Colour of Diwali in your home…

MAKE THIS A COLOURFUL DIWALI. CHANGE THE DECOR OF YOUR HOME.

It is that time of the year when the night sky turns spectacular as fireworks light up in multi-colour hues. Make the oncoming Diwali a reason to do up the house once again to bring in the festive cheer.

Colour
Certain colours usher in festivity better than the rest. Gold, red and green are popular festive colours but how about making them trendy by going for metallic shades? If you are opting to repaint the walls then introduce these glistening colours in a restrained manner. The best would be to have an accent wall in a metallic tint of these colours. Other ways to introduce shimmer into the decor will be with gilt edged artifacts and gold threaded furnishings.

This is also the best time to polish up the silver and brass lamps. Display these lamps with flourish maybe in the midst of a circle of fresh flowers to underline the festive time. Urlis of brass also add a metallic punch to the ambience. Fill an urli with water and float bright marigolds and jasmines in it. The air is at once fragrant and cheerful. In fact, flowers can be used for a traditional display over doorways or to fill up a rangoli design. Otherwise, arrangements of fresh flowers in colourful vases will also do the trick.
Light
Festival of lights is right at home when you take the efforts to light up the place. From oil lamps to candles to cheerful light fixtures, finding a place for all these is not a hassle at all. Traditional oil diyas have always ushered in the festival but along with them you can try something different like coloured candles. Line up diyas, tea lights or candles along rangolis, doorways and in balconies or patios. Or float them in water for a scintillating display. Have candelabras with brightly coloured candles and set them on any free countertop.

Light fixtures like portable table lamps can be used liberally to brighten up corners and other areas where light from the standard fixtures do not reach. For a magical touch try decking up potted plants with strings of colour lights.

Sweets
For most, Diwali is the season when there is a stream of guests and relatives visiting the house. This means that you need to be ready to serve sweets and savouries. Make this a part of Diwali decor by presenting food in style. Arrange the sweets and other snacks that you plan to serve in stylish platters of silver, brass, glass or ceramic. Tiered candy plates are perfect. It looks even better when you line the plates with fresh banana leaves.

Earthenware adds an ethnic touch to the table. Arrange the food appetisingly according to the colours and use cling wrap to seal them. Place these either on the dining table or sideboard. Again, brighten the display by scattering flower petals on the table or with fancy diyas that flood the market during this time.