Be ideal Diwali host with this quirky things

SONALI PIMPUTKAR gives tips on planning a perfect party and being the impeccable host.

Let’s face it. Diwali party isn’t really as easy as it sounds. Especially when you are playing the host, the list goes unending from arranging the perfect food to decking up the place to getting gifts. We have all been through it (admit it!).

With less than a week for Diwali, most of us are running pillar to post to get our festive planning in place. Whether you are hosting a rampant one or a small get-together, you want the party to be perfect. With some planning and preparation we assure you that your Diwali party will be a hit.

Natalia’s Kitchen – For Firecracker Cookies

Natalia’s Kitchen has come up with idiosyncratic firecracker cookies for Diwali. These cookies are shaped like rockets, anars, sparklers and crackers. When asked Natasha Alpaiwalla, founder of Natalia’s Kitchen the idea behind the funky cookies, she says, “The Diwali spirit of giving gifts inspired me to create decadent gourmet Diwali bakery goods. I love how something as simple as sweets is shared between friends of disparate backgrounds and beliefs who come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.” She further adds, “Our intricately iced lemon butter sugar cookies with vibrant, colourful rangoli designs and beautifully illustrated diyas are a tribute to the festival of lights and happiness.”

Also try Diwali themed cupcakes, Kaju roll brownies, Caramelised dry-fruit tartlets, Chocolate chip cookies with caramelised dry-fruits and Holiday gift baskets. Price: Rs 950 for 14 assorted cookies

Contact: 9821026983

Fat is Flavour – For Chocolate Soil

Chocolate soil, sounds intriguing? Well, it is a layered dessert prepared with Belgian chocolate, in different textures, akin your childhood memory of eating soil. This dessert comes in a funky pot and tastes divine. Chocolate soil is the brainchild of Le Cordon Bleu trained Pratik Kukreja of Fat is Flavour. “When you are scooping the dessert out of the pot you have a fantasy of eating soil but it is all made of chocolate,” says Chef Pratik. The soil is available in five flavours – Toasted S’mores Chocolate Soil, Chocolate Fudge Soil, Sea Salt Cocoa Soil, Rocher Praline Chocolate Soil and Pecan Pie Dark Chocolate Soil. Besides, Fat is Flavour has also put together gifting options in ethnic hampers and vintage trunks. Price: Rs 600 to Rs 650 Contact: 7738076793

Sanctum Store – For Gold Fragrant Candle

This Diwali forget the traditional incense sticks and diyas, Sanctum Stores’ Gold Fragrant Candle is all what you need. The beautifully packed gold candle makes for a beautiful decor piece while filling your home with an alluring fragrance. Available in 12 different fragrances – Lotus/Wild berries, Lemon Verben, Apple Cinnamon Spice, Tropical Summer, Rose-Patchouli Amber, Deep Blue Sea, Geranium/Lavender, Fresh Lemongrass, Exotic Vanilla Cream, Lavender/Subtle, Cinnamon/Hint of Orange and Enchanting Jasmine. The candle is paraffin free and completely organic making it a perfect gifting option!

Also check out freaky lanterns, doormats, coasters and cushion covers. Price: Rs 1,090

Contact: 022 26495775/022 26495776

Firefly Home – For Platters

Founded in 2008 by Shruti Rathi, Firefly Homes promises plush luxury at home with handcrafted international quality luxury accessories. This Diwali add glamour to the mundane utility items with Firefly Homes’ freshly arrived platters. The platters are available in pink, white and grey colour. “These platters with dip bowls are perfect to serve Diwali snacks, starters, sushi, and canapés. Besides, we also have a whole new range of trays, bowls, tissue covers and mugs. All these comes box-packed and makes a great Diwali gift!” says Shruti. Price: Rs 1,500 to Rs 45,000

Contact: 9811080885

Happy Diwali!