As we prepare for Sukkot, we look to emulate our ancestors who wandered in the desert for forty years while sleeping in huts. Here is a new twist on celebrating this holiday, with a bit of nostalgic 1980’s flair, big hair and all!
While eating and sleeping in a hut in the backyard for a week is about as simple and pared down as you can get, the 1980’s were all about excess and opulence. But since we are now back in the ‘80’s – the 5780’s that is – I thought it would be fun to incorporate some 1980’s decor, food and entertainment into your Sukkot celebrations.
DECOR
A sukkah typically has 3-3.5 walls and a thatched roof, with openings big enough to view stars. The 1980’s are full of decoration inspiration to add to such a simple structure.
Tropical
Use pastel colored fabric for the walls, and palm fronds or bamboo, which both create the typical sukkah roof. Make sure to hang up real or faux pineapples and other fruit from the tropics.
Graphics
Another way to go is bright graphic sheets or fabrics for the walls, or making every side a Rubik’s Cube color!
Accent Wall
You could also make every wall white with one ‘80’s on trend accent wall, or floor length curtains for one or more sides.
Decorations
Garlands made of scrunchies, jelly bracelets and candy necklaces are both decorative and useful!
Make edible garlands from Apple Jacks and Honeycomb cereal.
Hang plants from the roof, structure willing.
Since the sukkah is literally a “booth,” you can find ‘80’s photo props to create your own photo booth against one wall.
Decorate with posters of movies and celebrities from back in the day. If only I still had my Michael J. Fox posters to lend!
FOOD
On Sukkot as we spend time “stuffed” into the sukkah, we traditionally eat foods that are “stuffed” as well. Eighties food was all about the stuffed entrees and snacks, so this works out perfectly! All of these items can be prepared vegetarian.
Appetizers
Deviled eggs
Pizza rolls (homemade or straight from the toaster oven)
Potato skins
Seven-layer dip
Spinach dip, traditionally served in a Pumpernickel bread bowl
Stuffed mushrooms
Sushi
Entrees*
Ambrosia salad
French bread or bagel pizza, a bit of a stretch on being “stuffed,” but couldn’t leave these out!
Quiche (with sundried tomatoes of course)
Sloppy Joe’s tucked into burger buns
Stuffed peppers
Tricolor pasta salad (homemade or right from the box) possibly with Poppyseed dressing or Raspberry vinaigrette
*Feel free to pour pesto sauce over any of these foods!
DESSERTS
While these desserts are not technically “stuffed,” they do have lots of sweet ingredients mixed into them.
Berry tart
Blondies
Chocolate mousse
Dirt cups
Pineapple upside cake
Poke cake
Pudding pops
Tiramisu
MUSIC
Strong female vocalists and unique personalities topped the rock charts in the ’80s. Here are some songs which covered the themes of truth, spirituality, home, and nature, which are all focused on during this fall holiday time, and are perfect for your Sukkot playlist. A Sony Walkman is optional!
“True” by Spandau Ballet
“The Heart of the Matter” by Don Henley
“Human” by The Human League
“So Central Rain” by REM
“Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson
“Our Lips are Sealed” by the Go-Go’s
“Get on Your Feet” by Gloria Estefan
‘Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
“Like a Prayer” by Madonna
“Faith” by George Michael
“Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey
“Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley
“Our House” by Madness
“Take Me Home Tonight” by Eddie Money
“Burning Down the House” by Talking Heads
“Celebrate Me Home” by Kenny Loggins
“Shadows & Tall Trees” by U2
“Who Let in the Rain” by Cyndi Lauper
“Forest for the Trees” by Huey Lewis & the News
Bonus track:
“Shakin’ the Lulav” by David Bar-Cohn. A modern parody based on “Twist & Shout,” which would be what Ferris Beuller would have danced to on Sukkot!
So break out the ripped jeans and Rubik’s Cubes, and let’s get this totally tubular Sukkot party started!
