A festive spin on Hanukkah party décor, gifts from LI shops
Festive Hanukkah party items available at Party City include Festival of Lights dessert plates ($4.99), dinner plates ($10.99), luncheon napkins ($3.99), Peace, Love and Light votives ($9.99) and Star of David LED string lights ($12.99). Credit: Party City
It’s time to get ready for Hanukkah — the eight-day “festival of lights” that begins on Dec. 22 and commemorates Jews reclaiming their temple from the Greek-Syrians and the oil the rebels burned that “miraculously” lasted for eight nights instead of just one. The holiday’s celebrations include lively gatherings, parties, community spirit and fun — and we have a sampling of some of the best finds to make any event shine, from the latest in decorations, table settings and hostess gifts to engaging children’s books and fresh spins on dreidels and menorahs.
“Historically, Hanukkah is about a military victory but the rabbis of old turned it into a story of light over darkness, so the story of Hanukkah today is of bringing light and warmth into the world,” says Michael Freiser, owner of Yussel’s Place Judaica Gifts & Art in Merrick. “It’s celebrated with fun, a lot of colors, and there are a lot of designers working in Judaica today. You can get all sorts of things for Hanukkah.”
Gloria Yellin, owner of Zion Lion in Roslyn Heights, says Hanukkah can be the perfect time to really light up a celebration with style.
“We believe in tradition like lighting the candles for Hanukkah, but whatever you do, make it beautiful,” Yellin says.
Drink in the fun
Hanukkah party guests can drink in the fun with this Yair Emanuel fountain that dispenses wine from the top into each glass; $220 at Yussel's Place Judaica, Gifts & Art, 30A Merrick Ave., Merrick, 516-223-7050. Credit: Barry Sloan
Sweet tooth
This Harry & David Hanukkah cookie box is a great gift for the hostess; $34.99 at harryanddavid.com. Credit: Harry & David.com
Hostess set
Hostess set including a potholder, oven mitt and dish towel; $7.50 at Yussel's Place Judaica, Gifts & Art, 30A Merrick Ave., Merrick, 516-223-7050. Credit: Barry Sloan
Modern spin
Quest Collection puts a modern and sophisticated spin on the dreidel with hand-painted black and white stripes; $89.99 at Zion Lion, 444 W. Jericho Turnpike #F, Huntington, 516-437-5466. Credit: Barry Sloan
Whimsical menorah
A whimsical "7 Dancing Sylphs" menorah by Lynn Rae; $299.99 at Zion Lion, 444 W. Jericho Turnpike #F, Huntington, 516-437-5466. Credit: Barry Sloan
Challah platter
Stainless steel and enamel Challah platter designed by Carmit; $150 at Yussel's Place Judaica, Gifts & Art, 30A Merrick Ave., Merrick, 516-223-7050. Credit: Barry Sloan
Plated style
Dine on these Williams-Sonoma Hannukah blue mosaic salad plates (mixed set of 4); $59.95 at Williams-Sonoma. Credit: Williams-Sonoma
Hanukkah gelt
Children will love getting this delicious traditional gift of Hanukkah gelt; $9.95 at Godiva stores. Credit: Godiva/ADBE
"Hanukkah Elf” book
"Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf" book, recommended for ages 3 to 6, tells a story of why Santa doesn't visit Jewish children; $9.30 at Barnes & Noble. Credit: Bloomsbury Publishing
