Was it the tapestry placemats with tiny tassels in a spectrum of colors? Or maybe it was the hand-painted figurine with his ornate costume and flowing turban?
Layering placemats on top of a tablecloth adds instant texture. Mix and match, adding more color and unpredictability to the table.
My Dad doesn’t recall the exact piece that first inspired him to design the India-theme party pictured here, but he says it can start with the smallest detail. “A napkin or a plate might catch my eye,” he explains, “and from that I just start pulling it all together.
“With India, in particular, the possibilities are endless if you embrace color,” he says. Mixing and matching is something he repeatedly encourages hosts to do. And this spread takes that advice to the ninth degree. What better theme to stretch your creativity than a country known for its tradition of combing bright colors, textures, and patterns with abandon?
Use elements you own to create whimsy in your theme.
With that in mind, it’s important to realize that there are not any rules when it comes to building a spicy spread that transports your guests to the banks of the Ganges. Try using elements that aren’t necessarily Indian, per se, but because of their color or texture they work to create an overall taste of India.
Transport your guest to another country for the evening. If you’re using multiple tables at your party, make them all different. Our Spicy Soirée is made up many elements including fresh flowers.
When You View the Pictures Above Keep Some of the Following Tips in Mind
Conversation Starters
Wonderful Indian figurines dressed in traditional colorful costumes will help put all your guests into the theme mood by transporting them to another country for the evening.
A Study in Layers
- Layering placemats on top of a tablecloth adds instant texture.
- Mixing water glasses with wine glasses of different designs will add more color and unpredictability to the table.
- Go with what you have. A printed napkin looks perfectly Indian mixed with other elements on the table.
- Use different napkin rings like the golden butterfly in our photo, it ties in other gold elements on the table, but the ring is not intrinsically Indian.
Three Tables, Three Ways
If you’re using multiple tables at your party, don’t get hung up on them all matching. Notice how nearly every element on our tables are different. The same idea of mixing textures, colors, and layers applies, so the finished look is harmonious with the other tables. We find that guests love comparing the different elements on each table.
Please visit or call Amen Wardy Home for availability on many of the items pictured above.
We served Rogan Josh Paprika-Kashmiri Lamb Stew at this party, please see our recipe!
