4 ways to decorate your home for Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is one of the most important Jewish holidays. Follow these simple tips to create a warm and inviting space while keeping in the serious spirit of this day of atonement.

White is the most traditional colour associated with Yom Kippur, as it is a symbol for purity and a fresh, clean start. Using white will also help create an elegant atmosphere that is still solemn and serious.

• Decorate your dining space with white tablecloths, dishware, napkins and candles
• White flowers are a nice touch — consider purchasing bouquets or centrepieces of lilies, hydrangeas, lilacs or calla lilies

Another important symbol and tradition for Yom Kippur is humility. People choose not to wear leather on the holiday to eschew excess and pride.

Rather than decorating with colours or excessive ornamentation, stick to a few basic elements. Try these ideas to to dress up your space for the holiday.

• Simple flowers
• Lit candles
• Subtle centrepieces like autumnal fruits or natural branches in a vase

Since this is the most important holiday of the Jewish calendar year, consider incorporating essential Jewish symbols into your decor.

• Use your Shabbos or holiday candle holders to hold the candles you light
• Pour wine into your traditional Kiddush cup
• Use symbols like the dove or the Star of David on your challah cover, dishes and napkins

It makes sense to do what you can to conserve your energy during the fast. Keep things simple and select decor that can be put together the night before Yom Kippur and will last through the next day and into the evening. For example, avoid decorating with things like fresh fruit and vegetables.

The holiday is mostly about repairing your relationship with people and God, so there's no need to focus too much energy or thought on appearances.