Things You'll Need:
- Mishumaa Saba (seven candles: one black, three red and three green)
- Kinara (candle holder)
- Green or red tablecloth
- Mkeka (straw placemat)
- Kikombe cha umoja (unity cup)
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Step 1
Pick a location out of the reach of pets and small children. Remember that you will be lighting the candles every night and you want to make sure they are placed in a safe area.
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Step 2
Clean the table or the area completely of clutter. Remove other decorations and make sure the area is big enough to fit all the items in the Kwanzaa set. If you're using a shelf, make sure the one on top is high enough that it won't burn once you light the candles.
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Step 3
Place a tablecloth on the chosen surface. Make sure the tablecloth is big enough to cover the whole surface and provides enough space to fit all the items on the Kwanzaa set.
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Step 4
Pick a location central to the life of your house. If your family spends most of its time in the kitchen, place the set there. If, on the other hand, the living room gets more attention, find a place for your Kwanzaa set there. The important thing is that you're aware of its presence as you go through the motions of everyday life in your house.
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Step 5
Pick a space that commands respect. You wouldn't want to place the set in a location that is hidden from view or that you normally use to keep unused things, such as the top of your refrigerator or a hidden window sill in the bedroom.
