Lazy Host Edit: Easy Guide To Quickly Setting Up Your Home For A Party

Those who don’t want to go above and beyond with practically doing up the whole house, you know that light will solve the problem. And no, please don’t even think about saying those fairy lights you get at most traffic signals. We’re talking about more sophisticated additions in the lighting department which can double up as all-year decor. Here are a few options that will do your interior decorator proud. 

Table Lanterns: Patterned Glass Lantern from Manor House, Antique Glass Lantern by Devansh, Ellementary’s Jharokha Lantern. And this Moroccan lantern lamp from Homesake. Make sure to at least get a set of two so it looks festive, then place it at the doorway, balcony or at the window so it looks like you made an effort! 

Wall Lanterns: If you don’t mind switching things around a bit for the festive season (all the way till Christmas and New Year), then invest in wall lanterns from Devansh. They’re edgy, but don’t look out of place on a non-festival and fit into almost any home aesthetic since they’re metal with glass. Prices start at INR 1,000 so not too bad on the pocket either. 

String Lights: If you want string lights, these from Homesake are worth it. If you want to keep only one corner all lit up, check out this lamp which has LED string lights in them.

Almost easier than lights, cushion covers and perhaps a throw or two can change the face of your living room. Here's our pick of brands that make it easy to pick from as well. 

Amorosa: Go all out with these golden ones from Amorosa, or this red and gold pair from the same brand.

HomeTown: These ones come with motifs, and look classy. But our recommendation is this five-cushion cover set in red and gold. Perfect for any occasion that comes along. 

Amoli Concepts: Looking for #SomethingDifferent? Check out all the options from Amoli Concepts. 

Twig & Twine: From this brand, just pick this yellow and red one, or this pattern and you’re sorted. 

Guests coming over is a given. So at least amp up your tableware! If you have time and are not bad at decision making, we’ve got a whole list of ceramic options here and sort out your glassware with picks from here for everything from whiskey to water. Decorate the table itself with decorative paan boxes, mithai boxes and platters. 

Need it quickly and need us to decide about plates et all? Here you are:

Plate Sets: Wonderchef Dinner Set for six, including serveware, Exclusive Lane’s handpainted dinner set for four, or if it’s an investment piece, then go the Noritake way and get this set for 8 including all serveware and katoris, featuring 24K gold on white porcelain

Glasses Sets: Get this set of 6 from Pure Home + Living as they double up as juice and vodka glasses too, for whiskey get these ones from Bohemia Crystal and these for wine. 

Cutlery: OK, we are not fussing here. Here’s our pick of top cutlery sets. And two more for good measure! Mason Home’s 24-piece gold set, and FNS’s 24-piece set.

The absolute easiest way to add some cheer and colour to a room is with flowers - real or glorious artificial ones that need no care! Be it a birthday party or a home date or even Diwali or Christmas, let the petals do the talking. If you want to go all out, then pick themes for each vase you have. Ideally one for the centre of the coffee table, one for the dining tables and of course, any hidden corners that your guest might wander to.

But hold on! What is a flower arrangement without those gorgeous vases! Make a statement with these 15 options under INR 999. Or take your pick of these ones, that have no budget bar.

For The Coffee Table: Since the coffee table is likely to be lower than the seating, get something that is wider and shorter. Like this Nordic vase from Hollyhock. Or this Blowing Kiss Face options from Glimpse Home. Those with a larger, and much lower coffee table, check out this gorgeous set of three from Home Town, that looks complete, with or without flowers. 

For The Dining Table: Now here is a slightly tricky spot for a vase with flowers. It has to stand out, but can’t be over the top. You want your food and tableware to do all the talking. So, pick something that is lean and not-too-long. The Wishing Chair has lovely options. In fact, keep this one at your dining table with only a fern or dried stalk all year round. But if you want to jazz things up a bit, try Mason Home’s antique-looking pot vase. Our personal favourite though is The 7 Dekor vase.

For The Side Tables: Keep it simple here with only a stalk or two of flowers on these tables. Pick smaller vases like this one from Pure Home + Living, or this blue statement piece from Hollyhock. For something very different, these three Madhubani black matki ones will make the cut. 

For The Corners: These ones need to be long, solid and eye-catching. Vedas has plenty on offer, and so does Mason Home. If you want us to decide for you, get this one by Amoli Concepts. 

For Planters: Here’s our curated list. Shop away!

Switch out your usual magnets, photo frames (except the ones with your BFFs, pets, kids, parents and bae. Leave those!) and that strange statue someone gave you last Diwali, in favour of something more eye-catching and festive. Here’s our pick.

For The Wall: Logam wall mirror, Vedas leaf decor, hand-painted wall decor or this set of three wall decor pieces from The Decor Remedy.

For The Side Tables: Brass showpiece which can even have a diya, golden pumpkin from Suite No. 8, decorative plate and a personal favourite - the metal and marble tic-tac-toe set from Manor House

For The Centre Table: This three-leaf piece from Assemblage is ideal for decor and serving snacks, Sage Koncpt’s chip and dip bowl or this set of four mini platters.

Even if you do NOTHING else, make sure you bring out the candles. Of all shapes, sizes and fragrances! 

LBB Favourites: RAD Living is a massive favourite at LBB, and has so many offerings from tapered candles to ones in jars and even those festive ones with mirror work. EKAM is another brand that you'll find practically everyone at LBB buying - for themselves or as gifts. Check out the larger options that look like decor pieces themselves!

Check out our pick of best scented candles and  if you are confused about them all, we put Soi & Wick, Paperphile and RAD Living to the test. Find out the winner here.