With my multi-cultural holiday upbringing, I can't help but note that the first night of Hanukkah begins tonight, and - with no menorah and a pathetic excuse for a kitchen set up - there is slim chance that I will get to celebrate the Festival of Lights properly this year, so I've done some sifting through cyberspace to try and make up. It will be a vicarious sort of celebration this year.
1. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but here's a shot of a holiday table setting from years past that I thought was rather brilliant. The flower arrangement was my pride and joy: purple kale, orange spray roses and green hydrangeas all arranged in a beautiful china soup terrine.
For the table cloth, I took a little bit of inspiration from designer John Saladino's book Villa where he discusses layering fabrics on a table instead of using just one table cloth. In my version, I first laid out a very old, very stained and very sentimental vintage lace table cloth. The middle of the cloth had some gross brown stainage and was quite wrinkled, but the beautiful lace detailing around the edge was too sweet to pass up. Next, I threw a flax colored linen table cloth over the lace - making sure to let the lace peak through just around the edges. Voila! A beautiful, unique table covering with much more dimension and character than a single table cloth could ever provide. Layering is a great way to get to honor old heirloom table cloths with out fear of getting any nasty stains on them. Plus, all that extra material makes for some nice padding for your best china to sit on and keeps clanking of glasses, flatware and dishes down to a nice muted thud.
To top it all off, the "nice" dishes add a lovely touch, and a few candles dress up any table setting perfectly.
2. I absolutely love this menorah, or Hanukiah if we're being exact, from The Modern Tribe. It is simple yet whimsical and would make the perfect addition to any modern Jewish family's Hanukkah celebration.
3. Another rendition on the menorah from Branch Home. Each block on this menorah is an individual piece and can be arranged in the form of a menorah. Other times in the year, the pieces can be separated and used about the house in any form or function you choose. I'm not sure if it's exactly kosher to be able to use the menorah for anything other than its intended purpose - celebrating Hanukkah - but this piece is certainly a beautiful addition to any home. I love the way the warm blond wood looks paired with white candles.
4. No Hanukkah celebration is complete with out a little blue and silver/white. I love this version from Epicurious.com. I love how crisp the gift boxes look with their perfectly folded lines and straight edges. Plus, who doesn't love a soothing, beautiful blue and white color plate?
5. Another holiday decorating scheme - this one for those who celebrate the red and green way. I love how clean and not over-done this look is. It doesn't scream Christmas; it quietly whispers it. It is elegant yet festive.
6. No matter the occasion, a good holiday celebration is never complete without some beautiful flowers, and eHow gives some great tips on how to make your own. I love the height of this arrangement which adds a modern air to the decor but still keeps it warm and fun. Plus, depending on the color combinations of ornaments, this same design can be used for almost any occasion!
7. Latkes may be my favorite part about Hanukkah. I mean come on - a little potato, a little crunch, throw in some salt and pepper, top with sour cream - Heaven! (... or whatever the Jewish equivalent is. I still haven't quite figured that one out). Everybody's got their own way to do latkes, but The Budding Cook seems to have a winning rendition as does Deb from Smitten Kitchen.
I hope I've inspired a little holiday cheer.
Happy Hanukkah!
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