A latke party is one of the most relaxed ways to celebrate Hanukkah: a pile of potatoes, a hot pan, a toppings bar and friends crowded around the kitchen. In 2026 Hanukkah runs from sundown on Friday, December 4 to nightfall on Saturday, December 12, so there are plenty of nights to fry. This guide gives you latke party invitation wording, a simple plan for the night and ideas that make the invitation fun to read. You can also start from one of our Hanukkah invitations and send it as a single link.
Quick Answer: How to Invite People to a Latke Party
Say it’s a latke party, give the night, time and place, mention the toppings or whether guests should bring one, and ask for an RSVP so you know how many potatoes to buy. Ready to send:
Latke Party! 🥔 Saturday, December 5 at 7 pm, after Shabbat. We’re frying, you’re eating. Bring your favorite topping. RSVP by Dec 2 so we know how many potatoes to grate.
You’re invited to our Hanukkah latke night: Sunday, December 6 at 5:30. Candle lighting, then latkes with applesauce, sour cream and more.
Latkes + dreidel + friends. Tuesday, Dec 8, 6:30 pm. Come hungry!
What to Include in a Latke Party Invitation
- The night of Hanukkah and the date.
- Start time, and the candle lighting time if you light together.
- Address, plus a heads-up if the kitchen will be smoky and windows open.
- The toppings plan: you provide them, or each guest brings one.
- Other food: is it just latkes, or a full dinner?
- Activities: dreidel, a latke-off contest, a gift swap.
- RSVP deadline for the potato count.
Latke Party Invitation Wording
Classic
Join us for a Latke Party
Third night of Hanukkah · Sunday, December 6 · 5:30 pm
The Levine home
Candles at 5:45, then latkes, applesauce and sour cream until we run out. RSVP by December 2.
Casual
We’re grating 20 pounds of potatoes. Help us eat them? Latke night Saturday the 5th at 7.
Latkes at ours on Monday, Dec 7, 6 pm. Low-key, cozy, kids welcome.
Funny
Let’s get fried. Latke party, Saturday, December 5 at 7:30.
Applesauce or sour cream? Come settle the debate. Latke party, Sunday at 5.
Warning: you will leave smelling like oil and happiness. Latke night, Tuesday, Dec 8.
Latke-off contest
The Great Latke-Off
Bring your best latke (or a creative twist) for a friendly contest on Sunday, December 6 at 4. Judging at 6, prizes in chocolate gelt.
Toppings bar
Latke & toppings bar: we’ll fry, you bring a topping. Ideas: smoked salmon, apple butter, kimchi, pomegranate, chive cream. Saturday at 7.
Short Texts for the Group Chat
Latke party Saturday at 7! Reply with the topping you’re bringing so we don’t get five applesauces.
Potato count time: who’s coming to latke night on Sunday? Tap the invite to RSVP: [link]
Reminder: latkes tomorrow at 6:30. Wear something you don’t mind smelling like a frying pan 😄
How to Plan a Latke Party, Step by Step
- Pick the night. In 2026, Saturday, December 5 (after Shabbat) and Sunday, December 6 are easy for most guests.
- Estimate potatoes. A common rule of thumb is about one large potato per guest for a few latkes each; buy extra if latkes are the main course.
- Choose the toppings plan and say it on the invitation.
- Send invitations two to three weeks ahead.
- Prep the day before: grate onions, set up the frying station and ventilation, lay out toppings bowls.
- Fry in batches and keep latkes warm in a low oven on a rack so they stay crisp.
- Light the candles together before the first batch or between batches.
Latke Party Ideas to Mention
- Sweet potato or zucchini latkes for variety.
- A topping vote with sticky notes.
- Dreidel tournament with gelt as the currency.
- Sufganiyot for dessert, homemade or from a bakery.
- A gift swap with a small budget.
Wording for Specific Situations
Friends who don’t celebrate Hanukkah
Ever had a homemade latke? Come find out why we fry potatoes every December. Saturday at 7, all are welcome.
Small apartment
Tiny kitchen, big latkes. Latke night for 8 on Monday at 6:30. RSVP so we don’t run out of chairs (or potatoes).
Office latke lunch
Latke lunch on Wednesday, December 9 at 12:30 in the break room. Come try a classic Hanukkah treat.
Kosher kitchen
Our kitchen is kosher, so please bring only sealed store-bought toppings or drinks. Thank you!
Reminder, Change and Thank-You Messages
Two days to latke night! Final count please, so we know how many pounds of potatoes to grate.
Small change: we’re starting at 6:30 instead of 6 so the first batch is hot when you arrive.
Thank you for coming to latke night! Your toppings were the stars. Same time next Hanukkah?
Sorry we ran out of sour cream halfway through. Lesson learned for next year 😄
What to Write If Guests Ask What to Bring
If you don’t want help with the cooking, give a specific, easy answer so people don’t arrive empty-handed and uncomfortable:
We’ve got the latkes covered! If you’d like to bring something, a bottle of wine or a box of donuts is perfect.
Bring one topping. Here’s what’s already taken: applesauce, sour cream, smoked salmon.
How Much Food to Plan For
Latkes are filling, but guests tend to eat more than they expect when they come straight from the pan. If latkes are the main event, plan for several per person and add a simple salad or soup so the meal isn’t only fried food. If you serve a full dinner, latkes become a side and you can cook fewer. Ask in the invitation whether anyone is vegan or gluten-free; egg-free and gluten-free latkes are easy to make if you know ahead.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not asking for RSVPs, then running out of potatoes or drowning in leftovers.
- Forgetting ventilation and a smoke alarm plan.
- Letting latkes go soggy in a covered dish instead of a rack in the oven.
- Not saying whether it’s a full dinner, so guests eat beforehand or arrive starving.
- Scheduling on Friday night when some guests keep Shabbat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a latke party?
A latke party is a Hanukkah gathering built around potato pancakes (latkes), usually with toppings like applesauce and sour cream, candle lighting and games such as dreidel.
What should I put on a latke party invitation?
The night of Hanukkah, the date and time, the address, the toppings plan, whether it’s a full meal and an RSVP date.
What do you serve at a latke party?
Latkes with applesauce and sour cream are classic. Many hosts add a toppings bar, a salad and sufganiyot (jelly donuts) for dessert.
When should I host a latke party in 2026?
Any night of Hanukkah, December 4 to 12. Saturday, December 5 after Shabbat and Sunday, December 6 are popular.
Can guests bring toppings?
Yes. Ask each guest to bring one topping and share a list in the group chat so you get variety.
How do I keep latkes crispy for a party?
Fry in small batches and keep them on a wire rack in a low oven rather than stacking them in a covered dish.
Make Your Latke Party Invitation
TwistInvite doesn’t have a latke-specific design, but its Hanukkah video designs, such as Hanukkah Nights, fit a latke night. Download the TwistInvite app, add your details and share one link. Guests reply Going, Can’t make it or Maybe in their browser, with no account needed.
Create it in the TwistInvite app
Download free on iPhone or Android, then share one link with your guests.