Spin the Dreidel, Stock the Delphinium: Hanukkah for Florists
- Archer Okoroafor
- Dec 9, 2025
- 3 min read
Episode 6
Hanukkah can be a tricky holiday for florists.
Not because it isn’t meaningful, but because orders tend to swing from all to nothing.
Shops usually either have a dedicated, engaged customer base ordering for the holiday… or complete radio silence.
This post will help you prepare, market thoughtfully, and show up professionally for a holiday that many florists simply overlook.
Leave Politics at the Door (Always)
Let me say this gently but very clearly: your flower shop is not the place for political statements, especially around religious or cultural holidays.
What is appropriate?
➡️ Warmth, celebration, respect, and professionalism.
Stick to beauty, service, and honouring your customers' traditions. You cannot go wrong with that.
Make sure your staff are on the same page.
Spin the Dreidel, Not Your Wheels: Selling Hanukkah Arrangements
1. Connect With Local Synagogues & Jewish Organizations
Hanukkah orders often come from tight-knit communities, so visibility matters.
Reach out respectfully to local synagogues, Jewish community centres, schools, or cultural organizations.
Offer a small discount, a custom promotion, or a donation of a monthly arrangement in exchange for being featured in newsletters, bulletins, or member groups.
Even one partnership can bring repeat holiday clients for years.
2. Offer Custom Hanukkah Designs on Your Website
Don’t wait for requests. List at least one or two Hanukkah-specific pieces:
A blue-and-white arrangement
A premium white-and-green arrangement with subtle sparkle
A “Festival of Lights” themed bouquet (elegant, not kitschy)
Offer both a centerpiece-style arrangement and something for a hostess gift, like a handtied bouquet
Designated options send a clear message: yes, we prepare for this holiday.
3. Order the Right Flowers (and Order Early)
Stock what sells for Hanukkah:
Blue:
Delphinium
Blue hydrangea
Eryngium
Cornflower
Iris
Blue anemones
White:
You’ll already have plenty in stock for Christmas.
Greens:
Order a touch more as some customers prefer clean white-and-green pairings.
4. Don’t Fear a Little Sparkle
Hanukkah design doesn’t have to be stark or overly traditional.
Use:
Glitter glue
Neutral Christmas ornaments
Silver accents
Light blue ribbon
White or silver ceramic containers
It’s about elegance, not kitsch.
5. Partner With Jewish Makers & Artisans
Here’s an underrated strategy: collaborate with a Jewish artist or maker in your community.
Ceramics, hand-painted dreidels, small sculptures, wooden ornaments, candles... anything that can be incorporated into an arrangement.
The Jewish community strongly supports local artisans (as we all should). Featuring their work elevates your product and builds trust, visibility, and genuine connection.
Plus, customers LOVE the story behind a collaboration. It gives your arrangements meaning, not just flowers.
Remember: we sell emotion, not flowers.
6. Partner for Future Holidays
Hanukkah is just one of many Jewish holidays in the calendar year. Instead of one-and-done outreach:
Offer a synagogue a discounted weekly or monthly altar arrangement.
In return, ask if they could feature your shop or recommend you within the community.
Jewish customers are often incredibly loyal to vendors who show respect and understanding of their traditions. One client can lead to many more.
7. Let Your Existing Systems Help You (If You Have Them)
Send a gentle reminder to last year's customers!
Example email:"Hanukkah is coming! If you need flowers for your home or community celebrations, we’re here for you."
Note: This only works if you have the data and know how to use it properly.
8. Not Sure if Your Community Celebrates? Here’s What to Do
If you’re in an area with a small or unknown Jewish population:
Still list Hanukkah designs on your website
Still stock a small amount of blue flowers
Still post at least one social media piece acknowledging the holiday
It signals inclusiveness and awareness, helping customers feel seen, and may lead to future sales.
Also, collecting data on holiday-specific orders is valuable for your shop too.
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