How to host the perfect Diwali party at home

Dubai - Top 10 tips for hosting a great party at home

Local entrepreneur Pooja Kalwani lets us in on the right recipe for a festive get-together
Dubai has often  been described as the perfect party spot, where the celebrations never end. No matter what time of the year or day, there's always a feel-good vibe around the city that's hard to find elsewhere.
The feeling gets amplified nearing a festival, specially considering the multi-cultural diaspora, that calls Dubai home, with each one bringing their own unique festivities and celebrations into play. We've all been to events where the music never seems to stop, the food never gets over and the party never ends.
Or at least it looks that way by the time we are ready to call it a night! But what does it take to host an event where the guests never want to leave?
We catch up with local entrepreneur Pooja Kalwani whose lifelong passion for food has morphed into hi-end catering service Posh Platters.
With the festive season on in full bloom and Diwali being celebrated by Indians all over, Kalwani, who has catered for events comprising 15 to 250 guests lets us in on the recipe to hosting a perfect party - and more importantly, how to be the perfect house guest during this season.
"I have always been passionate about cooking and therefore it was very natural for me to turn this passion into a business," explains Kalwani.
What's the recipe for a perfect party?
Planning, planning, planning - first and foremost. It is important to know your guests' taste preferences in terms of food and beverage and ultimately it is about executing those preferences to perfection.
 
If you could host a perfect party - what would it entail?
Firstly you need to understand what your guests' taste preferences are in food and beverages. One needs to know if their guests are vegetarian, meat eaters or have any food allergies in order to plan a suitable menu.
Who would be your dream guests?
You'll find people who are over-critical and want to nit pick everything. I take them as a personal challenge and I want to blow them over with my hospitality. 
What are the absolute no's when it comes to hosting a party?
Don't try dishes which you have never made before.
What are some of the things people should never do when invited over to some one's house?   
My pet peeve is showing up late. I am a stickler for time and I appreciate guests who are also on time. The hosts make so much effort in creating the best party and guests should really take that into consideration.
I am sure they won't appreciate the same thing done to them. The second thing that is so important is courtesy and being polite - compliment the host on the hospitality that's been offered. 


Top 10 tips for hosting a great party at home

1. Set the date: The lifestyle we lead, people are busy and therefore need time to commit to parties.
2. Set your budget: You need to know how extravagant you want to be. If you don't set up a budget from the beginning, things spiral out of control.
3. Plan the guest list: This will ensure that you can manage the details that will add the final touches to the party and you can even personalise the experience.

4. Pick a theme: You can go from a colour, floral to cuisine theme - the choices are unlimited.

5. Choose the menu: You need to bear in mind your guests' preferences as well as their dietary restrictions. What you don't want is people to not enjoy the food when they come over for dinner.
6. Select the beverages.
7. Order the invitations: These small touches always make a dinner party special.
8. Choose your decorations.
9. Plan ahead for the thank you: An extra thanks never hurts anyone!
10. Do not forget to enjoy your own party!