WE cringed at the thought of another of those been-there-done-that festive parties, so we got cracking. Here’s an invite to the season’s most dhamakedar do. THE DRINKSweet and sour but a smasher is what you need.THE DECOR‘‘When throwing a Diwali party, there’s a lot you can do with Indian elements in a funky way,’’ says Gurlein Manchanda, who organised the Sahara wedding. Hang pataka boxes on the walls and strew colourful firecrackers all over the party area, instead of flowers. This season stores are full of inexpensive ‘rain lights’—a row of droplets even tinier than the regular fairy lights, in many bright colours. They cost about Rs 50. These can be wound around plants, set along a buffet table or hung at the entrance. Burlingtons, Zeba and Yamini have introduced a range of festive cushions and upholstery. But you could also DIY. Just use the images on pataka boxes by cutting and sewing them on cushions, table mats and coasters—they’re bright and very kitschy. Alternatively, use gotas and bows made from zardozi ribbons. Fashion your own centrepiece for the table—use a puja thali, complete with a coconut and diyas or a plateful of over-sized laddus, mithais and fruits. THE GAMESYou’ve played enough teen patti. Now get something brand new up your sleeve. The Remix Money-Maker: Every couple (or single) dances for a minute to a remix of their choice, while those watching pelt them with money, depending on their talent on the floor. The duo that makes the most money also takes home a bag of freebies. Guess It Get It: While you must have racked your brains over what gifts to give, here’s a way for your guests to earn their goodies. Get a collection of designer perfumes and spray it on the wrist of your blindfolded guest—if they guess which one it is, they get to take it home. MORE THEMESThe Mughal-E-Azam Party: The dress code should be harem pants. You could hand out gajras at the entrance and play only remixed mujra music. Serve spiked sherbets and ensure the guests pop a palangtod paan before they head home. The Bappi Party: His new remixes, of course, and gold ornaments. This is what Bappida would wear if he were invited—solid gold Balaji, Satya Narayan and Siddhi Vinayak pendants on gold chains; a platinum chain with a diamond-studded pendant of the letter B; the two lucky charms that he never parts with—a moonstone ring and a silver kada from the Golden Temple, given by his mother.
