Hanukkah starts in early December this year, and searches for Hanukkah decor are rising as it gets closer. Hanukkah decorating is usually simpler than Christmas: it’s built around light, the menorah, and a table where people gather for eight nights.

These ideas work in a small apartment and suit anyone, whether Hanukkah is the only holiday in the house or one of two.

The menorah comes first

Everything else is built around the menorah. A classic metal menorah (on Amazon) with nine branches: eight for the nights and the shamash, the helper candle, set apart higher or lower.

Where to put it: traditionally in a window facing the street, so the light can be seen from outside. If that isn’t possible, by the front door or on a table where everyone gathers.

Safety: put it on a heat-safe tray, away from curtains, and never leave lit candles alone. A tray (on Amazon) under it also catches drips. Real candles burn about 30 minutes.

Candles: a standard box of Hanukkah candles (on Amazon) has 44, the exact number for all eight nights including the shamash each night.

A color palette

Blue, white and silver are the traditional Hanukkah colors. Gold works as an accent. Choose two or three and keep the rest of the room plain.

The table

Light around the room

Hanukkah is the festival of lights, so a few more lights around the apartment fit well: battery fairy lights (on Amazon) in a glass jar, a strand along a shelf, blue and white paper stars in the window.

Homemade touches

  • Paint plain wooden dreidels in blue and white with kids.
  • Cut paper stars of David and hang them in a window.
  • Make a paper garland of blue and white.

Sharing with Christmas

Lots of homes celebrate both. One approach that works well: give each its own place. The tree in one corner, the menorah in the window, and a shared table. Use silver and white as a link between them; both holidays look good with it.