How to throw a Holi party ?
Holi is all about fun, frolic and colour. The
colourful festival brings people closer and reignites relationships. And what
better way to celebrate this joyful festival than with your friends, family and
loved ones?
Therefore, if you plan to play host this Holi, there is no need for stress; all
you need is a little planning and a few easy tips to ensure your guests and you
have a great time.
Guest List
The first and foremost thing to remember when throwing any party is the guest
list. “While deciding the guest list, make sure all the guests know each other
well, so you can be sure they are all having a good time as you relax yourself
and enjoy the party,” suggests Shivani. Jitendra Sharma, an event planner adds,
“Take into account the size of your party area. Expect 70 to 80 percent of invited
guests to show up for a large event.”
Invites/Dress Code
“Spread the word. The best part about Holi is that you don’t have to dress up.
However, do specify the dress code (if there is one),” says Sharma. Mira, a
party enthusiast proposes, “You can make it mandatory for your guest to dress
in white to add to the fun.”
Music
A Holi party is incomplete without music. Sharma advises, “You can organise
some live music, a dance floor and DJ where guests can put in requests for
their favourite songs to be played. However, if you’re planning a small party,
you can compile a list of popular Bollywood Holi numbers like Rang Barse ,
Holi ke din , Do me a favour lets’s play Holi.” However, Shivani prefers
“the traditional dholak and folk songs on Holi because it really brings
in the desi flavour.”
Food
“Plan your menu a week in advance. Consider keeping the menu simple. For a day
party, you can getaway with serving loads of finger foods and something like
biryani with sauces and dips in the main course,” adds Sharma. “You can also
put aside trays of sweets like burfis, which your guests could even carry back
as a return present,” says homemaker Susmita.
Sweets/Bhaang
How can Holi be complete without sweets and bhaang ! “In sweets, have gujiya,
malpua, laddoos . In drinks, you can consider serving thandai ,
milkshakes and lemonade as they act as good coolants. Hire a bartender if your
group is larger than 30 and you’re serving cocktails, wine and beer. Ensure
everyone gets to drink what they like,” suggests Sharma. Says Priyanka Rawlani,
who hosted a party last year, “ Bhaang is a traditional drink and
synonymous with Holi. We had bhaang ke pakora and bhaang laced thandai
.”
Colours/Water
Shivani warns, “Holi is the festival of colours but make sure to use organic
colours that don’t ruin the skin.” Adds Sharma, “Keep plates of dry colour on
each table from where your guest can easily access them.” And don’t let your
guests get away without getting wet!
In the end, just remember to create a festive and fun mood that carries through
the party. Enjoy your Holi!
|