Hopefully you’re here because you’ve already built a klutz-proof sukkah kit and are looking to add some sukkah decorations. If you haven’t built your sukkah yet, head here to find out how.
We’ll give you some great recommendations for decorating your sukkah: WHY you should add sukkah decorations, WHEN to decorate your sukkah, WHERE to add sukkah decorations, WHAT sukkah decorations to add, and HOW to create some sukkah decorations of your own!
Before we dive in, jump-start your creativity by checking out our sukkah photo gallery where we’ve collected images from many customers’ beautiful sukkot over the years.
Why Should I Decorate My Sukkah?
Several things must take place to fulfill the mitzvot of Sukkot—building the sukkah, decorating the sukkah, eating in the sukkah, shaking the arba minim, and spending time in the sukkah. Decorating your sukkah is a celebration of Sukkot itself, Hiddur Mitzvah, and will enhance the celebration to come throughout the week.
Adding decorations to your sukkah is an important part of celebrating Sukkot. The Sukkah Project® makes it simple by providing a variety of decorations available to add on to your klutz-proof sukkah kit order, or purchase separately as your celebration grows.
When Should I Decorate My Sukkah?
Sukkot begins five days after Yom Kippur, on the 15th day of Tishrei. Your sukkah should be built as soon as possible after Yom Kippur. After your sukkah is built, it’s time to decorate!
You can decorate your sukkah anytime between its construction and the beginning of Sukkot. The weather in your area may play a role in how early you add decorations to the space. Snow or rain may cause damage to some decor. We at The Sukkah Project® have taken this into consideration—all of the sukkah decorations we offer are printed on weather-proof fabric (like our Decorative Sukkah Banners) or use other materials suitable for outdoor exposure (like our Fair Trade Judaica decorations).
While it is permitted to remove decorations out of fear they will be damaged (except on Shabbat or Yom Tov), using decor that can withstand the elements is essential for longevity.
Where Should I Add Decorations to My Sukkah?
Decorations can be added anywhere around your sukkah. Many people decorate their sukkah entryway, walls, and tables. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your sukkah, whether that be for meals, family gatherings, or slumber, so make sure your sukkah decorations allow you to move freely about the sukkah while still enhancing the celebration within.
It is common to add banners or artwork to the walls of the sukkah. If it’s a light item, like a drawing from one of your kids or grandkids, you can safety-pin it directly to the wall material. If it’s a heavier item, we recommend securing it to the steel or wood frame of the sukkah using string, bungees, or some other secure method.
Food is often used as table decor for Sukkot. It is important to note that food used to decorate a sukkah may not be removed or eaten during the holiday unless it was originally intended to be eaten before the chag. Most often it has the status of Kedushat Sukkah.
Entryway sukkah decorations are also frequently seen as a way to welcome family and friends joining you in your sukkah. Consider adding a set of Jewish Blessings Flags, or our popular “Welcome” Decorative Sukkah Banner (Bruchim Habaim).
What Decorations Should I Add to My Sukkah?
Sukkah decorations have no strict guidelines, you can be as creative as you wish. Traditional decor is based on the harvest and involves items such as gourds, fruit, lights, paper chains, and the Seven Species. Children often craft artwork at home or school that are great decorations for you sukkah.
The Sukkah Project® offers a variety of weather-proof sukkah decorations that bring in many of the values and messages important to Sukkot, from Ushpizin, Ushpizot, and Eitz Chayim banners to Jewish Blessings Flags.
LED Sukkah Lights are another popular addition to extend the use of your sukkah well into the night for beautifully-lit evening meals and gatherings.
How Do I Make My Own Sukkah Decorations?
How to decorate your sukkah is up to you. Be creative, have fun, and reflect on the values of Judaism and the purpose of Sukkot. It’s easy to craft sukkah decorations on your own! Below are a few DIY ideas for you and your family to try.
Crafting paper chains is an easy way to bring children into the fun of sukkah decorating. Collect scraps of newspaper, magazines, junk mail, craft paper or regular paper. You can use them as is or paint them with fall colors or fun patterns. Cut the sheets into strips about one inch wide, wrap in a circle, and secure the two ends together with glue, tape, or staples. To continue the chain, loop the next circles through the previously established ones to make a longer strand.
In the past we’ve had several customers use our off-white canvas sukkah walls as an actual canvas! Use acrylic paints to create your masterpiece. It could be helpful to sketch a design in pencil first. You could also have children (or the whole family) paint a small portion of the sukkah walls each year. This would be a great way to celebrate the holiday and watch your sukkah change with your family.
Another simple way to add decorations to your sukkah is to reuse glass bottles or jars. Gather your empty pasta sauce jars or wine bottles, remove the labels and give them a thorough rinse. Grab some paints (acrylic will work best) and let your creativity flow. Some ideas that may inspire your creation: fall vegetables or scenes, symbols of Judaism and Sukkot, or a simple solid color or pattern. Use them as candle holders, add strings of mini lights, or use as a vase to spruce up your table settings.
It is popular to see dried oranges used as decorations, and these make beautiful harvest decorations for Sukkot as well—not to mention they are very simple to make. Begin by collecting your supplies: several oranges, a knife, cutting board, baking sheet (and liner), and something to hang them (like twine or fishing line). Preheat your oven to 250 F. Thinly slice your oranges; ⅛-¼ of an inch is recommended. Place the cut oranges on your lined baking sheet and put them in the oven for 5-6 hours, or until they begin to dry and change to a deep orange/brown color. Let them rest until they are cool to the touch, and then string them together. The oranges will bring a beautiful citrus scent, a pop of color, and a touch of freshness to your sukkah.
You can use other natural items such as pine cones or pumpkins/gourds to bring life into your sukkah decorations. Dried flowers, wreaths, and waxed leaves are a few more simple ways to add natural decoration to the space.
Get creative and have fun when decorating your sukkah—the possibilities are endless!
Whatever you end up doing, we love seeing our customers’ photos of their decorated sukkot. Please send us an email with your sukkah pictures!
