As beeswax candles flicker and potato latkes sizzle, family and friends come together to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, the “festival of lights.” Commemorating the miracle that saw a day’s worth of oil last for eight nights for the Maccabee tribe in Jerusalem when they were surrounded by enemy armies in the second century BCE, this light-filled holiday has now become a time for joyous parties and informal family gatherings.

The gorgeous blues and turquoise tones that appear in cool winter colour palettes are perfectly in line with a Hanukkah decorating scheme. Here, Style at Home design editor Jessica Waks adorns her family home to show off the many ways in which the holiday, which takes place in 2012 from December 8 to 16 (the dates change each year depending on the Jewish calendar), can be beautifully incorporated into the season.


Decorating for Hanukkah
Baking for the holidays is half the fun of the season, however you celebrate. Jessica (left) and her mom make sugar cookies and decorate them every year, taking advantage of the time spent together.

Cheerful Hanukkah decor
Jessica mixed standard Hanukkah hallmarks with Christmas tree ornaments in the same colourway to enhance the cheery decorating scheme.
Dining room
A sophisticated table setting brings the dining room to life. Jessica used her family’s heirloom china as a jumping-off point, then added more touches of blue and metallic accents.
The menorah
The lighting of the menorah takes place at sundown for the eight nights of Hanukkah.

Dreidels
Dreidels, the toy used to play a traditional betting game, come in a wide variety of colours and materials. The artistry of some pieces means they can become family heirlooms, like the silver filigree dreidels (top, centre) that Jessica Waks’s parents bought in Israel.

Bringing festivity to smaller spots
Pretty Hanukkah-themed papers and bows wrap thoughtful gifts used as take-home gifts for guests. A cheery paper chain with dreidel details brings a dose of festivity to even the smallest spots.
Transforming Christmas crackers
Jessica transformed Christmas crackers with blue paper and a Star of David shape for more holiday spirit.
Baking cookies
Cookie cutters come in all sorts of Hanukkah shapes, including the iconic dreidel and the Star of David. A particularly enticing cookie recipe features a stained-glass style filling, while silver and gold dragées tie in to the gelt traditionally given to children during the festivities.
Toasting
As with any festive occasion, a toast is in order. Jewish families say l’chaim” or “to life” as they clink glasses, celebrating the miracle that was and the joy of being with family.
Homemade potato latkes
The pretty turquoise blue of these heirloom plates inspired Jessica’s holiday scheme. Jessica’s mother serves the traditional toppings of applesauce and sour cream for her homemade potato latkes, but other options, such as smoked salmon, can be fun as well.
Jelly doughnuts (Sufganiyot)
Latkes aren’t Hanukkah’s only festive food – jelly doughnuts, or sufganiyot, take on the role of fried delicacy, too. Usually crafted with a red jam filling, inventive chefs have taken to trying out flavours like caramel and white chocolate in recent years.