How to Set a Tie-Dyed Hanukkah Tablescape

Tie dye is one of this decade's biggest trends, so why not bring it to your Hanukkah table as well? Here, you’ll find a Hanukkah tablescape inspired by the time-honored techniques. From the blue-hued napkins to the hand-dyed runner and the candles in various shades of blue, there’s a whole lot to love here.

By: Rebekah Lowin

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Photo By: Rebekah Lowin

Start With a Color Scheme

When it comes to setting your Hanukkah table, start with a color scheme. Typically, people decorate for Hanukkah with blues, golds, silvers and whites, and those are the same colors you’ll find on this tablescape. But there’s no need to stick to only one blue — why not vary the look of your table with some navy here, some sky blue there and so on? You can also think outside the box and opt instead for a pink, purple or orange Hanukkah. There are no rules, after all.

Anchor Your Table With a Runner

To stay true to the tie-dye theme, try your hand at a DIY runner. A tie-dye kit makes it easy to transform a plain cotton runner into a two-toned masterpiece. Simply follow the directions in your chosen kit — you’ll likely need to tie off the fabric with the included rubber bands at various intervals, then carefully spray or submerge it in dye before leaving it to set. After it’s been washed and dried according to the instructions, you’ll have a colorful table decoration you can reuse for years.

Add Stamped Place Cards

A miniature stamping kit is such an easy way to personalize store-bought blank place cards with your guests’ (or family members’) names. For a playful look that matches the rest of the table’s youthful vibe, use alternating capital and lowercase letters. The more laidback it feels, the better.

Don't Forget the Flowers

It’s hard to imagine a tablescape without a floral centerpiece, but you don’t have to break the bank to make it happen. Instead, opt for a simple bouquet of white supermarket flowers as your base, then— if you have a hard time finding blue flowers in December — supplement with a few blue faux stems from your local craft store which you can even reuse next Hanukkah.

Use Tape to Keep Your Centerpiece in Place

The secret to a statement-making floral arrangement that doesn’t look unruly even in a wide-mouth vase: a tape grid. The crisscross pattern makes it possible to create small groupings of flowers and keeps the flowers from splaying out toward the sides of whatever container you’ve chosen.

Stack Some Books

Not only is this a fun way to keep the blue theme going, but it’s also practical: Odds are, you’ve already got a ton of blue-spined books in your home, meaning you can keep your budget in check and give your table some added height and visual interest.

Cue the Candy

Simple crystal or glass bowls filled with candies in complementary colors — think blues, golds and silvers — will look lovely on your table. What’s more, they’re easy to source. There are so many silver- and gold-wrapped candy varieties out there and filling the table with treats makes this setting even sweeter.

Tie Cloth Napkins Organically

There’s no need to stress out over the whole napkin ring thing. In fact, you don’t need to use napkin rings at all. Instead, fold each napkin into a large triangle, then roll it loosely from the longer end toward the pointed end. Finally, tie with a large, asymmetrical knot and place at one edge of each plate.

Slide a Gold Charger Under Each Plate

Chargers elevate any tablescape, covering tons of ground and underscoring each person’s individual place setting with an extra pop of color and shine. The gold ones here take a cue from shiny chocolate gelt wrappers, making them relevant for a Hanukkah table.

Add Meaningful Details

Small details will give your table a little extra pizzazz. This is where the telltale Hanukkah motifs come in handy: Add a small bowl or plate of gelt, throw a few metallic dreidels onto the runner or place one on each plate, and you’re in business.

How to Set a Tie-Dyed Hanukkah Tablescape

Related To:

Shop This Look

Start With a Color Scheme

Anchor Your Table With a Runner

Add Stamped Place Cards

Don't Forget the Flowers

Use Tape to Keep Your Centerpiece in Place

Stack Some Books

Cue the Candy

Tie Cloth Napkins Organically

Slide a Gold Charger Under Each Plate

Add Meaningful Details

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