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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 25 Chanukah Décor By Jill Brooke As someone whose historic home was the place where the term "Chanukah bush" was coined, and who also married someone with whom I had to learn new traditions, here are inspired and respectful ways to create Chanukah (a.k.a. Hanukkah) fl ower arrangements and décor for Jewish clients. 1. Make friends with blue fl owers such as Delphinium, Eryngium, Hydrangea and hyacinths. The traditional colors for Chanukah are blue and white, the colors of the fl ag of Israel. Of course, the question then is, "Why blue?" It's the color the Israelites were told to dye the thread (tekhelet) on the knotted fringes of their prayer shawls made with ink from sea snails. You can fi nd many ways to create holiday centerpieces using these colors that won't clash with your clients' décor. Perhaps make it a complementary color and fi nd various shades to include the blue theme. Juniper and baby's breath are great options for Chanukah tables. Juniper has a bluish hue, so add it to fl ower arrangements. Baby's breath can also be added the same way and is particularly lovely tucked into napkins. I've also used it as a base for plants instead of moss. Have plenty on hand to add that extra fl ourish to your clients' holiday tables. Because white is part of the tradition and refl ects purity, as well, white roses, Hydrangea, snapdragons, daisies and the ubiquitous poinsettias are also useful to include, and white can be the dominant color, if needed. Plus, white mixes so well with pine fl ourishes. 2. Think lots of candles; Chanukah is also called the "Festival of Lights" Seeing the light is what this holiday is about. When the Greeks @hbloomfl owers were trying to assimilate the Jews by forbidding the practice of the Sabbath, a group of Jews defi ed them in what is known as the Maccabean Revolt, 167-160 BC. The Israelites had enough oil, for light, for only one day, but it miraculously lasted eight days, to ensure their victory. Any way you can use lights and candles in the Chanukah décor is appreciated, even if it is just putting a string of lights around a vase. 3. Menorah The menorah candelabrum is the star of the show. Many families collect menorahs, which typically have eight branches and a central socket for the candle that lights all the others each night of Chanukah. It may be worthwhile to offer some for sale— especially because they can be decorated, depending on the style, with fl owers. The creative possibilities are endless, so research some to sell in your store, and display them to appeal to Jewish customers. 4. Adding ornaments Many Chanukah ornaments will inevitably be in that darkish blue color. I often paint them to be a more pleasing color or to match whatever theme I will be using. For example, I found blue Jewish stars (Stars of David) at Pier 1 Imports and painted them gold for napkin décor. You will also see Chanukah gelt (gold-foil-wrapped chocolate "coins") and dreidels (four-sided spinning tops), which are given as gifts during Chanukah, that can be color-coordinated to your client's theme and décor. When painted, they can be added to a vase or table runner, for an extra fl ourish. @fourseasonfl owerssd

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