Keep in mind that your decorations should be in a African motif and that black, red and green should be prominent colors in it. This should be kept in mind when decorating the home, office, or event. Black, red and green streamers, balloons, cloth, flowers, an African print/motif table runner and African prints can be hung tastefully around the room. Original art and sculpture may be displayed as well. For a party atmosphere decorate the table with Kwanzaa paperware products.

Began by choosing a place for your Kwanzaa setting. This place should be a place where the Kwanzaa symbols will be admired and not disturbed as the Kwanzaa celebration will last a full week. A low table is preferred. If possible, cover the table with a piece of African material, and on that, the mkeka is placed. Next, if you’re setting up a public Kwanzaa display where open fire is not permitted, consider the electric kinara. You’ll get a beautiful visual Kwanzaa setting that will bring the display alive! If you’re setting up a Kwanzaa setting where open fire is permitted, begin by placing a traditional kinara on top of the mkeka. The mishumaa saba (seven candles) which include one black, three red and three green should be arranged, so that the black candle is in the center of the kinara, the three red candles on the left and the three green candles on the right. Next place the other Kwanzaa symbols on top of the African material.

The muhindi (ears of corn) are placed in numbers that correspond to the number of children in the family. But even if the family has none, at least two muhindi is still placed on the mkeka to symbolize the potential for children as well as the African concept of social parenthood, i.e., all the children of the community are ours collectively. The remaining Kwanzaa symbols, the mazao (crops), kikombe cha umoja (unity cup) and the zawadi (gifts) are also aesthetically arranged on top of the mkeka. The zawadi (gifts) of books and the heritage symbol may be aesthetically around the Kwanzaa setting. A copy of the Nguzo Saba may be placed on the wall directly above the Kwanzaa setting to remind us everyday of each principle and inspire us to work harder to practice these principles.

Gifts (zawadi) is greatly encouraged. Not only is Kuumba one of the seven principles, it also brings a sense of personal satisfaction and puts one squarely into the spirit of Kwanzaa. Therefore, those symbols that can be made, should be made. The giving of gifts during Kwanzaa should be affordable and of an educational or artistic nature. Gifts are usually exchanged between parents and children and traditionally given on January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa. However, gift giving during Kwanzaa may occur at any time.