5 Hanukkah Decor Ideas

The traditional colors of Hanukkah are blue, white and silver. For an elegant and seasonal touch, incorporate white poinsettias in decorative pots or fill sparkling glass vases with bunches of cut poinsettias.

Consider updating the classic color scheme for your table by incorporating different shades of blue such as navy, baby blue, royal blue or turquoise. Use white to ground the look. Then layer in the different hues in your dinnerware, glassware, cutlery, candles, napkins or table runners. For a final yet unexpected detail, tie a royal blue ribbon around each dining chair.

Although it only comes once a year, Hanukkah is a special time to gather with family and celebrate. If you're really into decorating, you can switch out statement pieces in your decor. For example, store your farm chairs for the season and bring out velvet seating in bold blue. Or keep it simple. Hang holiday artwork or swap out the throw pillows on your sofa with some that speak to the holiday.

A great way to get kids in on the holiday is to bake up delicious treats. While gelt and doughnuts are traditional, homemade Hanukkah cookies can be a great choice.

A few nights before your dinner, cut out and bake the cookies. Store in an airtight container. On the day of your dinner, arrange the frosting, frosting tips and decorating sprinkles on a tray. Then, after dinner, turn up the holiday tunes and invite everyone into the kitchen to decorate cookies together.

Tip: Make things simple by using premade dough, sprinkles, decorations and frosting for your cookies.

Get the whole family into the celebration by making decorations together. One easy project for kids of all ages is to make a Star of David. Here's what you'll need:

• 6 craft sticks or paint mixers for each star
• Paint brushes
• Blue paint
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Glitter
• Craft glue
• Monofilament or ornament hook for hanging

Attach three sticks together with hot glue to form a triangle. Repeat with the other three sticks. For each star, apply several coats of paint. Let one side dry before you paint the other. Next, turn one of the triangles upside down so the point is facing down. Glue the first triangle to the second triangle to form a star. If desired, apply glitter with craft glue and let dry. Hang with monofilament or an ornament hook.

Menorahs are available in a variety of shapes and styles and many families get creative with their choices. Add the beauty of nature to your holiday tablescape by creating a menorah from a tree limb or branch. This lovely centerpiece will add a rustic yet elegant touch to your classic holiday decor.

You'll need:

• Curved, sturdy tree branch at least 14 inches long
• Drill
• 3/8-inch drill bit
• Silver craft or acrylic paint
• Paint brush
• Menorah candles

Using a pencil or permanent marker, mark nine holes on the branch, evenly spaced at least 1-1/2 inches apart. Use a drill with a 3/8 bit to create nine l 1/2-inch deep holes. Gently cover the entire branch with craft paint. This will give it a decorative finish. Let branch dry. Place your DIY menorah in the center of your tablecloth or runner and decorate as desired.

Tip: If your candles are more than 3/8-inch in diameter, adjust your drill bit to match.