It is Diwali already! Well, almost. And I am still basking in the aftermath of the Navratri festival. This time, hubby and I are empty-nesters too so I admit I am not in the full spirit to do more. While we ended up going all-out for Navratri for reasons mentioned here, I am not sure if I can muster up the same energy for Diwali, despite all I love about it. But then again, maybe if I rely on what I have learned from my elders and my experience to make my home Diwali ready efficiently, I might just be in the right spirits automatically!

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So, sharing the tips I know with you as I start on them myself. Plus, I believe these tips are good for any festival/celebrations. We just need to tweak the decor based on what we are celebrating. Like candles and wreaths and holly and poinsettia for Christmas; or red roses, heart shaped cushions for Valentine’s Day; and of course, cauldrons and fancy witches hats for Halloween. Plus, like this year, if you are celebrating both, then check out the ideas I have in this post – Pumpkins and Diyas!

13 Quick Tips to Get Your Home Diwali Ready

A Clean Slate for the Decor

Quick Cleaning (1)

Focus on decluttering and clearing just the main visible areas; a tidy space instantly feels fresher! Do a quick walk around the house with a laundry basket and declutter (you can sort it out later from the basket, like with every load of washed laundry in my home!)

Of course, if you are up to it and time and energy allows for it,

do more – towards the cleaning. (2)

• Tackle a room at a time – put yourself on a timer of say, one hour per room. Start with the bedrooms and the bathrooms, then move on to the living areas, kitchen, and passageways.
• Declutter – do the cliched much-used technique of putting things in piles – keep/give away/discard/the I-don’t-knows (what? you don’t have I-don’t-knows!?)
• Dust all surfaces – start from the top (trust me) and wipe them clean
• Vacuum and wipe the floors, and leave. Don’t forget the piles you made while decluttering!

A little more (if you wish) (3)

Rearrange any furniture/your wardrobe/etc to give the room a new look if you want/can. Then there are the windows. If time permits, brighten your home further with a window-cleanup.

Decorate

Deck the Halls with Diyas! (4)

Line up diyas in special corners of your home, windowsills, and porch. When lit, they’ll cast a cozy, warm glow that’s both welcoming and auspicious.

You can also place a few decorative mirrors strategically. Mirrors can enhance the glow of your diyas and lights.

Brighten Up with Fairy Lights (5)

Fairy lights bring magic wherever they’re hung! Wrap them around plants, curtain rods, or even hang them from the ceiling to transform your home into a mini wonderland. While I am not one to try hanging them from the ceiling, I have used them around plants many a time, and it does magically transform the area.

Create a Rangoli Masterpiece (6)

Make a beautiful, colorful rangoli at your doorstep. You can use flowers or try intricate powder designs. It’s like adding a festive carpet of color that brings instant cheer!

You can also use sidewalk chalk on your porch or pathway, or simply print out a few patterns on thick construction paper. Or, you could use rangoli/mandala stencils and paint/color them on tiles to place them around as coasters or diya stands.

For an easy quick pop of color, try reusable ones like these, where you can mix and match and rearrange them to get different looks and patterns as you wish!

Floral Flourishes (7

Add flowers—lots of them! You can arrange them in vases, or place petals in a decorative bowl. Marigold garlands (the traditional favorite – and while I might not find fresh garlands easily, there are many artificial options), rose petals, or other flowers in vases and bowls spread a festive fragrance and give your home a traditional charm.

Jazz up the Entrance (8)

Hang festive door hangings or welcome wreaths. A mandala-themed bright door mat can add to the festive welcome instantly! Many Indian homes have a decorative toran (meaning archway/doorway) over their front door signaling a warm welcome to guests. And I am loving this one. If you want to take it up a notch, have stunning peacocks flank your front door with this porch banner!

DIY it (9)

Get creative with DIY paper lanterns, candle holders, or recycled jar lamps. It’s an eco-friendly, hands-on way to add charm, plus kids love to get involved in these projects! Light up a few scented candles for a touch of fragrance and glow, no extra effort required.

Arrange a few flowers and diyas on a tray for a fast, festive DIY tabletop centerpiece. Use brass or copper decor for that traditional, festive feel—be it through bowls, candle stands, or lanterns. They add elegance with a classic touch.

Spruce up tables with metallic trays, diya stands, flower vases, or miniature idols. These little details make a big impact on the overall look.

Choose Festive Cushion Covers & Curtains & Wall Decor (10)

Change up your cushions, throws, and curtains with bold, vibrant colors like red, orange, and gold. This simple swap instantly makes any room feel Diwali-ready.

Put up a few decorative wall hangings or posters with festive colors to add personality without much time.

Then the Rest

Bring Out the Festive Dinnerware (11)

Use your special plates, glasses, and cutlery. Little things like golden or silver trays, decorated bowls, and festive glasses add a luxurious touch to family dinners. Or you could turn it traditional and green by using ecofriendly dinnerware like this palm leaf set. Depending on how many guests we have, we sometimes use our traditional stainless steel dinnerware which adds a touch of something-more to the event.

As for me, I am getting ready to order a bright colorful dinner set!

Food! (12)

Prep the food beforehand or get help. Order /cater/ buy favorite snacks and sweets. Set up snack stations, sweet stalls, and a setup for drinks and food. Not only is it convenient for family and guests, but it also looks inviting and adds to the festive feel.

Arrange Music for a Festive Vibe (13)

Create a Diwali playlist of traditional bhajans, classical tunes, or even Bollywood favorites to set a festive mood throughout your home.

And Now, the End of this Post

Dear reader, do share your tips to ready your home for festivals, celebrations, and events! What are you celebrating next? And which of these tips do you/will you use?

Goes towards Thursday 13 and the UBC