Festive Flavours Festive Flavours: Diwali | Page 16

5 E A S Y WAYS TO SE T THE TAB LE F O R YOUR DI WALI CELEB RATION. 1. C hoose bold theme colours that can be paired with other complimentary colours. Diwali is all about colour, warmth and family. Choosing two bold colours such as fuchsia and orange or maroon and dark purple mean that you can pair with the lighter shades such as yellow, green, or white. Having a central metallic colour, such as gold or bronze, helps tie the richness of the look together with a bit of bling! 2.Layer up your place settings. Remember all that china you have stored away from your wedding? This is the perfect time to bring it out. Diwali calls for a large family dinner so why not make it a royal affair? Generally, the first layer of a formal setting is either a placemat or a charger. Chargers often come in gold and bronze so they are the perfect way to bring the colours in from tip number one. Layering plates can give a setting depth and adding a bowl for lentils or soup is perfect for the top. 3.Give guests something fun to do. Have each guest choose or decorate a diya they like and put it by their place setting. At the end of the evening, they can take it home as a special keepsake. Layering up your place settings adds a bit of grandeur, and gets guests talking. H O W D O I D E C O R AT E ? Diwali is such a wonderful time to take a moment, remember our traditions, and try to host a gathering with family or friends. Ever since I’ve become a mom, it feels like I have less and less time to add the touches I would like to. But preparing for Diwali doesn’t have to be complicated – or time-consuming. Discover five of my favourite ways to make your Diwali table look beautiful in nearly no time at all. 4.Try adding glass and metal to enhance lighting. Given that this is the festival lights, glassware and metallics are great for diya and candle lighting. Reflections of light can add a nice mood to a table, but also showcase colours on the table in different shades. Adding wine glasses is great for lighting and alcohol-free mango spritzers as there is no alcohol served during Diwali. A unique way to finish off your table setting is by replacing traditional napkin rings with Indian bangles. 5.Encourage mingling with activity. Having a place on a bar or countertop in your 16 F E S T I V E F L AV O U R S home and turning it into a focal meeting point is great. Bring out a colourful basket filled with your favourite teas, along with some metallic mugs in keeping with your theme for added effect. F E S T I V E F L AV O U R S 17