Diwali theme

A Diwali party at home

Diyas, rangoli, and a table full of sweets.

Photo: Unsplash

Diwali invitations

Free designs with an RSVP link that tracks every reply. Tap one to start yours; your names, date and place fill in, and you can change the design any time.

Ideas for your Diwali party

Pick one or two from each and keep the rest simple.

Decor

  • Clay diyas and tea lights along the path and windows
  • A rangoli at the entrance in colored powder, rice, or flowers
  • Marigold garlands over the door
  • String lights and jewel-tone cushions for floor seating

Food

  • A sweets platter: ladoo, barfi, and kaju katli
  • Samosas with mint and tamarind chutney
  • Chole with puri or rice
  • Masala chai and mango lassi

Activities

  • Rangoli making
  • Paint a clay diya
  • Tambola for all ages
  • Sparklers outside where allowed, with a bucket of water

Cake

Skip the cake for a mithai tray, or try a cardamom pistachio cake with rose petals.

Favors

Optional. Something small and edible travels best.

Colors

DeepBrightPopSoft

Pick one bright color for balloons and napkins, and keep plates plain.

What to do and when

The plan for a house party, counted back from the party day. Festidy puts real dates on it.

  1. 6 to 8 weeks out

    • Pick a date, a start time, and a backup date
    • Set a budget and choose your big two
    • Write the guest list
    • Choose a theme or a look
    • Lock in the location and a rain plan
    • Note food, accessibility, and comfort needs
  2. 4 to 6 weeks out

    • Send the invitations
    • Decide on music and one main activity
    • Book rentals if you need them
    • Decide: cater, order trays, or cook
    • Book a photographer or pick a friend to shoot
    • Order the cake or dessertsCake idea: Skip the cake for a mithai tray, or try a cardamom pistachio cake with rose petals.
    • Ask helpers and give them roles
    • Make one contact and confirmation list
  3. 2 to 3 weeks out

    • Order decor, tableware, and favorsDecor idea: Clay diyas and tea lights along the path and windows
    • Plan the menu and check allergiesMenu idea: A sweets platter: ladoo, barfi, and kaju katli
    • Plan the one or two moments that matterActivity idea: Rangoli making
    • Follow up on RSVPs
    • Plan drinks, including good non-alcoholic options
    • Build your one-stop shopping list
  4. The week before

    • Confirm every vendor
    • Plan one group moment
    • Lock the headcount and shop for food and drinks
    • Prep favors, decor, and a playlist
    • Write the party-day schedule
    • Send the final party note
  5. The day before

    • Pick up the cake and set up what you can
    • Pack a party-day kit
    • Charge devices and share the run sheet
    • Make the final weather and space call
  6. Party day

    • Set up an hour before
    • Run the party and finish on time
    • Reset the space and check for left-behind items
  7. After the party

    • Share photos and settle any remaining balances
    • Send thank-yous
    • Save photos and notes for next year
    • Leave a quick note for your future self

Party-day run of show

For a 3-hour party starting at 2 pm.

  • Final setup and safety checkSetup crew gets food, activities, and the entrance ready.
  • Arrivals and drinksGreeter welcomes guests and handles coats.
  • Food outFood lead opens the food and keeps it stocked.
  • Group momentEntertainment lead runs the toast, gift swap, or game.
  • Dessert and coffeeFood lead sets out dessert.
  • Wind-downThe host thanks everyone and sends leftovers home.
  • Quick resetCollect gifts and check the space for left-behind items.

Free Diwali printables

Print at home on letter paper or card stock.

More house parties and holidays themes