One thing about Diwali parties is that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they host. Some have every detail planned down to the last marigold. Others are still looking for the bottle opener when the guests arrive. I’ve also come to realise that being a good guest is considerably easier than being a good host. You get to turn up, admire the decor, eat your weight in kebabs, and leave when you’re ready. The host, on the other hand, has to think about pretty much everything else.
With Diwali parties in full swing, it got us thinking about the many ways a perfectly good gathering can go slightly wrong. Does every surface really need a statement piece? Are fairy lights doing anyone any favours? And must the host personally oversee every little detail? We asked a group of designers, tastemakers, and industry insiders about the hosting habits they’d happily retire, the mistakes they’ve seen committed one too many times, and the little things that make a party worth turning up for. From decor and music to the art of gifting, here’s a collection of advice that might just come in handy before you host your next Diwali party.
