Hanukkah theme

A Hanukkah party at home

Latkes, dreidels, and the menorah glowing in the window.

Photo: Unsplash

Hanukkah invitations

Free designs with an RSVP link that tracks every reply. Tap one to start yours; your names, date and place fill in, and you can change the design any time.

Ideas for your Hanukkah party

Pick one or two from each and keep the rest simple.

Decor

  • A menorah in the front window, where the lights can be seen from outside
  • Blue and white table linens with silver accents
  • Bowls of chocolate gelt and dreidels on every table
  • Paper Stars of David and string lights for the kids' corner

Food

  • Latkes with applesauce and sour cream
  • Brisket or a roast chicken for the main
  • Sufganiyot, jelly doughnuts dusted with sugar
  • Hot cider and a pitcher of something sparkling

Activities

  • Light the candles together at nightfall
  • A dreidel tournament with gelt
  • A gelt hunt for the little ones
  • A paper menorah craft with paper flames

Cake

Skip the cake for a tower of sufganiyot, or a blue and white sheet cake with a frosting menorah.

Favors

Optional. Something small and edible travels best.

Colors

DeepBrightPopSoft

Pick one bright color for balloons and napkins, and keep plates plain.

What to do and when

The plan for a house party, counted back from the party day. Festidy puts real dates on it.

  1. 6 to 8 weeks out

    • Pick a date, a start time, and a backup date
    • Set a budget and choose your big two
    • Write the guest list
    • Choose a theme or a look
    • Lock in the location and a rain plan
    • Note food, accessibility, and comfort needs
  2. 4 to 6 weeks out

    • Send the invitations
    • Decide on music and one main activity
    • Book rentals if you need them
    • Decide: cater, order trays, or cook
    • Book a photographer or pick a friend to shoot
    • Order the cake or dessertsCake idea: Skip the cake for a tower of sufganiyot, or a blue and white sheet cake with a frosting menorah.
    • Ask helpers and give them roles
    • Make one contact and confirmation list
  3. 2 to 3 weeks out

    • Order decor, tableware, and favorsDecor idea: A menorah in the front window, where the lights can be seen from outside
    • Plan the menu and check allergiesMenu idea: Latkes with applesauce and sour cream
    • Plan the one or two moments that matterActivity idea: Light the candles together at nightfall
    • Follow up on RSVPs
    • Plan drinks, including good non-alcoholic options
    • Build your one-stop shopping list
  4. The week before

    • Confirm every vendor
    • Plan one group moment
    • Lock the headcount and shop for food and drinks
    • Prep favors, decor, and a playlist
    • Write the party-day schedule
    • Send the final party note
  5. The day before

    • Pick up the cake and set up what you can
    • Pack a party-day kit
    • Charge devices and share the run sheet
    • Make the final weather and space call
  6. Party day

    • Set up an hour before
    • Run the party and finish on time
    • Reset the space and check for left-behind items
  7. After the party

    • Share photos and settle any remaining balances
    • Send thank-yous
    • Save photos and notes for next year
    • Leave a quick note for your future self

Party-day run of show

For a 3-hour party starting at 2 pm.

  • Final setup and safety checkSetup crew gets food, activities, and the entrance ready.
  • Arrivals and drinksGreeter welcomes guests and handles coats.
  • Food outFood lead opens the food and keeps it stocked.
  • Group momentEntertainment lead runs the toast, gift swap, or game.
  • Dessert and coffeeFood lead sets out dessert.
  • Wind-downThe host thanks everyone and sends leftovers home.
  • Quick resetCollect gifts and check the space for left-behind items.

Free Hanukkah printables

Print at home on letter paper or card stock.

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