Text and Styling by Esther Ottensoser
Photography by Devorah Applegrad

Succos is around the corner, and there’s so much excitement and creativity engendered by the tradition of decorating the succah! With these easy-to-create and charming decorations, you don’t need to be an expert crafter to infuse your succah with beauty and warmth, making it a place of joy and celebration for family and friends alike.

Baby’s Breath Lanterns

Paper lanterns are a great choice for an elegant yet inexpensive decoration. They’re easy to work with, and the burlap print brings in a rustic charm that’s also graceful and classy. The lanterns complement any succah setting. Add a touch of allure to these lanterns with delicate baby’s breath, and you have a breathtaking decoration that will captivate all.

You will need:

• burlap print lanterns (available on Amazon)
• real or faux baby’s breath
• Scotch tape
• twine, for hanging

Begin by drawing a diagonal line on the surface of the burlap print lantern to serve as your guide for arranging the baby’s breath (or feel free to use your creativity and arrange the baby’s breath in any design that speaks to you).

Using Scotch tape, gently attach the baby’s breath stems to the lantern surface. Starting from the bottom of your marked line, work your way up, ensuring the stems face upwards.

Attach twine to each lantern for hanging. Place the lanterns at various heights in your succah, creating a dynamic visual appeal.

Modern and Elegant Hanging Vases

A perfect blend of classic charm and modern flair, hanging vases are a timeless choice that never fail to impress. To elevate this classic look to a whole new level, consider using sleek black metal frames for a touch of contemporary sophistication. Paired with the exquisite beauty of black and white anemones, this combination is both sharp and captivating, sure to impress anyone stepping into your succah.

With a plethora of options available on Amazon, including the choice of using faux anemones, creating this sophisticated look is as easy as it is gorgeous.

You will need:

• hanging metal test tube holders
• real or faux flowers and greenery (available on Amazon)
• twine, for hanging

Fill the vases with the flowers and greenery.

Attach twine, and hang them strategically from the ceiling or along the walls.

Buzzing with Creativity

You can make a beehive (or any geometric shape) for your succah from a material as simple as Popsicle sticks! These simple sticks, available in various sizes and colors, are so versatile and can be transformed into an array of cool and captivating crafts. Whether adorning the walls or ceiling, Popsicle stick structures can bring a unique charm to your succah.

You will need:

• Popsicle craft sticks in any color (spray painted, if desired)
• glue gun
• paper or tag board
• flowers
• twine, for hanging

Begin by deciding on the shape you want to create with the craft sticks. Arrange one shape and make sure it’s perfectly even, as this shape will serve as your template for the rest of the Popsicle sticks.

Using the glue gun, carefully glue the corners of the craft sticks together. This will become the foundation for your decor.

Once your Popsicle stick shape is complete, you can create your pattern. First trace the shape onto a large piece of paper or tag board; this template will help you recreate the same design multiple times, ensuring consistency in your decoration and maintaining the structure’s symmetry. Move the paper guide exactly under the spot where you want to add to the structure.

Continue forming the structure by using the template to add more Popsicle-stick shapes, gluing each shape into place. If you’re planning a larger and more intricate design, consider making two or three layers of Popsicle sticks to make sure the shape is strong enough.

Add a touch of beauty to your decoration by interspersing flowers throughout the shape. Glue into place.

Finally, prepare your decoration for display by attaching twine to the upper parts of the decoration. The twine will make it easy to hang on the walls or ceiling of your succah.

(Originally featured in Family Table, Issue 860)