Diwali celebrations do not always require elaborate preparations. With a little planning and a carefully selected menu, hosts can arrange a home party for friends and family in just two hours.
Start with refreshing drinks
Welcome guests with two simple beverage options. Mix store-bought soft drinks with crushed mint leaves, lemon juice, jaljeera and a pinch of mineral salt to prepare a mojito-style mocktail. Lassi or lemonade can be served as an alternative.
There is no need to prepare several varieties of drinks. Serving two options in attractive glasses is enough to make the refreshments appealing.
Add chaat to the menu
Papri chaat is a quick option for an appetizer. Arrange papri on a plate and top it with aloo kabli, made with chickpeas or peas. Add coriander leaves, tamarind chutney and crispy fried noodles for extra flavour.
Ready-made aloo kabli from a local shop can also be used to save preparation time.
Prepare quick snacks
Store-bought French fries, cheese balls and chicken nuggets can be prepared quickly in an air fryer or frying pan.
For a homemade option, cut boneless chicken into small pieces and marinate with ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, black pepper, egg and cornflour. Fry the pieces shortly before guests arrive to make chicken pakora.
Serve the snacks with a dip made from mayonnaise and tomato ketchup. A simple salad of sliced onions and cucumbers, seasoned with lemon juice, salt and chaat masala, can complement the fried items.
For lighter options, include nuts, roasted makhana or boiled eggs fried with butter, onions and green chillies.
Keep the main course simple
There is no need for an elaborate main-course spread. Biryani or morog polao can be served with a meat dish. Alternatively, rumali roti or naan can accompany a chicken or mutton preparation.
For a homemade menu, sweet fried rice with cashews and raisins can be paired with chicken or mutton. Vegetarian alternatives include chhana kofta and navratan korma.
Pay attention to presentation
When time is limited, focus on presentation rather than increasing the number of dishes. Arrange sauces and dips in small bowls alongside the snacks, and use separate glasses for drinks and an attractive plate for the salad.
Setting the table before guests arrive can also reduce last-minute pressure. With a few simple preparations, a welcoming Diwali gathering can be arranged within two hours.