Why decorate for Lent and the liturgical seasons?

The Church is wise in the way she forms us. The liturgical year is more than a calendar—it’s a way of letting the life of Christ shape the life of our families. When we decorate for the liturgical seasons, we’re doing something simple but powerful: we’re making the invisible visible.

In a domestic church (your home), visuals matter. Color, symbols, and a small “set-apart” space can gently call our hearts back to God when we’re distracted, tired, or moving too fast. A purple accent on the table, a simplified prayer corner, a crucifix placed more intentionally—these become small invitations throughout the day: Remember where we are. Remember Who we belong to.

If you’d love help gathering faith-filled, practical pieces for your season, you can browse our Lent collection for home and family tools that support a gentle Lent rhythm.

Liturgical seasons & colors: a quick guide

Liturgical colors aren’t random—they teach. They help us “feel” the season in a way that supports prayer and remembrance. Here’s a simple, at-a-glance guide you can return to as you decorate your home throughout the year.

How to decorate your home for Lent (simple + beautiful)

Lent home decor works best when it supports the season’s purpose: turning away from sin, turning toward God, and making space for prayer. Think of Lent decorating as a gentle “reset” rather than a big project.

1) Choose one main “Lent anchor” area

Pick the spot your family naturally sees every day—your dining table, an entry table, or your prayer corner. One anchor area is enough to change the feel of your home.

2) Use purple as the main cue (and keep everything else quieter)

Purple signals Lent right away. Let purple be the primary accent, then simplify around it: fewer competing colors and a more “set-apart” feel. A simple way to do this is with a purple liturgical table runner, then keep the centerpiece minimal: a crucifix, a candle, a small vase of greenery, or a bowl for prayer intentions.

Want an easy place to shop seasonal tools? Visit our Lent collection.

Purple liturgical table runner ideas + inspiration collage

One of the simplest ways to decorate for Lent is to mark your family table (or a favorite surface) with purple. Your table is where real life happens—meals, hard conversations, quick prayers, and “tell me about your day.” A purple runner is a quiet but consistent cue: We’re in Lent.

Shop the look: Browse our Lent collection

3 easy Lent tablescapes (no fancy styling required)

Option A: “Simple & Sacred”

• Purple table runner
• One crucifix or small standing cross
• One candle (lit during dinner prayer)
• Optional: a small bowl for prayer intentions

Option B: “Family Prayer at the Table”

• Purple table runner
• A small Bible or devotional placed at one end
• A printed prayer or verse card (rotate weekly)
• A small jar for Lenten sacrifices or “acts of love” slips

Option C: “Kids Can Help”

• Purple table runner
• A simple centerpiece your child can set: cross + candle
• A small basket with kids’ prayer cards or saint cards
• A space for a weekly “Lent goal” (one sentence)

For more Lent-at-home tools, visit: Lent collection and our prayer corner collection.

Build a prayer corner for Lent (and keep it year-round)

A prayer corner doesn’t need to be big to be powerful. It can be a small shelf, a corner of a dresser, a basket you set out, or a tiny table by a window. What matters is that it’s consistent and set apart.

What to include in a simple Lent prayer corner

• Crucifix
• Candle
• Bible
• Prayer intention list
• One Lent devotional item
• Purple accent

If you’re gathering pieces for a prayer corner, you can browse our Catholic prayer corner collection.

A realistic Lent rhythm: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving

Prayer: choose one “non-negotiable” micro-practice

• At breakfast: one decade of the rosary, or a short morning offering.
• At dinner: add one intention after meal prayer.
• At bedtime: examen for kids (“Where did we see Jesus today?”).
• During carline: “Jesus, I trust in You.”

Fasting: choose something that creates space for God

• Fasting from social media after 8pm
• Fasting from background noise for part of the day
• Fasting from complaining
• Fasting from impulse purchases (and redirecting funds to almsgiving)

Almsgiving: make it visible and simple

• A jar on the counter for coins
• A weekly “charity envelope” tucked into the prayer corner
• One planned act of service each week

For your Lent hub (including meatless meals), link here: https://thelittleroseshop.com/pages/vault

Meatless meals + Friday traditions

One of the most practical Lent resources for your home is a go-to list of meatless meals you can repeat. Repetition is a gift during Lent—you don’t need a new recipe every week.

Make a “Lent Friday rotation” (and repeat it)

• Tuna melts + soup
• Breakfast-for-dinner (eggs + pancakes)
• Mac & cheese + roasted veggies
• Bean tacos / burrito bowls
• Pasta with marinara + salad
• Grilled cheese + tomato soup
• Fish sticks + fries

Find your meatless meals and Lent resources here: Meatless meals & Lent resources vault

Lent ideas for kids (that don’t overwhelm you)

1) The “Acts of Love” paper chain

Cut purple paper strips. Every time a child does an act of love, write it on a strip and add it to a chain. This reframes Lent as growth in love—not just “giving things up.”

2) A prayer intention bowl

Place a small bowl on the table or in the prayer corner. Have children add names of people to pray for. At dinner, pull one and pray.

3) One “family sacrifice” instead of many individual ones

• No dessert on weekdays
• No screens during dinner
• One toy rotation (declutter together)
• One night a week with quiet music and a short prayer

Holy Week at home: preparing for the Triduum

One-week Holy Week prep plan (simple + doable)

• 7 days out: Choose Triduum Mass times and write them down.
• 6 days out: Simplify one space.
• 5 days out: Pick one family devotion (Stations, sorrowful mysteries, or Gospel reading).
• 4 days out: Plan Good Friday meal and shop early.
• 3 days out: Tidy the prayer corner; add a clear crucifix focus.
• 2 days out: Decide how you’ll keep Friday quieter.
• 1 day out: Prep outfits/snacks to remove friction.

FAQ

How do I decorate my home for Lent without making it feel gloomy?

Think “simplified” rather than “sad.” Use purple as a gentle cue, keep decor minimal, and focus on one meaningful symbol (like a crucifix and candle). Lent is serious, but it’s also hopeful—because it leads to Easter.

Where should I put a purple liturgical table runner?

The dining table is ideal because it’s naturally a gathering spot. If you don’t use a dining table often, place the runner on an entry table, console, or even under a small prayer corner display—anywhere your family will see it daily.

What should I include in a Catholic prayer corner for Lent?

Keep it simple: a crucifix, a candle, a Bible, and one Lent-focused devotional element (plus a purple accent). You can add an intention list or bowl to make family prayer easier. Explore our prayer corner collection.

Where can I find meatless meal ideas for Lent?

You can find Lent resources and meatless meal ideas here: https://thelittleroseshop.com/pages/vault

Conclusion

Lent at home doesn’t have to be big to be real. A purple runner on the table, a simplified prayer corner, a repeatable Friday meal plan, and one tiny daily prayer can shape the atmosphere of your family life.

Explore: Lent resources vault, Lent collection, and prayer corner collection.

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