Planning a dinner party? Ever thought about ‘Indian Themed Party’?! Yeah, it would take an ordinary day out of your life and turn it into a total extravaganza. Whether it be your kid’s birthday party or bridal shower…celebrate it like an Indian.

An Indian themed party includes vibrant colors and rich fabrics. So stock up your house with fragrant candles, fresh flowers, silk threads and embroidery table mats etc.

Invitation

To begin a nice party, try to stick to the theme right from printing the ‘Invitation Card’. An Indian themed invitation card could vary in very many designs. It could range from just colorful cards, or gold and silver rimmed keepsake pamphlets, or printed with beautiful pictures like dancing girls, jeweled elephants, Indian gods etc. Additionally, I strongly recommend a neat script with an Indian touch to it.

Reception

Reception decor should be planned well ahead. It should make everyone to jump into the wagon. I would probably drape the entrance with rich sarees and the same goes to the welcoming table. A traditional set of ‘rose water sprinkle’ followed by ‘sandal wood paste’, ‘refreshments’ and ‘red roses’ will do enough trick. And, most importantly the host (usually female member of the family) should be present and greet the guests. This would make everyone comfortable and welcomed.

Greetings

Welcome your guests traditionally: Vanakkam, Vandhanam, Swahatham, Namasthe, Namoshkar, Namaskaaram.

Hall Decoration

Its all about your budget…you can either opt for fresh flower garlands or colored crepes to balloons n papers! As you might have guessed, my suggestion would be fresh flowers. And, again…since its India themed party, go for bright colored flowers like roses, sunflowers, lotus or anything that you think would be suitable.

Costumes

Since its a themed party, ask your guests to show up in ethnic dress. It will sure brighten the ambiance. Male dresses includes: Sherwani, Dhoti and Kurthas. While women can opt for Sarees, Chudidhaars, Gagraas and Cholis.

Dinner Table Decor

Usually people often think of a low table (like a coffee table) surrounded with cushioned seating arrangements! Well, it would be absolutely fabulous. Come up with a great center piece. Personally I love the idea of grouping the feathers into a tiny vase. Sometimes, I throw different colors of petals into a bowl of water. Or, you could keep it simple and elegant by lighting few scented candle.

Party FoodsEvery great party starts with (Yeah, you guessed it right!) a nice dinner menu. If you fail to plan this properly, your whole party could go disastrous sometimes! The real challenge with themed dinner party is coming up with a nice menu that satisfies everyone’s need. For my American guests, I just tone down the spice level down  but otherwise, I never compromised on the dishes I picked. So, far so good.

Drinks

Well, drinks such as wine or fruit juices could be served in a short ethnic cup sets (that comes in copper or brass). If you picked glassware already, do decorate it with silk twines or colored beads.

Plate Settings

I would suggest you to go shopping before you intend to throw a themed party. Yes, Indian thallis for serving the meal would be fantastic. Its a large metal plate with too many cups for those number of side dishes. If your budget is too tight, go for an Eco-friendly plantain leaf spread. Well, I do also insist you all to adopt the culture for a while and try to enjoy the real flavor of Indian meal by eating with your hands.

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