It Hasn't Happened For 125 Years

As many of you know, Thanksgiving and the first day of Hanukkah fall on the same date this year. This confluence of holidays has not happened for 125 years, but it may present a culinary challenge to American Jews who celebrate both occasions. David Firestone and Susan Brenna write in today's New York Times (Holidays Holding Hands, November 6, 2013) of their plans to combine elements from their traditional Hanukkah and Thanksgiving menus to create a new type of repast for November 28th. If you celebrate both holidays, what are your plans?

    "Break out the fine china and crystal for an elegant Hanukkah evening celebration. On top of the formal place setting, present each guest with a thoughtful gift wrapped in rich blue and gold."

Photo via BHG.com.

"Set the Hanukkah Table"

Better Homes and Gardens.

"Lighten up Hanukkah's traditional color scheme by introducing the signature blue in small doses, such as a casual striped cotton tablecloth, a star-embroidered napkin, and everyday china. Scatter the table with clear votive holders filled with candles or white carnations."

Photo via BHG.com.

"Set the Hanukkah Table"

Better Homes and Gardens. 

 "Christopher invites people of all faiths to celebrate the holidays and often asks guests to light the Hanukkah candles. This menorah stands in front of a bust of Louis XV, who wears a festive crown."

Chelsea apartment of Manhattan designer Christopher Hyland.

Interior design by Christopher Hyland, Christopher Hyland Inc.

Photography by John Bessler.

Text by Amy Elbert.

"Visions of Sugarplums" produced by Ann McVicker.

Traditional Home.

 "A 19th-century copper menorah with openwork decoration of floral vines, a style popular in Fez, Morocco."

Photo credit: From the collection of The Jewish Museum, New York, via elledecor.com.

"In the Line of Fire" by Amanda Gordon.

Elle Decor.

Alexander Henry Lion of Judah Hanukkah Cotton Print Fabric.

Offered by PattysFabricShop (Chesterfield, Virginia) via Etsy.

$7.50/yard. 

"Add some glamour to your Hanukkah decor this season with gifts wrapped in metallic paper. A fresh color scheme for gifts is turquoise, royal blue, gold and silver."

Photo via HGTV.com.

"Haute Hanukkah Decorating Ideas" by Brian Patrick Flynn.

HGTV.

"Milk Chocolate Dreidel"

Certified kosher.

Crafted by Long Grove Confectionery in Long Grove, Illinois.

Offered by Crate and Barrel ($6.95).

 "Gelt Tidbit Plate, Set of 4"

Mercury-glass plates embossed with four different icons of Hanukkah.

Offered by Pottery Barn ($29.50).

Photo via www.potterybarn.com. 

Manzanita candelabra - black.

Offered by West Elm ($99). 

"To give lilies Hanukkah flair, place them in metallic vases made of classic materials such as mercury glass."

Photo via HGTV.com.

"Haute Hanukkah Decorating Ideas" by Brian Patrick Flynn.

HGTV.

"For a fresh take on the classic menorah, consider a manzanita branch candelabrum as your table's centerpiece."

Photo via HGTV.com.

"Haute Hanukkah Decorating Ideas" by Brian Patrick Flynn.

HGTV.