As the grandparent and host of the Seder, you hold the beautiful responsibility of bringing the family together, passing down traditions, and making Passover a meaningful (and delicious) experience for everyone at the table. Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’ve been leading the Seder for decades, there’s always something special about seeing your children and grandchildren gather around, listening to the story of Exodus, asking the Four Questions, and—of course—hunting for the afikoman!
To help make your Seder seamless, we’ve put together this guide of some of our favorite foods and gifts for Passover.
Cooking for the Holiday
Who says you can’t grill for the holiday seder?
Kenyon City Grill
The Kenyon City Grill is a fantastic appliance to use over Passover because it offers a convenient, flame-free way to prepare delicious grilled meals while adhering to holiday cooking restrictions. Since it’s an electric grill, it eliminates concerns about open flames, making it a safe and practical choice for indoor or outdoor use. Many families enjoy grilling over Passover, especially when preparing kosher meats, fish, and vegetables, and the Kenyon City Grill provides an easy way to do so without requiring a gas or charcoal setup. Its non-stick, easy-to-clean surface is perfect for maintaining Passover-specific kitchen cleanliness, and because it heats up quickly and cooks evenly, it ensures that traditional holiday meals come out perfectly every time. Plus, its compact, smokeless design makes it ideal for those in apartments or homes without access to an outdoor grill, allowing for year-round enjoyment of grilled foods without any hassle. Whether you’re making classic grilled lamb, salmon, or charred veggies, the Kenyon City Grill is a fun and modern way to enhance your Passover cooking experience while keeping things simple, delicious, and compliant with holiday traditions.
Why not try some of these grilled recipes for Passover?
- Mustard Rubbed Rack of Lamb
- Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Sauce Vierge
- Grilled Peppercorn-Crusted Tuna Steaks with Vegetable Medley
Kenyon’s City Grill is a portable, smokeless, flameless electric grill that can be used indoors or outdoors. I love the easy cleanup, and it’s nice to actually mix things up on Passover (tell me you don’t get tired of the same foods night after night for the entire holiday). Of course, it’s great for year-round and it’s great to use on the countertop in the kitchen in bad weather when you just don’t want to grill outside, or if you just don’t have the room (or the NEED) for a big grill.
Availability: The City Grill can be purchased on Kenyon’s website or Amazon.
Memorial Day Sale runs from May 9 to May 26 with 20% off grills, induction cooktops, and select grill accessories
Thyme & Table Supreme 12-Piece Cookware Set Non-Stick
- Available in all Walmart stores and Supercenters (including Walmart Canada) and at walmart.com.
The Cookbook
NOSH: Plant-Forward Recipes for Modern Jewish Cuisine
Embrace the essence of Jewish culinary traditions with a fresh, modern twist this holiday season. In NOSH: Plant-Forward Recipes Celebrating Modern Jewish Cuisine, celebrated chef, dietitian, and food blogger Micah Siva presents over 80 delectable, plant-based recipes perfect for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, and any special occasion. This groundbreaking cookbook reimagines traditional Jewish dishes with a contemporary, plant-forward approach, making it ideal for those seeking to honor their heritage while embracing a sustainable, health-conscious lifestyle.
NOSH provides a modern take on Jewish holiday favorites. Imagine a Rosh Hashanah table graced with Sweet Potato and Sage Vareniki with Hazelnuts, or a Hanukkah celebration featuring Savory Pulled Mushroom and Tofu “Brisket.” NOSH offers an innovative array of dishes that capture the flavors and spirit of the Jewish High Holidays and Hanukkah, all while being entirely meat-free. From Vegan Matzo Balls that rival the traditional to Salted Chocolate Rugelach that will delight guests of all ages, Micah’s recipes are a testament to the rich diversity and adaptability of Jewish cuisine.
- Available from the collective book studio
It’s like BUTTER
Breakstone’s Butter
Did you know that Breakstone’s is the only branded butter that is certified Kosher for Passover!
Crafted with just two simple ingredients – cream and salt – Breakstone’s Whipped Butter is always Certified Kosher, and ahead of the holiday, it’s also available in Kosher for Passover! Since 1882, Breakstone’s has been committed to meeting the highest standards of Kosher quality. The whipped, salted butter brings a modern twist to a longstanding tradition, making it the perfect tableside accompaniment this Passover. Creamy, light, and fluffy, Breakstone’s delivers all the best qualities of butter, made with only the finest ingredients.
Available in salted or unsalted squares or tubs, with all four varieties certified Kosher for Passover. Available at the following retailers across the US;
- Walmart
- Publix
- Albertson’s
- Wakefern
- HEB
- Stop & Shop
- Giant
- Martin’s
- Harris Teeter
- Raley’s
- Winn Dixie
- Big Y
- Alex Lee
- Brookshire’s
Can even imagine having your matzoh WITHOUT Breakstone’s on it? Not in my house! We always have a tub softening on the counter for spreading and plenty of sticks in the fridge for making my matzoh brei in the morning.
