It’s that time of the year again, to gear up for the festival of lights, Diwali. For candy-coloured kandils to adorn windowsills, for besan laddoos to be enjoyed, for rangolis to be drawn delicately in front of home entrances, and for family and friends to finally come together after 2 anxiety-ridden years of lockdown and COVID-19.
With celebrations being held in full swing, we thought what better way to come together than for a mindful evening of love and laughter with family and friends? We love a get-together – especially on a chilly evening, encircled with glorious food and even more charming company. But the key to throwing a party that feels like a party is being intentional right from the start. People are elated to meet each other after 2 years of virtual festivities and are making the most of this marvellous occasion to celebrate the spirit of togetherness.
To make your soiree a relaxing and beautiful affair, we’ve put together a mindful guide on how you can throw the ultimate Diwali gathering and the people (brands) that can help make it happen.
Like All Great Parties, Food Comes First
Can’t have one without the other, no?
Namak by Jasleen Marwah
If ever there were a moment to have a dinner party full of cuisines that celebrate the rich diversity of India, this is it. Those looking for a unique Kashmiri experience will surely appreciate Namak by Jasleen Marwah, a home-chef catering service amalgamating modern and traditional Kashmiri fare. Though not completely restricted to Kashmiri, as Jasleen also suggests opting for the Mediterranean or Lebanese cuisine, the crowd favourites remain Nadru Fries, Dum Aloo Tikkis, Nadru ki Shaami, Mezze Platter, Mushroom Kanti Tacos and the Rajma Falafel Pita Pockets absolutely reigns supreme. Not only do they serve up a delicious fare, but Namak by Jasleen also follows minimal-waste processes to ensure sustainability. Leftovers are distributed to the needy while eco-friendly products are consciously used to ensure the health of you and the planet.
The catering services can be availed all over India with prices starting at 1600, per person.
Contact: Write to her on Instagram @namakswaadanusaar or call 9820453001
Charoli Foods
A little step to revive the closely guarded gastronomic heritage from the Royal Kitchens of Malwa, Charoli Foods by Chef Anuradha Medhora offers a mélange of flavours catering to all your food woes. Although catering only in Mumbai, Pune, Lonavala, and Alibaug, Charoli Foods will serve up a Malwa fare across the country if the catering order is pre-booked in advance. Their Diwali must-haves are Indian-inspired canapes based on a menu that boasts a rich cultural heritage.
The catering services can be availed for prices starting at 1200 per person.
Contact: You can place the order on Swiggy or Zomato, write to them @charoli_foods or contact 9833549949.
Add a Sweet Touch
Nothing says Diwali like a table dressed in an array of mithai and namkeen, to celebrate tradition and indulgence.
Bombay Sweet Shop
Bring back the magical mithai with an enchanting, modern twist. What’s a Diwali celebration without the always-iconic Kaju Katli. Bombay Sweet Shop is taking it a cut above the rest by bringing you Saffron Cutting Katli box that can adorn your dinner table when it’s time for your guests to indulge their sweet tooth. Apart from this, the Assorted Diwali Mithai box features Bombay’s 3-Layer Fudge, Choco Butterscotch Barks, Toffee Butterscotch Cookies, Chatpata Kairi Mixture, Chilli Cheese Bhujia, India Jujubes, Indie Bar, Spiced Cashews, Almonds and hand-made Diyas, Saffron, and Bombay Sweet Shop Playing Cards.
Bombay Sweet Shop delivers to most states and cities within a week’s time.
Order on their website.
NOTO Ice Cream & Mithai
Let’s be honest, anything involving ice cream sounds like a solid winner in our books, but when it’s vegan and has zero added sugar? That’s an indulgence we wouldn’t mind binging on. NOTO’s ice cream-coated mini bites are the ultimate Diwali treat for your dinner table. For those who prefer traditional flavours, their newly launched Kesar Pista Ice Cream Cake will be the perfect end after a sumptuous meal. Founder Varun Sheth’s vision was to create a “dessert that loves you back” and truly, who would miss out on the opportunity to enjoy small bites of deliciousness that are not just mouth-watering but also healthy?
NOTO does same-day delivery for both ice creams and mithai in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi & Bangalore. As for pan-India, it requires 3-4 days, and the orders can be placed on Amazon.
