We love classic, endless paper chains, Native American corn, and collages of Rosh Hashana cards. But sometimes something new might be nice too! Below are some ideas we’ve collected for colorful, seasonal and at times exotic sukkah decorations.
The Floor: Be inspired by the traditions of Oriental and Central Asian Jews, and lay your sukkah floor with a richly-colored rug. Buy a new one on the cheap, use one that’s worn out, or, even better, fully go for the Oriental theme by asking guests to put on slippers before entering the sukkah. Look for cheap Chinese and/or Indian slippers at the Asian stores on Federal Blvd.
The Roof: This one may sound strange, but visit the Christmas decorations department. Stringing clear-colored Christmas lights through your schach or around the edges of your sukkah roof will add a beautiful twinkling dimension to complement the starlight peeking through. If you opt for this look, string some ruby red pomegranates and citrus fruits (lemons or oranges) to complement the green and sparkle in the light. Alternatively, try your hand at Michaels’ “Fall Kissing Balls” project, where you create globes constructed of flower heads.
The Walls: If you don’t love the idea of a carpeted sukkah, walls are another opportunity for using tapestries, fabrics or rugs. Looks for weaves of fall colors (oranges, dark reds, greens) or swatches of fabrics painted with fruit or harvest motifs (try Ikea for the latter). An even simpler trick: back to Michaels’ for a selection of artificial flowers. Create colorful bouquets for the upper corners of your sukkah. And for a foliage look that will last all week, pick up some gold or burnt-red maple leaves from your florist for either table or wall decoration.
How will you be decorating your sukkah this year? Share your ideas and tips with us! And don’t forget to check out Sukkot traditions from across the world.
