With the first night of Hanukkah practically around the corner, we’ll soon be spinning dreidels with family, handing out chocolate gelt to the little ones, and breathing in the intoxicating scent of latkes frying. In order to introduce a fun, simple, and modern twist to this year’s festivities, we knew exactly who to ask: Amy Kritzer, the fabulously-talented woman behind Jewish food blog What Jew Wanna Eat, as well as the author of Sweet Noshings, the ultimate must-have Jewish dessert cookbook.
From Hanukkah Harry and Deep Fried Rugelach to table settings and Avocado Latkes Breakfast Tacos, Amy’s pro tips are sure to make this year’s Festival of Lights unforgettable!
Photos and blog post courtesy Amy Kritzer, What Jew Wanna Eat
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Hanukkah should be full of joy, giving back, and stuffing your face with as many latkes as you can handle. Hosting a Hanukkah party should be fun, not stressful. I love inviting friends over for a casual latkepalooza, complete with presents and cocktails.
Here are some of my tips for throwing together a Hanukkah party in no time!
I went with metallic and white color look with some touches of blue, for a feel that is modern and festive, with the Engraved Menorah as the center of the show. I couldn’t resist this Ivory Alpaca Faux Fur Centerpiece Runner for a touch of coziness. And I went for the gold — to remind us of the Hanukkah oil miracle — with the Luna Brushed Gold Flatware Set and the Peace Appetizer Plate Set.
Make a bunch of your favorite latke recipe, or get crazy with Rainbow Latkes or my favorite, Avocado Latkes Breakfast Tacos and have your guests bring fun toppings. People like to help — trust me! Go traditional with sour cream or apple sauce, or non-traditional with guacamole or chutneys. Serve latkes on a platter that goes with the metallic feel (like this Gigi Gold Rim Platter), and the toppings in beautiful bowls, like these Cambria Cereal Bowls.
One of my favorites is a mimosa bar — it adds a DIY touch, and guests can add a splash of orange or pomegranate juice to their sparkling wine. I serve mine in these gorgeous Gold Rim Stemless Flutes.
Have your guests come with a small gift to exchange Secret Santa Style. Guests can bring something in the $25 range, like these Mercury Glass Votive Candles, a Faux Fur Wine Bag or two, or a Joshua Serving Platter (possibly even filled with some homemade Deep Fried Rugelach). Everyone leaves with something new!
Add personal touches like a dreidel for every guest (you can play too!) as a take-home gift, and customized place cards in these cute Star Of David Place Card Holders so everyone feels special.
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About Amy Kritzer
Amy Kritzer is the mega-talented founder of What Jew Wanna Eat, the owner of ModernTribe.com, and the author of the delectable cookbook Sweet Noshings.
You can follow her mouth-watering adventures on her blog, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.