Order on their website.
Two Brothers Organic Farms
A biodiverse, self-sustaining, food system, certified by ECOCERT, Two Brothers Organic Farms brings together the stillness and simplicity of village life to create delicacies enriched with the goodness of pure ingredients and traditions of India. Deck your dinner table with their Diwali Laddoo Box featuring 6 varieties of laddoos, native ingredients, purity of farm-made craft, and tradition of ancient recipes, rolled with love in their A2 ghee. The beauty and diversity of India is captured in the Gondh Laddoo, Sattu Laddoo, Nachni Laddoo, Khapli Rawa Laddoo, Damtyache Laddoo & Dates Laddoo.
And as a mindful farming system, Two Brothers Organic Farms work towards empowering tribal farmers by offering equal opportunities to grow and earn substantially. They have proudly collaborated with Native Araku Coffee (NAC) to work closely with Adivasis around the dense forests of the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh.
Two Brothers Organic Farms deliver across India within a week.
Order on their website.
Dress the Table to the Nines
Get some fashion on the table to celebrate everyone coming together.
Resin Coasters by Madhavi Adalja
Coasters are essential for the guests to enjoy their drinks without any inhibitions, after all it’s a celebration. And they keep your chic, teakwood table as watermark free as possible. Plus, these resin and geode coasters handmade by Madhavi Adalja will go perfectly well with your décor even after the get-together is over. It’s gorgeous, goes it absolutely every theme there is, and keeps your furniture safe from spills. Madhavi dabbles in an array of art forms including wall mirrors, lamps, tables, bespoke embroidered décor pieces, and much more.
Check out the artist here.
Sustainable Table Lamps – Vaaree
To celebrate the festival of lights, illuminate your home with a one-of-a-kind sustainable table lamp by Vaaree that is adorned with exquisite details to add a touch of charm to your dinner table. The dinner table is the centre of this get-together so make sure to personalize the space to reflect a fun and celebratory mood. The delicate design of this lamp imparts a subtle texture that will complement absolutely any theme you have set for your party.
Order on their website.
Table Napkins – Live Linen
Whether it’s a fifty-person soiree or a three-person sit-down, pairing delicious easy-to-eat food with stylish and charming fringed Kantha table napkins from Live Linen will help your guests relax and unwind while keeping the festive mood alive. Sure, you must think table napkins aren’t that essential but being intentional with the details is the key to hosting the ultimate party. As a sustainable brand, Live Linen has adopted several practices to ensure its contribution towards a sustainable society. “Linen is quite the eternal fabric having a long lifespan and short decomposition period, contributing least to the waste dump.”
Live Linen deliver across India within a week.
Order on their website.
Let the Games Begin!
Once the delicious canapes have gotten the party started, it’s time to pull out the entertainment.
Ecotopia Board Game – Bare Necessities
Engage your guests by playing this chicly box game that not only brings fun but also educates your guests about sustainability. Called Ecotopia Board Game, the idea is simple. For eco-warriors and future climate advocates, this super exciting family board game brings sustainability and planning together to spark revelation and thus conversation, often filled with facts and learnings. Bond better with your friends and family while learning how you can save the planet together.
Order on their website.
Essentials for the Host
Now that you’ve decked your home, it’s time to shine the spotlight on you and dress to impress.
Co-Ord Sets by Alternative
Even the most tropical pieces can be kept in play year-round – all it takes is a perfect pair that makes for a conscious fashion statement like perhaps a wrist-grazing off-shoulder top and a fishtail skirt that supremely flatters. Or if you prefer to prioritize comfort while keeping it stylish, this Khadi tent dress and pants set will see you through dinner and drinks and beyond.
These chic and sustainable pieces by Alternative are high quality and made with natural, eco-conscious materials made from plants and agricultural waste, making them perfect for your mindful wardrobe. Their soft silhouette is timeless and can be dressed up and down for every occasion you have in mind.
Building on their sustainability ethos, all pieces are made-to-order to produce ethically and take about a week to ship out.
Order on their website.
