle Cats are of moderate size;

Jellicles jump like a jumping jack,

Jellicle Cats have moonlit eyes.

They’re quiet enough in the morning hours,

They’re quiet enough in the afternoon,

Reserving their terpsichorean powers

To dance by the light of the Jellicle Moon.

…and when the sun goes down and the candles are lit the cats come out and the magic begins.

The candles flicker to life, their flames casting a soft, warm glow that beckons the night closer. One by one, the Jellicle Cats emerge from behind chimneys, their eyes glinting in the candlelight. And then, with a sudden swirl of shadows, Mr. Mistoffelees makes his grand entrance.

With a flourish, he appears out of nowhere, slipping through the tiniest crack, as silent as a whisper on the wind. He treads lightly on the narrowest rail, his balance perfect, his movements almost otherworldly. A top hat perches jauntily on his head, adding a dash of charm to his mysterious presence. With a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a graceful bow, he greets the gathered guests. “Happy Halloween!” he purrs, his voice smooth and magical, inviting all to join in the wonder of the night’s enchantment.

As the lights dim and shadows grow long across the table, Macavity, the Mystery Cat, makes his entrance. Known for his cunning and his unmatched ability to vanish just as quickly as he appears, he slips into the gathering like a whisper in the dark. The table is set, and the air is thick with anticipation.

Macavity’s a Mystery cat: he’s called the Hidden Paw —

For he’s the master criminal who can defy the Law.

He’s the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the flying Squad’s despair:

For when they reach the scene of crime — Macavity’s not there!

…Before a Cat will condescend

To treat you as a trusted friend,

Some little token of esteem

Is needed, like a dish of cream;…

And so, tonight, you’ve been introduced to some extraordinary cats. You’ll dine with them under the watchful Jellicle Moon, sing melodies that drift into the night, and dance among shadows and flickering light. But as the evening wanes and the final candle gutters, the cats will slip away, melting into the darkness like a fading dream, and the magic of the Jellicle Ball will softly dissolve into Memory.

You have been granted a rare and singular honor, to sit among these elusive beings, to address them, and to share in their secret revels. The Jellicle Cats will remember you, their guest, who walked the line between the mundane and the mystical for one unforgettable night. And so will you, for once you’ve glimpsed their world, the memory lingers like a whisper on the wind, forever echoing the night you spent in the company of the Jellicle Cats.

I hope you enjoyed your visit with the Jellicle Cats this mysterious Halloween. It has been such a joy sharing this night with you.

The links to the creative ladies sharing their Halloween with you are listed below. I hope you’ll take the time to visit with them and be inspired to create your own special Halloween table.

Panoply – Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Home is Where the Boat Is – Pink, Eek and Ghostly Sweets

Hyacinths for the Soul – Tartan Spice is Very Nice!

Everyday Living – A Grand Halloween at Wood’s Edge

Pandora’s Box – A Halloween Alfresco Dinner

My Thrift Store Addiction – BOO-tiful Brunch Buffet

The Cat’s Whiskerz – Butterflies and Skellies for a Halloween Tablescape

Karins Kottage – Spooky and Stylish: My Outdoor Halloween Tablescape

Thrifting Wonderland – Jellicle Cats Tablescape

Corner of Plaid and Paisley – Happy Haunting

Life and Linda – Tea With Miss Pumpkinhead

The Painted Apron – A Frightful Night

The Bookish Dilettante – Halloween Tablescape Hop: The Haunted Forest

Me and My Captain – What do Motorhomes, Autumn, and Pumpkins Have in Common

Dinner at Eight – A Shadow on the Floor – The Raven

Celebrating Everyday Life – Easy and Elegant Ideas for a Spooky-Pretty Halloween Celebration

Red Cottage Chronicles – Shadows of the Sky Halloween Tablescape