10 Tips for Creating a Spring-Inspired Passover Table

Since many hours are spent at the Passover Seder table, elevate the traditional set-up with fresh seasonal touches. Plus, learn how to set a beautiful Passover table and the important elements to include. Chag sameach!

March 12, 2021

By: Rebekah Lowin

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Start With a Table Runner

The arrival of Passover also means the arrival of spring, and what better way to honor that than with a floral, seasonal-inspired Seder tablescape? Begin by anchoring the table with a runner or tablecloth. Not only does this add to the overall appeal (particularly if you choose a fun color or pattern), but it's practical as well: You'll catch any spills before they become a permanent problem. And during a Seder, when multiple glasses of wine are being poured, you'll want to have as much tabletop protection as possible.

Select a Seder Plate

The Seder plate is one of the most symbolic pieces of the Passover celebration. Traditionally, it remains on the table throughout the entirety of the Seder and contains specific ritual items that represent a different aspect of the story of Passover. If you're hosting a Seder this year and find yourself without one of these cherished heirlooms, there's good news: You can create your own at home. Our simple tutorial below will guide you along — no experience working with clay required.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Decorative Clay Seder Plate

And a Matzo Plate

Another tradition of Passover revolves around the eating of matzo, or a cracker-like unleavened flatbread, instead of bread. Matzo symbolizes the swiftness with which the Jewish were required to flee from Egypt. They did not have enough time to allow their bread to rise, and so they ended up with matzo. A special matzo plate is used during dinner and passed around to each guest at various points during the Seder. If you don't have access to a matzo plate, you can also use any standard large plate.

Feature a Special Matzo Cover

Once you have your matzo plate, cover it with a matzo cover. While heirlooms are incredibly special, they're not the only option nowadays. If you don't have a hand-me-down matzo cover available, there are many options available online. The beautiful cover seen here from The Jewish Museum features embroidered pomegranates in soft hues as well as the Hebrew word for Passover.

Add a Haggadah

One of the telltale signs that you are, in fact, sitting down at a Seder table is the addition of a Haggadah at each place setting. This is the Jewish text that outlines the Passover Seder, and most people at the table will read from it at one point during the meal. There are many versions available now, from traditional texts to modern interpretations and even artistic renditions.

Don't Forget the Flowers

Whether it's Passover or just a dinner at home with family, flowers are always a nice touch. Here, soft yellow, pink and peach blooms nod to the season while also adding a sweet fragrance. Arranged in a low vessel, this arrangement won't obstruct the sightline across the table, allowing guests to see each other and discuss the Passover story.

Welcome With Candles

Candles aren't just for Hanukkah. In fact, all of the major Jewish holidays feature them, including Passover. They're lit to welcome these special holidays. While it's customary to use white candles, any — including these lovely gold ones — can be used.

Offer Conversation Starters

One of the most memorable elements of any Passover Seder is the asking of the Four Questions (Mah Nishtanah), performed by the youngest person at the table. This year, provide the table with an additional set of questions that will help spur conversation before and after the main event of the telling of the Passover story. These creative prompts focus on a few of the central themes of Passover: freedom, gratitude and faith.

Get the How-To: Free, Printable Passover Seder Conversation Starters

Add Pillows

At Passover, it's customary to encourage all Seder participants to lean back onto a pillow. The act of being able to recline during a meal symbolizes a celebration of the freedom Jews now enjoy, contrasting with their status as slaves in the Passover story.

Place Elijah's Cup

Elijah's Cup, also known as Cup of Elijah, is a cup placed on the Seder table and filled with wine in a ceremonial fashion to honor the prophet Elijah. A door is also opened to invite and welcome him to the Seder. In recent years, some modern families have added a Miriam's Cup that's filled with water to represent Miriam's Well. It's placed next to Elijah's to bring awareness to the importance of women in the Exodus story.

Watch the Video: Tips for Creating a Spring-Inspired Passover Table

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Photo By: Rebekah Lowin

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10 Tips for Creating a Spring-Inspired Passover Table

Related To:

Start With a Table Runner

Select a Seder Plate

And a Matzo Plate

Feature a Special Matzo Cover

Add a Haggadah

Don't Forget the Flowers

Welcome With Candles

Offer Conversation Starters

Add Pillows

Place Elijah's Cup

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