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How to host a Bollywood Party

See our Bollywood Costume Ideas for Women here>>

See our Bollywood Costume Ideas for Men here >>

• The trick is to keep lights low and intimate. If you don't have dimmers, then use only side table lamps and tea lights for a nice effect. Side table lamps with warm toned lampshades can create great ambience.
• After you get the lighting right, you need to make sure you get enough colour around your house. Put brightly coloured cushions on your sofas and seats for your guests to relax on.
• Natty old, half-dead sofa? Put a sheet of brightly coloured/patterned fabric over it (if it's got that sari pattern, then PERFECT), and achieve instant breath of life.
• Drape dusky orange/ deep pink organza from doorways, or use them as curtains between doorways, or to separate areas. Alternatively, attach bead curtains between doors
• For decorative effect, float some flower heads in shallow bowls of water
• Hang or pin some spare sari material to a wall, or use as a curtain
• Go to IKEA and buy some cheap colourful rugs and put around your house where your guests will congregate
• Fairy lights in outdoor areas can transform a dull balcony or back garden
• If you've got a low coffee table/s, you could get guests to sit at it over dinner. Guests can sit on square, padded cushions (see below pics) available from many homewares shops.
• Burn some incense burning in one room (not too much, can get stinky for some people). Else use scented candles.
• Put some organza on your tables as a tablecloth, or as a runner for an oriental feel
• Use maroon, orange, or deep pink serviettes
• Buy coloured plastic disposable cups and plates from the supermarket
• Finally, instruct all guests to take off their shoes at the door as per the traditional Asian custom (make sure you clean your floor so they don't end up with black feet when they go home).

Food

• Indian nibbles - chickpeas, Bombay mix, murykus (fried yellow stick like delectables
• Pappadums and Roti Bread
• Natural yoghurt (nice to dip pappadums into)
• Mango Chutney (ditto)
• Some little, or chopped up pickles
• Samosas / curry puffs
• Tandoori Chicken pieces on skewers (you can buy pre-marinated ones at the supermarket these days, just put them in the grill, or on the BBQ).
• A few curry selections (lentil is a good idea for vegetarian guests)
• Lassi drinks. Not to be confused with the dog, Lassi is a cool, refreshing drink, which is traditionally made from yogurt and water, and flavoured with something sweet like mango, and then served in a glass with ice.
• Indian desserts - if you're not used to them, Indian desserts can be incredibly sweet. If you can't find a shop to buy them from, you might want to be adventurous and have a go making some yourself. We found this website with some good photos and instructions http://indianrecipes.org.uk/
  

Bollywood Party Songs and Music/DVD suggestions

• 'Bend it Like Beckham CD'
• Most music stores will sell Indian compilation music, or music that gives you a taste for Indian music. India has some amazing dance music with sitars and everything happening. Go suss them out.
• For atmosphere, you could go to your local video store and hire a few Bollywood classics. Play them back to back on your TV for visual effect.
• Dance option: Pick a scene from one of the Bollywood films and learn the steps. Get your guests to dance it together on the night!