Olioboard Inspiration: Decorating for a Hanukkah Celebration

Entry #3046, November 25, 2013

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Inviting Holiday Guest Bathroom’ from Adele Baumann Healey. Today, I feature Cari Murphy who is a member of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she gets us ready for Hanukkah this year. Did you know it’s early this year? Look at these wonderful ways to celebrate the festive holiday.

If you’re interested in being featured see details here: How to be featured on Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration‘ series.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #53

‘Decorating for a Hanukkah Celebration’ – Cari Murphy

A Time of Celebration

Hanukkah is an eight day Jewish Festival also referred to as “The Festival of Lights” or “The Feast of Dedication.” This is a time for celebrating religious liberty and remembering the miracle of the oil and the re-dedication of the Temple. There are different levels of observation within the Jewish community from orthodox and reform, to secular observances. Some common fundamentals are celebrating with food, family and friends. A Menorah, or Hanukkiah, a type of candelabra, is lit each night during the Holiday in remembrance of the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. This is a joyous time for exchanging small gifts, eating fried foods and dairy, playing games like the Dreidel Game, prayers and enjoying festive music. This year Hanukkah will be observed from sundown on November 27, 2013 until sundown on December 5, 2013.

Decorating for Hanukkah

A big part of decorating for Hanukkah will be all about the food. A nicely dressed table for serving your meal ,whether it be  sit down or just a place to set out the goodies, is a good place to start. Traditionally, colors like white, blues, gold and silver are used, but you can always reflect your own style and personality. There is a lot of serving ware, dinnerware, tableware and tablecloths that are specifically made for Hanukkah. These are wonderful to purchase if possible and give it that extra special touch in using things that are only brought out during this time. If you are on a budget, party supply stores sell Hanukkah paper products or you can always mix and match between your everyday tableware and a few special pieces. A beautiful tablecloth, floral arrangement, Menorah and some gold and silver covered chocolate gelt make a beautiful and festive centerpiece. Hanging some banners and bunting make your room even more festive. Some beautiful Stars of David or Dreidels hanging from your lighting fixture can add that extra touch that adds to the ambiance of the celebration.

Decorating ideas for your Hanukkah celebration

Your decorating does not have to be confined to the limits of your dining area. This is a great time to get your children involved in the decorating process with making handmade crafts. There are a multitude of great tutorials on the internet to find the perfect ideas for your family and children depending on their ages. Children love being involved in the process and helps add to their excitement. Hang banners or signs and put your holiday cards on display for all to view. This is the festival of lights so use candles or the led candles, which are a great and safe alternative for homes with children and pets. Decorating according to your senses always creates a warm and ambient environment. Let your friends and family smell, taste, see and perceive all this joyous time has to offer. Don’t forget to play some Hanukkah music as well! In the words and wisdom of Nachum Braverman, “We light candles in testament that faith makes miracles possible.” Happy Hanukkah , Chag Hanukkah Sameach!

About Cari:

I am a forty-something mother of three young men who has had a lifelong passion for interior design. I am currently studying Interior Design through the Interior Design Institute. I discovered Olioboard during this past year and spend time daily there between the site itself and the fan room. I currently sell gift baskets via www.carimurphy.labellabaskets.com and you can also find me on Facebook.