6 Genius Hacks to hosting a stress-free Diwali party

Diwali is a festive time for many people around the world. Homes are cleaned and decorated and lights are put up. Rangoli – coloured art with powder – is drawn on the floor to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Who doesn’t want more of that?
Food is a big part of the celebration. Communities and families come together to prepare traditional dishes to ring in this festival, and menus are decided well beforehand. Cousins and aunts and uncles all pull together, Diwali back in India is a collective effort after all.

So when I moved to Canada I missed the extra hands in the kitchen and the mingling and discussion with family members. I remember those first few years in Calgary when my hubby and I were balancing crazy schedules and trying to re-establish roots. Throwing a dinner party was the last thing on our minds. It’s only when the kids came on the scene that the value of entertaining and festivals reawakened. It’s all about making lasting memories and of course taking Instagram-worthy pictures!
Throwing a dinner party was the last thing on our minds. It’s only when the kids came on the scene that the value of entertaining and festivals reawakened. It’s all about making lasting memories and of course taking Instagram-worthy pictures!

How to throw a {relatively} stress-free Diwali Party + Sample Menu
Hosting a Diwali party can be tough especially when the festival falls on a weekday like this year. That’s when a little bit of planning and
My single biggest advice to an awesome Diwali party: plan the menu around “portable food.”
Serve finger food. “Heavy appetizers” as my mom says! Portable food means people can move and mingle more easily, and it leaves hands free to gamble and play card games.
6 Genius Hacks to hosting a Diwali Party

Plan the menu first. Consider dietary restrictions, allergies, intolerances and of course what you think your guests will love.
My favourite appetizer-only Diwali party menu is this one.
- Mini Naan with butter chicken dipping sauce
- Quinoa and red pepper salad
- Fried paneer and pineapple skewers
- Instant noodles
- Bhel Puri
- Aloo and chana chaat
- Mini Samosas
- A table of Indian sweets, burfi and
peda . Two bite brownies topped with vanilla yoghurt are also very popular.
- Drinks: guava juice cocktails and mocktails. I add cranberries in the glasses for colour and tart flavour.

Buy cutlery and crockery that works for small portions. Consider using shot glasses for the crumbly, messy food along with miniature forks. I served
Pro-tip: Check out the local Dollar store. I have found little plates and bowls for close to nothing that I use every year for my parties.
Stagger the arrangement at different levels with plates of different sizes so that people aren’t bumping into each other.
Buy reusable items. Not only is better for the environment you know you will throw another Diwali party next year.
Prep ahead as much as much as possible. Appetizers are fairly easy to put together but if you get the chopping and cooking out of the way you can actually enjoy your own party. When does that ever happen, right?
Plate food items beforehand. Reduce the stress and platters can be carried out as needed. And if there are allergies in the group, you can keep foods separate. If there are severe allergies amongst your friends, skip that ingredient – there are enough substitutes out there for most common allergens. The point of a Diwali party is, after all, to bring people together and celebrate.

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About Puneeta
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Puneeta is a writer, food advocate and guide for those who seek earth-friendly, delicious solutions that work for real life.

Photo by Diana Muresan

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Hi! My Facebook name is Rebecca Roberts – I input it wrong in the form..eeek, sorry and thank you for the giveaway!
A stress-free Diwali party or any party is a must with the holiday season approaching. Quick easy to prepare appetizers & delicious finger foods are a must. From great appys, to cheese & veggies trays to delicious desserts, there is something for everyone. $100 PC gift card would come in handy. Thanks for an awesome giveaway. ♥
Thanks, Heidi. I’m all for easy entertaining. The point is to hang out with friends and connect and if it can be stress-free, all the more better 🙂
So true, the holidays are about family & friendships & of course good food, but the main thing is to stay CALM and enjoy the day/evening…great contest..thanks for the chance
I love the vegetarian dishes in Indian cuisine as I mostly prefer vegetables over meat. I also love the chutneys as I have yet to make my own that is satisfying.
I was vegetarian for a few years of my life. In those years I never missed the taste of meat because vegetables can be so delicious. In India the options for vegetarian cuisine are endless just because so many people are vegetarian. Thanjs for visiting, Meg!