As the holy holiday of Passover approaches, families prepare to disconnect from the daily grind to sit down together, for the oldest celebrated Jewish festival in history. Whether you are hosting a Passover Seder for the first time, a veteran host or a guest at the table, we have a few tips to creating the most beautiful Seder setting that will score multiple compliments… even from the in-laws!
Color Scheme:
Incorporate some historical significance when setting up a color palette for the table. The more obvious choice of blues, (parting of the sea) can easily be accomplished with a light blue table runner. Rotate small vases filled with fresh cut muscari (or blue hyacinth) and small pots of aloe or succulents (symbolising the walk through the desert) along the center of the table. Use two different colors for the napkins, (blue and pale yellow) to brighten up the table setting for Spring.
Head of the Table
Elevate the Seder plate at the head of the table for the Seder leader. If you have a round Seder plate, use a cake tray to elevate it. If you are creating one (large platter with small ramekins or glass bowls), try turning two square vases upside down and propping the platter up on them. Tip: Add some loose flowers inside the vases or Matzah for a little extra accent.
Individual settings
Keep the ceremony moving along by providing each guest with the items they will need access to. Set each table setting with individual seder platters or use bento boxes to include salt water, parsley, horseradish, charoset and matzah. If you do not have mini platters, try using cardboard cupcake boxes, available at craft shops like Michael’s. Include a mini craft of wine, for the four points during the ceremony and a Haggadah, so guests can follow along. Tip: Cover each Haggadah with scrapbooking paper and write each guests name on the paper to double as a place card.
Details:
Set a few water stations up throughout the table, equipped with a craft of water and hand towels, so your guests do not need to get up to wash their hands during the ceremony.
Arrange two candles near the head of the table. If you do not have candle holders, place wine goblets upside down and rest votives on top.
Four Questions: Don’t forget to involve the young Children at the table, with the four questions. There are many websites that offer free printables for the seder table, Like Almost Makes Perfect.
If you do not have cushions on each seat, place a small pillow to the left side of each chair.
Finally, Don’t forget to pour a glass of wine for the the Prophet Elijah!
Chag Sameach! Wishing our readers a joyous and peaceful festival…