Set the Hanukkah Table

Go for bold when shopping for a table runner and napkins. Tie-dyed designs make food and dishes pop, especially when paired with solid whites and blues. At the center of the table, a seasonal flower assortment (ours includes white calla lilies, seeded eucalyptus, and purple fountaingrass) sits in a shallow tray so that it can be easily moved aside.

Tie a few leafed branches into a Star of David shape for an inexpensive addition to your Hanukkah table. Trim extra leaves from the stems, leaving a few leaves just at the tips. Stem-color twine keeps everything in place.

Pretty, sparkling candles stand at attention in the center of your Hanukkah table. A bit of food coloring and small glass cups do the legwork. Here's how to make the craft.

Lighten up Hanukkah's traditional color scheme by introducing the signature blue in small doses, such as a casual striped cotton tablecloth, a star-embroidered napkin, and everyday china. Scatter the table with clear votive holders filled with candles or white carnations.

Break out the fine china and crystal for an elegant Hanukkah evening celebration. On top of the formal place setting, present each guest with a thoughtful gift wrapped in rich blue and gold.

For a unique menorah, set glass tea-light holders on silver-and-blue wrapped boxes, securing the candleholders with double-stick tape.

While waiting for hot latkes, guests can play for foil-wrapped chocolate gelt. Display by dressing pewter plates with blue napkins and sprinkling a few chocolates and small silver trinkets on top. In the center of the table, a dramatic silver candleholder flickers to attention.

Ribbon is an inexpensive embellishment that adds the perfect touch. Run a scarf of pretty blues down the center of the table, then tie blue-and-white napkins at each place setting with ribbon featuring a decorative edge of beads and coins. Wrap small plastic boxes with pieces of decorative ribbon and fill them with foil-wrapped chocolate coins.