-Messenger photo by Kelli Bloomquist
Julie Loehr ingeniously crafted a stunning table, inspired by the beloved holiday classic “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” Loehr remarked, “While the Grinch is an entertaining and heartwarming tale on the surface, it also embodies profound themes and messages beneath.”
HARCOURT — The picturesque setting at Faith Lutheran Church buzzed with excitement last weekend as it hosted its 23rd annual A Table Affair event, a delightful occasion dedicated to community spirit.
The church sanctuary was filled to capacity, teeming with guests eager to witness the creative table displays, all while raising significant funds for local charities.
“It’s a fun gathering of ladies, kicking off the holidays,” shared Jane Klingson-Morlan, who took great care in decorating her own unique table.
Fourteen meticulously decorated tables showcased a rich variety of themes, from cozy sweater weather to whimsical chickens, nostalgic cookie jar memories, and vibrant peacocks.
-Messenger photo by Kelli Bloomquist
Maddi Heun designed a visually striking table setting titled “Autumn Woods,” incorporating an array of unique treasures sourced from nature by her, her husband, and daughter. “Autumn Woods,” Heun remarked, symbolizes gathering and growing together.
“Usually I have an inspiration; this year it was a charming turquoise crocheted tablecloth I picked up at a second-hand store,” Klingson-Morlan explained, referring to her creative theme, “Cowboy Up, Santa.”
Klingson-Morlan’s table, adorned in cheerful turquoise and festive red, reflects the colors she cherishes when decorating her home for the holiday season.
“It’s a perfect fit,” she asserted. “I have collected cowboy Santas over the years, and each one holds a unique and special meaning for me.”
Maddi Heun’s autumn-themed display echoed the warmth of the season, beautifully incorporating natural elements that resonate with her family life. “My dining room table at home is decorated every day, and I frequently switch up the design,” Heun said, conveying her passion for decor. “In fact, I just dismantled my home decorations, packed them up, and brought them to the church. My husband and daughter helped set up the table, and when we finished, Lucy commented, ‘Mom, it looks like our dining room table at home.’ It made me feel grateful that God has bestowed upon me a joy for decorating, and I want to channel that energy for good. Whenever there’s an opportunity to support our church or community, I eagerly want to contribute.”
Tables at the event were also elegantly decorated by talented individuals including Linda White, Carolyn Ross, June Sankey, Michelle Cummins, Jenessa Christensen, Patty Grossnickle, Cheryl Meyer, Joanne Nemechek-Ekstrom, Rod Meyer, Julie Loehr, Phil Sporleder, Courtney Sogard, Becky Blair, and Joan Peterson.
The successful A Table Affair raised over $1,400, benefiting a range of local charities such as Beacon of Hope, Lutheran Lakeside, Southwest Webster Emergency Medical Service, Harcourt Fire Department, Dayton Rescue Squad, The Salvation Army, the Paula J. Baber Hospice House in Fort Dodge, Camp Courageous, Coats for Kids, United Way, and both the Dayton and Gowrie food pantries.