- Learn more at Breakstone’s Butter
Olive Oils
Family Reserve Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 2024 New Harvest
Cook and enjoy your salad, etc. with the vibrant taste of Family Reserve Picual, an award-winning, single-estate extra virgin olive oil crafted at their mill in Linares, Jaén. Harvested at daybreak and cold-crushed within hours, this premium oil preserves high polyphenol levels and fresh, herbaceous aromas. With fruity notes of green almond, fresh fig, and tomato leaf, followed by a subtle peppery finish, it has earned top honors at the New York and LA International Olive Oil Competitions. Perfect for drizzling over salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled fish, this rare gem brings the essence of Spanish tradition to every meal. At Seasons, we meticulously select only the finest extra virgin olive oils, ensuring purity, authenticity, and an unparalleled tasting experience—free from chemicals or industrial refining.
Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 2024 New Harvest
Introducing the 2024 award-winning Chef’s Selection Arbequina, a premium extra virgin olive oil crafted in Jaén, Spain. Inspired by the Alhambra and the rich hues of our land, this EVOO is the perfect everyday choice for both professional chefs and home cooks. Brimming with spicy, green, and herbal notes, it offers a balanced profile of nuttiness, butteriness, and delicate tropical fruit nuances unique to the Arbequina variety. Early-harvested for peak vibrancy, it delivers layers of grassiness, artichoke, olive leaf, mint, and a touch of black pepper, with just the right amount of bitterness and pungency. High in polyphenols and packed with fresh, complex flavors, this exceptional oil ensures enduring quality in every dish.
- Both olive oils can be purchased at Seasons Tap Room
The Essentials: Wine & Matzoh
Of course, every table will have the traditional Manischewitz for the Seder, but for drinking with dinner, we love.
Kellerei Kurtatsch Alto Adige DOC Sauvignon Kofl 2020
This elegant and structured Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with:
- Seafood dishes, such as oysters, grilled prawns, and seared scallops
- Fresh cheeses, including goat cheese and burrata
- Vegetable-based dishes, like asparagus risotto or herb-infused pasta
- Asian cuisine, especially sushi and lightly spiced Thai dishes
Varvaglione 1921 Susumaniello Rose 2023
For over 100 years, the Varvaglione family has been making wine from grapes that have a strong tie to their home in Puglia. The 2023 Varvaglione Susumaniello Rose is the direct result of this bond between a family, their home, and a grape native to the region. This versatile rosé pairs excellently with traditional Apulian seafood dishes, white meats, and a variety of cheeses, making it a delightful addition to any culinary occasion.
Glass Veil/Snowdrop for over the Kiddush cup
In our family, it was always a tradition to cover the wine glass. We fell in love with these beautiful Glass Veils that were made as a handcrafted textile alternative to drink charms that you simply veil your beverage from anything flying or landing from the table. It arrives complete with a linen duster and wrinkle guard. This is a beautiful way to decorate the Seder table and keep the wine covered. Customizations are possible – initials, zodiacs, birthstones.
- Available at Details by Oksana
Üllo Wine
Matzoh
Traditionalists might opt for Streit’s or Yehuda Matzoh, both well-known for their crisp texture and classic flavor. For those looking for something a bit different, handmade shmurah matzoh offers a rustic, old-world taste that many say enhances the Seder experience. And if you have little ones who struggle with the dry texture, chocolate-covered matzoh makes for a sweet, kid-friendly alternative (though maybe save that for dessert!).
- Order your shmurah matzoh at Chabad
Setting the Table
All Cotton and Linen Hemstitch Napkins – Table Napkins – Cotton Cloth Napkins
Napkins in the 20×20 size are an essential addition to any holiday table, offering both practicality and elegance for the occasion. For us, this larger size is particularly important for messy eaters, whether it’s children enjoying matzo with charoset or seniors savoring a bowl of warm matzo ball soup. Spills and crumbs are inevitable during the Seder, and these generously sized napkins provide ample coverage to keep hands, faces, and even laps clean. Beyond their functionality, these napkins bring a touch of simple sophistication to the Passover table, complementing the holiday’s traditions with a classic and refined look. Whether you prefer crisp white for a timeless feel or subtle patterns that enhance your tablescape, these napkins effortlessly blend into the décor while serving their purpose. Durable yet soft, they offer both comfort and convenience, making them a must-have for ensuring a tidy and beautifully set table throughout the holiday.
- Available in a variety of colors for your Passover table at All Cotton and Linen
Setting the Seder Plate
Your Seder plate is the centerpiece of the night, symbolizing the journey of the Israelites from slavery to freedom. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Maror (Bitter Herbs): Typically horseradish, representing the bitterness of slavery.
- Charoset: A sweet mixture of apples, nuts, cinnamon, and wine (or grape juice) symbolizing the mortar used by the Israelite slaves in Egypt.
- Karpas: A green vegetable, usually parsley, dipped in saltwater to remind us of the tears shed in slavery.
- Z’roa (Shank Bone): Represents the Passover sacrifice made at the Temple. If you’re vegetarian, a roasted beet is a great alternative.
