A Day of the Dead altar, or ofrenda, is a handmade display that honors loved ones who have died.
Families build one every year on November 1 and 2 to welcome those souls back home. It holds their photo, favorite foods, candles and flowers.
This is not a sad tradition. It is a warm, colorful act of remembering. Here is exactly how to set up a Day of the Dead altar, step by step. You will also find handmade pieces from our Day of the Dead Collection that belong on it.
What is a Day of the Dead altar?
The tradition blends Indigenous Mexican ancestor rituals with Catholic All Saints' Day customs. The Smithsonian shares more on its history in 5 facts about Día de los Muertos.
Many families build a Day of the Dead altar in the same spot each year. It becomes a living family archive, passed down through generations.
Before you start: What you need
You do not need a lot of space or money. A shelf, a table or a clear corner of a room works well. Gather these basics first:
♡ A table, shelf or stacked boxes to create two or three levels
♡ A cloth to cover each level
♡ A framed photo of the person you are honoring
♡ Marigolds, fresh or paper
♡ Candles, copal incense, salt and water
♡ Favorite foods and drinks of your loved one
Now let's build it.
How to set up a Day of the Dead altar in 8 steps
Step 1: Build the levels
Traditional altars have two or three levels. Two represent heaven and earth. Three add the underworld, or purgatory in Catholic belief.
Stack sturdy boxes or crates to make steps, then cover them with a cloth. A handmade textile makes the base feel sacred, not staged. An embroidered floral table runner from Guatemala makes a stunning altar cloth for a long table.
Step 2: Place the photo
The photo is the heart of the altar. Set it at eye level on the middle tier. Choose a picture that shows who they really were. A candid smile says more than a formal portrait.
Step 3: Lay the marigold path
Cempasúchil, the Mexican marigold, is the flower of the holiday. Its bright color and strong scent guide the souls home. Scatter petals from your front door to the altar.
No fresh marigolds? Use paper flowers or orange fabric. The intention matters more than the material.
Step 4: Light the candles
Candles light the way for returning souls. They also represent fire, which connects the living and the dead. Place at least four candles on the altar.
White is traditional, and purple is common for mourning. Always use sturdy holders and never leave flames unattended.
Step 5: Burn copal
Copal is a tree resin burned in Mexico for thousands of years. Its smoke carries prayers upward and cleanses the space. Copal incense sticks are an easy alternative to resin.
Step 6: Offer food and drink
♡ Pan de muerto, the sweet bread decorated with bone shapes, is a classic.
♡ Add fruit, atole and a favorite meal.
♡ Include a glass of water for the long journey and a small dish of salt for purification.
Step 7: Add personal objects
Place objects that belonged to your loved one on the lowest tier. Think of reading glasses, a favorite book, a tool or a piece of jewelry. These details say, I remember who you were.
Step 8: Add handmade pieces
Hang a multicolor pom pom strip behind the top tier for a burst of color. It is a joyful, handmade alternative to papel picado.
Choosing handmade continues the tradition. It also puts your money in artisans' hands, not a factory's.
Handmade pieces for your Day of the Dead altar
Every piece you add should feel intentional. These handmade finds from our artisan partners make beautiful additions. Hearts say love, color says welcome, and textiles make the whole altar feel like home.
♡ Embroidered heart ornaments are made of hand-embroidered felt from southern Mexico. Hang them from the altar frame or rest them on the tiers.
♡ A hand-painted mini sugar skull makes a small, personal offering for each loved one.
♡ Otomí amate embroidered art makes a colorful backdrop behind the top tier.
Day of the Dead altar elements and their meaning
Every item on a Day of the Dead altar carries meaning. Here is a quick guide.
♡ Marigolds guide the souls with color and scent.
♡ Candles light the path and honor the element of fire.
♡ Copal purifies the space and carries prayers.
♡ Water quenches the thirst of the long journey.
♡ Salt purifies and keeps the spirit from corruption.
♡ Pan de muerto nourishes the visiting soul.
♡ Sugar skulls celebrate a life, not a fear of death.
♡ Papel picado is cut tissue paper that represents wind and the fragile nature of life.
For a deeper look, read our guide to the symbols of Day of the Dead.
When to build your Day of the Dead altar
Most families set up their Day of the Dead altar around October 31. The souls of children are said to arrive on November 1. The souls of adults follow on November 2.
Many families leave the altar up through both days. Plan to finish decorating before sunset on the first night. Light the candles when the sun goes down.
Where to place your Day of the Dead altar
Choose a spot where the family gathers often. A living room corner or dining room wall works well. Avoid drafty windows, which blow out candles.
Keep the altar away from curtains and anything flammable. Make sure the space is quiet enough for reflection. Place the photo where everyone can see it. Some families build a second Day of the Dead altar at a grave.
Day of the Dead altar ideas for small spaces
Use the top for the photo and candles. Use a small tray for the food, water and salt. Drape a textile over the shelf for color. Hang a pom pom strip or papel picado along the wall behind it.
No room for a big display? You can still honor your loved ones. A single shelf can hold a complete Day of the Dead altar.
Use the top for the photo and candles. Use a small tray for the food, water and salt. Drape a textile over the shelf for color. Hang a pom pom strip or papel picado along the wall behind it.
Small altars are just as meaningful as large ones. Apartment and dorm dwellers build them every year.
How to involve your family in building the Day of the Dead altar
Building a Day of the Dead altar is better together. Invite children to cut papel picado or paint paper marigolds. Ask elders to share stories about the person you honor.
Let each family member add one personal object. Cook your loved one's favorite dish as a group. Write the names of your departed on small cards, then read them aloud when you light the candles.
These moments become the real tradition. They teach younger generations how to remember.
Mistakes to avoid when you build an ofrenda
♡ Treating it as Halloween decor instead of a memorial.
♡ Using plastic skulls and mass-produced props.
♡ Forgetting the water, salt and personal objects.
♡ Leaving candles burning unattended.
♡ Skipping the photo, which is the heart of the altar.
Intention matters most. Build your Day of the Dead altar slowly and with care.
Why shop handmade for your altar
Day of the Dead imagery is everywhere in October. Much of it is mass-produced and made far from the culture it borrows. Little of that money reaches artisans.
Lumily is Latina-led and woman-owned, with a fair trade model. Our founder Giovanna was born in Mexico. For 17 years she has partnered with more than 200 women artisans in Guatemala, Mexico and Northern Thailand.
Handmade means a real person made your piece and was paid fairly. Want to wear the tradition too? These sugar skull pieces make meaningful gifts.
Day of the Dead altar FAQ
When should I set up a Day of the Dead altar?
Most families finish by October 31 or November 1. Starting a few days early is fine.
How many levels should a Day of the Dead altar have?
Two or three levels are traditional. Two represent heaven and earth. Three add the underworld.
Do I have to be Mexican to build an ofrenda?
No. Many people build one with respect. Learn what each element means first.
What is the difference between Day of the Dead and Halloween?
They share a season, not a source. Día de los Muertos welcomes the dead home.
Can I make an altar for a child or a pet?
Yes. November 1 honors children. Many families also remember beloved pets with toys and treats.
What happens to the altar after November 2?
The family shares the food. Many keep the photo and textiles on display year-round.
Build something that lasts
A Day of the Dead altar is a table set for someone you miss. The cloth, the flowers and the time you spend all matter. We hope this guide helps you honor the people you love.
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