Flowy Dresses by Lake Peace
This sustainable sundress is as sweet with a cardigan for Fall weather as it will be on its own come warmer weather – and the prints are bright enough to bring the joy to the dinner party. Lean into colour theory to navigate the season shift and embrace styling complementary colours together – a refreshing indigo blue with vibrant fuchsia pink, for example. Breathe life into a uber comfortable silhouette by contrasting warm and cool tones to create a visual harmony.
Every piece in Lake Peace’s newest collection is thoughtfully designed and can be customized according to your wishes. Featuring striking hand-block printed indo-western dresses and tops, these pieces look ultimately chic with silver or gold jewellery.
Order on their website.
Tribe Amrapali
Weaving Banarasi tradition into jewellery, Tribe Amrapali’s latest collection has a unique charm of its own – using traditional Banarsi Sarees to create exquisite one-of-a-kind pieces. Marrying into TRM’s ethos of buying fewer, better things, Tribe Amrapali’s pieces are an absolute investment that should last you lifetimes if taken good care of. Amalgamating Banarasi fabric with silver, these exquisite pieces take a tried-and-true look and take it from traditional to trend-setting.
“We have worked with CRY America for their annual fundraiser where we donated the jewellery for their annual fundraising auction proceeds for the same are used to help the underprivileged children. During Covid, Tribe donated its profits to Jaipur Citizen Forum for covid relief used for installing oxygen plants in Jaipur hospitals,” shares founder Akanksha Arora on how the brand chooses to give back to the community.
Tribe Amrapali delivers in about 6-7 days across India.
Order on their website.
Tangerine Jewelry
As India’s first Bio Jewelry Brand, Tangerine offers a unique product that while retaining its fashion statement, has offered an alternative to the people who wish to be kind to the planet. A brand with a purpose, Tangerine’s pieces are designed with 100% recycled materials and clad in 24Kt gold, seeking inspiration from natural ingredients like in their Spice Collection.
Whether you’re dressing in a suit, a saree or a sarong, the substantial look of these pieces will carry their weight, adding charm to any outfit. Plus, you can never go wrong with glimmering gold. “Our products are very versatile and a perfect add-on to your Diwali attire. My personal favourites from the collection are the Star Earrings, Soapberry Ring, All Spice Chain & Soapberry Bracelet as they’re extremely light in weight, which is a blessing for everyone who enjoys wearing bold, statement pieces for long hours,” says founder Shristi Ghunawat.
Tangerine ships pan India as well as globally, taking 1-2 days to dispatch the order. It takes 3-4 days to deliver within India and 7-10 days for international orders. But if you’re sweet enough to drop them a text on WhatsApp for early delivery, you could get one-day delivery free of charge.
Order on their website.
Studio Beej
Now that our social calendars are starting to fill up again, we’re loving the bags we get to bring out with us, from fun to functional, with a pinch of sustainability to make it a mindful mix. These goes-with-everything pieces by Studio Beej are designed to spark a conversation around climate change. “At Beej, we plant trees with every purchase and have partnered with the Grow Trees Foundation to support the reforestation of the mangroves in the Sundarbans area. Being a sustainable brand that’s also working in the space of Just Transitions, we have managed to successfully transition our karigars who have spent years in the leather trade to now work with alternative materials,” explains founder Arundhati Kumar.
Studio Beej ships pan India and deliver between 4-7 days.
Order on their website.
Goodies to Spark Joy
Along with some hilarious fun and laughter and memories for a lifetime, gift your friends and family goodies that they’ll enjoy long after the party’s over.
Sassy Teaspoon Hamper
End the Diwali gathering on a sweet note with an elaborate hamper by Sassy Teaspoon featuring goodies like the Almond flour and Saffron Nankhatai, Chocolate Popcorn, Granola & Pista Bites, Cheddar & Smoked, Paprika sticks, and Funfetti cookies jar (Pre-mix). These sure will keep the festive mood alive and leave your guests smiling as they head home.
Sassy Teaspoon also has custom hampers starting at Rs.695 plus taxes. This is available at all their outlets in Mumbai & Pune.
The crisp October air has us craving something warm and nothing is more comforting than coming together with family and friends to make the most of the festive season.
Read More: Sustainable Diwali Gift Ideas That Your Guests And The Earth, Both Will Love!
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