How to Set the Table for Passover Seder

As with several other Jewish holidays, the food eaten during Passover carry special symbolism and significance, including the food eaten during the Passover Seder. This page provides information on how to set the table for Passover Seder.

The food on the Passover Seder table carry special symbolism and significance and the items are similar around the world. This page provides a guide to how to set the table for Passover Seder.
How to Prepare for Seder and Set the Table for Passover

This how to video from HowCast goes through the step-by-step process for preparing for Passover seder table. All the items you'll need for the Passover seder are explained including what ingredient's and foods you'll need. The symbolism behind all of the foods are explained in this video and alternatives are also recommended if you don't have a particular item available.

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Introduction

The food eaten during the Passover Seder carry specific symbolism and many of the items are the same around the world, although there are some minor regional differences. How to set the table for the Seder therefore requires more thinking than setting the table for any dinner.
Step 1: Choose Plates and Utensils
- For observant Jews, specific dinnerware which is kosher-for Passover is required throughout Passover, including during the Passover Seder. A specific Seder plate is often used for the occasion.
1. The dinnerware has to be kosher-for Passover.
2. The China, vessels and utensils can be specifically designated for Passover and not used during any other time of the year.
3. Utensils and vessels can be made kosher-for Passover in a process that involves immersing them in hot water.
4. A Seder plate with six circles for the symbolic food can be used.
Step 2: Choose Serving Dishes
- For observant Jews, the serving dishes must also be kosher-for Passover. When choosing the serving dishes, it is important to remember all specific food items that will be served during the Seder. The traditional Seder table includes wine, salty water to dip karpas in, matzo and six other items. Many families use a traditional Seder plate. The items on the Seder plate (besides matzo) are:
1. Bitter herbs
2. Eggs
3. A root vegetable
4. Karpas (greens, often parsley or celery)
5. Charoset, a mixture of apple, nuts and wine
6. Some type of meat, often a lamb shank bone
Step 3: Decorations

The Passover table can be enhanced if you choose a specific theme relative to the holiday and reflect it in the napkins and table decorations.
Step 4: Set the Table
1. It's time to set the table.
2. Place out the serving dishes and dinnerware on the table.
3. Make sure each person has a glass for the wine (can be substituted for grape juice).
4. The Seder plate is arranged by placing three whole Matzos on the bottom, which are covered. On top, the food of the Seder plate is placed.
Conclusion
It is good to start planning ahead of time for the setting of the Passover Seder table, as specific items are required on the table. If you make sure you have all items ready beforehand, setting the table will be the easiest part of preparing the Seder.