Decor for Diwali

PERK UP YOUR LIVING ROOM FOR THE FESTIVAL.

Begin with the entrance and threshold. String torans, lanterns or marigold flowers across the entrance of your home is the way to begin. These days you get very attractive cloth and paper torans which last a long time. In addition, you can pretty up your doorstep with rangoli patterns, diyas, terracotta statues, urns and pots. Place pretty foliage and flowering plants in brass and terracotta planters.

This is the festival of lights, so placing as many diyas as possible is a must do. Arrange diyas, rangoli and flower petals in pretty patterns inside the house. Either stick to one motif or experiment with them, but set them up in places where people aren't likely to spoil your hard work.
Drape rows of hurricane lanterns over the ceiling and the dining table to continue the theme. Accentuate your paintings and home accessories by switching on the spotlights. Nothing like a candle-lit evening for family and friends. Burn mild incense or fragrant candles to add to the ambience and mood. A few brass lamps, either pedestal or hanging ones look great at this time of the year. Just make sure that they are well-polished and shining.

Keep bowls of water with floating candles and flower petals in them. Not only do they look pretty, they're considered to be auspicious too. Keep your children out of the way while you plan all this by getting them involved. Give them art paper, paints and tinsel and ask them to make paper diyas. You can even string them up around the house.

Spruce up the sofa and seating areas by putting new cushion covers or throws. A couple of area rugs or dhurries will add life to your floor. Fresh cut flowers in a vase, a new set of curtains are just some of the other simple things you could do to pep up your home this season.