by linda morel
jta
“Entertaining is a lot like gardening,” says Linda Burghardt, author of “Jewish Holiday Traditions. Just as each combination of flowers produces a unique garden, each approach to party planning has different results. Some suggestions:
• Using construction paper, show children how to cut out dreidels or candles and create one-of-a-kind invitations by filling in the time and date.
• For something fancier, buy plastic dreidels with removable tops and put a note inside each, explaining the party details.
• Make a centerpiece by turning a large cardboard box into a dreidel and letting children decorate it. Fill the dreidel with party favors wrapped in blue and white paper, taping mesh bags of Chanukah gelt. Attach long ribbons so favors are easy to pull out.
• Plan a manageable menu and prepare as many dishes ahead as possible.
• Experiment by making latkes out of sweet potatoes, carrots or zucchini. For extra-crunchy results, drain latkes on brown paper bags from grocery stores rather than on paper towels.
• Make gelt by melting chocolate and spooning it into rounds on aluminum foil coated with no-stick spray. When cooled, wrap each in silver or gold foil. n
• Create a lovely ceremony by asking guests to bring menorahs from home. Provide candles in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes.
• Place menorahs around the dining room table at the appropriate guest’s place. Say the blessing and light the shamashim— the central candles — together, followed by the other candles. Prepare to be dazzled.
• Explain each step for guests who’ve grown fuzzy about Jewish customs or who are learning about Judaism for the first time.
• After dinner, read Isaac Bashevis Singer’s delightful “Zlatch the Goat,” from his collection of stories by the same name. Young and old alike will be entertained by this charming tale.
• Sing songs such as “Rock of Ages.” Remember to copy song sheets and distribute to guests, so they can join in.
• Before the party, take time to relax! And forget perfectionism — it has no place at Chanukah.
CopyrightJ, the Jewish news weekly of Northern California