Across the Jewish diaspora, stoves are heating up in preparation for the Festival of Lights, otherwise known as the Festival of Fried Foods. For eight wondrous nights, we'll indulge in latkes, doughnuts, and other fabulous fritters. Here is some inspiration for serving your holiday feast in high style.
FIRST ROW
• 1 Laura Gross fashioned this festive tablescape with sparkling placemats and silver rimmed stemware. For a similar look, check out these metallic silver placemats at Crate & Barrel and West Elm's Metallic Twist Glassware - $4.95-$9.95 and $22-$36, respectively
• 2 A blue woven-vinyl runner by Chilewich adds a layer of texture to this dramatic blue table - $44
• 3 Hurricane lamps and votives wrapped in star-punched paper add a warm, subtle glow to the room.
• 4 Bring a natural element to the table with a DIY manazanita-branch menorah.
LAST ROW
• 5 Silver dreidel place card holders from Pottery Barn are a sophisticated take on a traditional favorite - $19/set of four
• 6 The navy-and-white border reminiscent of Spanish lace on this china by Haviland adds a Sephardic touch to the table - $155.95/five-piece place setting
• 7 Pewter chargers are simply dressed with blue napkins wrapped with grey velvet in this contemporary setting. Find similar chargers and napkins at Horchow.
• 8 This shimmery monochromatic table uses a nontraditional color scheme to elegant effect.
• 9 The regal styling of Anthropologie's Cathedral Goblet is perfect for a celebratory table- $12
• 10 This tablescape was designed for a New Year's Eve party, but the global-inspired china by Spode is reminiscent of traditional Judaica. (And the paper "fortunes" are a humorous nod to the American Jewish tradition of eating Chinese on Christmas!)
Images: 1. Laura Gross, 2. Petrina Tinslay, 3. & 4. Martha Stewart, 5. Pottery Barn, 6. Haviland, 7. Better Homes & Gardens, 8. Southern Accents, 9. Anthropologie, 10. epicurious
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GORGEOUS!
Absolutely beautiful table. What do the guests do with the star card holders after they take their seats?
aaagh! those stars look like giant burrs! or little cartoon explosions all over the table! a little too dangerous looking for me, thanks.
I am definitely feeling those tree branch menorahs. And the gelt (chocolate money) on each place setting is a nice touch. Perfect for dessert or playing a little bit of driedel with. These table settings are really classy. As a dude, I am kind of reticent to dress up my table with dainty plates and flowers and napkins (as I don't own dainty stuff), but I can see these working well for us men in the crowd.
I like the idea of the driedels as card holders. Although, the driedels shown in the photos have a little piece in them to be propped up. You CAN find driedels that stand up on their own at an angle without having to be propped and they would still be able to be used after dinner.
Unfortunately I am not really digging the stars. They look very Christmasy to me. And I imagine someone who adheres to feng shui would have a big problem with them :)
where can we find those menorahs??????? so beautiful and unique!
Oh this is so lovely! I'm Catholic and I'm envious every time Chanukah comes around because I think their decor is so much prettier than Christmas stuff. Much more whimsical and simple.
The tree branch candelabras on the photos are not menorahs, because the candles are not on the same level. It's not enough for the candelabra to hold 9 candles to be called Menorah.