- Beitzah (Egg): A roasted egg symbolizing renewal and the festival sacrifice.
- Chazeret (Second Bitter Herb): Often romaine lettuce, another reminder of the harshness of slavery.
Hostess Gift
Demeter Fragrances
For a fun GIFT to represent the Seder Plate, why not bring the hostess a set of Demeter Fragrances in scents like:
Dark Chocolate – Just like the sweet indulgence of a Passover dessert, this rich, comforting scent will melt away your worries and leave you feeling cozy and content. A sweet treat for your skin!
Gold – Embrace the glow of the season with this luxurious, warm fragrance. Gold symbolizes the richness of tradition, the warmth of family, and the shining promise of freedom. Let this scent envelop you in a golden aura, perfect for your Passover celebration.
Parsley – The symbol of spring and renewal, Parsley brings a fresh and herbal aroma that’ll awaken your senses just like the first taste of the bitter herb at the Seder. A reminder of growth and fresh beginnings!
Dregs – A scent as rich as tradition itself, Dregs offers a warm, comforting blend reminiscent of that last sip of wine from your Seder cup. The perfect way to unwind and connect with the past while embracing the present.
- These and more scents are available at Demeter Fragrance
Chag Table Box
Makers of Israel, a marketplace founded by a dedicated team of North American-Israeli women, is excited to unveil its Spring Collection, featuring limited-edition Chag Table Boxes. This collection not only elevates Passover celebrations worldwide but also honors those still held in captivity as we pray for their immediate return. We’re embracing the holiday’s theme of freedom through the Chag Table Boxes filled with handcrafted Israeli products that enhance the holiday experience while supporting small businesses in Israel.
I love these Kalaniot candle holders which are one of the products in the Chag Table Box.
Included in the box:
- Matzah Cover (L) – A beautifully designed silk cover that brings a sense of continuity to the seder. As the Afikomen is hidden by the parents or grandparents and discovered by the youngest members of the family, this tradition reinforces the importance of passing down our heritage. This piece can also be used as a challah cover throughout the year. Made by Avigael Creations.
- Kalaniot Freedom Candle Holders (ML) – A tribute to the kalaniot flower, symbolizing renewal and the resilience of the Jewish people. These flowers sprout and bloom in the South of Israel yearly in early Spring. This set of candle holders shines as beacons of hope, reminding us of those still waiting to return home. Made by Susan’s House, a nonprofit supporting at-risk youth through art.
- Ceramic Bowls (L) – These handcrafted small bowls are perfect for sharing charoset. Made by Susan’s House.
- Dayenu Cards (ML) – These cards encourage practicing gratitude and reflection during Seder, inviting participants to share what they’re thankful for and spread positivity. 25 cards per set. Made by Makers of Israel.
- We Will Thrive Again Tote Bag (M) – A tote bag with an essential message that can be used to bring leftovers home when you’re too full after your large meals, reminding us of our collective Jewish community. Made by Cate Otef Reim, run by displaced residents from Kibbutz Reim.
- Heat Resistant Table Runner (ML) – A practical and beautiful addition to your Passover table, keeping the table scratch and burn free while adding an element of Israeli craftsmanship. Made by TIVA Design.
- Pomegranate Wine Stopper (ML)– A festive symbol of the Seder, the wine celebrates our transition from slavery to freedom. The pomegranate’s many seeds represent the unity and diversity of the Jewish community. Made by Emanuel.
- Tealight Candles (ML): These candles include a photo of an individual hostage serving as a symbol of hope—a silent prayer for the safe return of our brothers and sisters who are unable to light their own in the tunnels of Gaza. Candles are available while supplies last. Made by #YouBeTheirLight.
While you’re shopping on Makers of Israel check out this handcrafted, elegant set that features a large central dish complemented with six smaller white dishes, each designed to symbolize the elements of the Seder table!!
They’ve recently launched a campaign where people can purchase a Passover gift for the 59 hostage families here. They are hoping to add a little light to their very dark days.
- Available at Makers of Israel with free international shipping to bring a piece of Israel to celebrations worldwide.
Where to Hide the Afikoman
One of the best parts of the evening—especially for the grandkids—is the afikoman hunt! If you have a mix of older and younger children, you’ll want to hide it somewhere challenging but not impossible. Here are some fun hiding spot ideas:
- Inside a book on the shelf (make sure it’s not one they’d never check!)
- Behind a picture frame on the sideboard
- Under the couch cushion (just make sure it doesn’t get sat on too soon!)
- Tucked into a decorative napkin at an empty seat
- Inside a toy or stuffed animal (especially if you have a collection in the playroom)
- Under the Seder table taped to the underside for an extra challenge
To keep the excitement going, you can offer small prizes for participation and a special reward for the child who finds the afikoman—whether it’s a small toy, a few dollars, or an extra piece of chocolate-covered matzoh.
Hosting the Seder is a true mitzvah, bringing together generations to share in this meaningful holiday. With the right preparations, delicious wine and matzoh, a well-set Seder plate, and a perfectly hidden afikoman, your Seder will be a night to remember—for both young and old!
