Celebrating Kwanzaa This Year? Try These Festive Decoration Ideas

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December is arguably one of the most celebratory months (Christmas! Hanukkah! Kwanzaa!) and in preparation for all the festivities to come, it's time to get decorating. If you and your family celebrate Kwanzaa, which runs from December 26 to January 1, you're likely already thinking about how to spruce up your living spaces for this holiday. Of course, one of the most important items to have is the kinara, a seven-branched candleholder that features three red candles on the left, three green candles on the right, and a single black candle in the center. They represent the Seven Principles (or Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa.

In addition to this, you'll need a kikombe cha umoja (or unity cup). Each day during Kwanzaa, a libation is poured into it and everyone sips from the cup to symbolize the unity of the family and community. For those who already have these items on hand, you'll want to focus your attention on decorating your walls, lawn, and even tablescape with the proper holiday-themed decor. A table runner featuring the three colors of Kwanzaa is a good place to start along with this $12 banner. If you have a lawn, consider sticking these small plastic signs into the grass or for those who lack outdoor space, colorful window decals will suffice.

For more ways to incorporate the spirit of the holiday in your home, scroll ahead. We rounded up the best decorations you can buy online from small-owned businesses, Etsy, and Amazon. No matter how you choose to decorate though, the most important thing is spending time with the people you love.

Kwanzaa Kinara Set

What you can expect from this set: one Kwanzaa candle holder, seven candles, and a wood unity cup. Made of real wood, these pieces are sure to last so you can use them again next year.

Table Runner

The table setting is an important part of any holiday decor, so when decorating for Kwanzaa, take out your colorful runner. Don't have one? Snag this piece from Amazon, which measures 13 by 72 inches and fits a table that can seat four to six people.

120Pcs Kwanzaa Party Disposable Tableware

For anyone hosting a large group, it may not be feasible to use your finest plates and glassware (think of all the dirty dishes afterwards!). To make cleanup easier for yourself, pick up this 120-piece disposable tableware set.

9 Sheets Kwanzaa Window Clings

In the days leading up to Kwanzaa, a fun activity for your kids is to let them decorate the windows with these stickers. They can simply peel off and stick anywhere they like.

Africa Unity Kwanzaa Kinara Celebration Set

For something handmade and unique, grab this Kwanzaa kinara set from Atlanta-based retailer The Black Art Depot. All of the sets are hand carved out of wood in Ghana by local artisans, and available in black or brown (with and without candles).

Yard Signs

As you finish decorating the exterior of your home for Christmas, don't forget to show off your Kwanzaa spirit as well. These waterproof signs can be easily set up in your front lawn.

Door Banners

When your guests arrive, make sure they're properly greeted at the front door with this colorful banner.

Happy Kwanzaa Door Mat

Go one step further and change up your doormat for this holiday, too. This item is especially great for those who live in an apartment building, where decorating your door (or nonexistent lawn) is not possible.

Kwanzaa Coloring Book For Kids

This coloring book will keep the kids entertained as the adults mingle and catch up. Best of all, you'll get some free art out of this since you can frame their completed illustrations (as long as you don't mind them coloring outside of the lines...).

Kwanzaa Learning Blanket and Throw

This handmade cozy fleece blanket features the seven principles and their meaning along with an image of the kinara. This blanket can also be hung up on the wall or act as a table covering during the holiday.

Placemats Set of 4

These 100 percent linen placemats measure 12 by 18 inches and are waterproof, ensuring whatever messes happen during dinner doesn't get all over the table or floor.

Paper Straws

If you have drinks at the party, you'll want to pop a Kwanzaa-themed straw into everyone's cup. For the teachers who are helping their students learn about the different holidays in December, the straws are a fun way to further incorporate the holiday spirit into their classroom during snack time.

Kitchen Towels Dish Towels

These towels measure 18 by 26 inches and are made of 100 percent high-quality durable fibers. They're machine washable and you can tumble dry them on low, making the clean up process that much easier. Did we mention they're also ultra soft?

Kwanzaa Heart Tree Craft Kits

Whether you're a teacher or a mom looking to entertain all the little ones who will be at your home, you need this heart tree craft kit. The kids will love decorating the branches with the cutout hearts that bear the three colors of Kwanzaa. You'll have plenty of table decor for days to come.

Kwanzaa Personalized Garden Flag

Don't forget to decorate your garden as well by hanging this flag among your low growing perennials (as taller flowers and bushes will cover it up). Note: the pole isn't included so you'll want to pick one up from Amazon.

Jute Burlap Happy Kwanzaa Banner

For a simple but still colorful banner you can string on the wall or across the archway, opt for this natural jute burlap design. FYI that it's 8.5 feet in length, in case the measurement affects where you place it.

Kwanzaa Unity Cup

If you're looking for a handmade and one-of-a-kind kikombe cha umoja, this is for you. This unity cup, which is seven inches tall, was made by a Ghanian artisan using Sese wood.

Kwanzaa Ornaments

These doll ornaments are handmade, adding to the preciousness of them. If you celebrate Kwanzaa and Christmas, they're a good way to tie in both holidays on your tree.

Tinsel Twist

Weave these tinsels (in the colors of Kwanzaa) down your bannister to ensure that every part of your home is decorated to the max.

Gift Wrap Papers

Presents given during Kwanzaa are often handmade and meaningful, so make sure your goodie is tightly secured by wrapping it up in this themed paper.

Milk Chocolate Kwanzaa Candy

Anyone with a sweet tooth at your dinner party won't be able to resist snacking on these Kwanzaa-themed M&M's. In addition to the different designs on them, they also come in the holiday's colors.

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