Ajay
I am not against Italian marble and rich mahogany wood, which have defined the character of plush interiors for a long time. Nor am I a critic of butter chicken, or sarson ka saag and makki ki roti, which are icons of Indian cuisine. We all travel miles for good food in beautiful surroundings. But with the times, the character of cosy or luxurious spaces is changing from extravagant to minimalistic, the flavours of food from overpowering to mild, and the colours from deep and bright to natural and soothing, be it in food or in spaces.
Traditional preparations continue to tempt: whether it’s panipuri, parathas and chole bhature, or dal makhani, butter chicken and kebabs, these classics will never fail to delight. But when crafting a memorable evening in the company of friends or family, it is vital to make the best use of limited time and appetite, and utilise the best options, especially in today’s world of unlimited choices.
Still, the principles remain the same, whether you are designing a home—looking to surprise here and excite there, as you cross each wall—or planning an evening sans predictability but plenty of variations. And the recipe for my contentment is achieving all that you want to, yet being unbelievably economical. Do remember that money can buy everything and the best, but our needs are restricted to that which suits our tastes.
Host With The Most!
It was one of those weekends when I wanted to bring everyone together for an evening. The home, freshly furnished with a Moroccan-inspired majlis setting, felt exceptional. The floor cushions and snug arrangement promised an intimate vibe that would encourage conversations and laughter. Yet, I knew that as much as I loved this set-up, not everyone would be comfortable sitting on the floor.
So, I’d added a couple of chaise longues with side tables to make the space practical while maintaining its charm. The blue upholstery gave off a soft, soothing tone, but to add a more festive touch, I used lighting that could switch to shades of blue and purple.
When it comes to food, and to make an evening special, one should look to go beyond iconic staples. While I could have stuck to something time-honoured (since it was Lohri), I wanted to bring a modern twist to the classics. So, I decided to get creative. Instead of serving dishes in their traditional form, I reimagined them as light bites: crispy, thin phyllo shells filled with saag, topped with julienned ginger and melted mozzarella cheese.
These petite wonders were a hit, offering the same rich, earthy flavours without being heavy. Variations of paneer bhurji and spicy Chicken 65, garnished with curry leaves and mustard seeds, broke the monotony. For something even more unique, the crispy idli shooters, served on a bed of honey-mustard sauce with a garnish of curry leaves, were crunchy and fun, and easy to pair with drinks.
Everyone loved the essence and the flow, and the vibe was alive all the time. It wasn’t about leaving traditions behind but about adapting them in a way that fit the guests’ personality and lifestyle.
By the time my friends made themselves comfortable in the majlis, the room was glowing with a warm, welcoming air; the seating was perfect, and the music was working its magic. I’ve always believed that music is the soul of any gathering. But it’s not just about playing songs; it’s about getting everyone involved. That’s where karaoke comes in. It didn’t take long for even the most shy of guests to warm up, and soon the room was filled with laughter, bringing out the Kishore da & Asha ji in each of us.
The world today thrives on social media and creating memories. Whether it’s an evening with friends or family, flaunting your latest dress or showcasing a creative cocktail is ‘in’. On this occasion, my fondness for one-off chandeliers worked wonders. However, one thing I don’t like is a glass chandelier—it is passé! But being a fan of nature, a starburst chandelier had caught my eye—and the rest is history! Between bites, and sips of cocktails, everyone gravitated to this chandelier, whose design reflected a starry night—no wonder it became the selfie focal point!
As the night unfolded, the energy in the room grew livelier. Stories were shared, songs were sung, and the light bites kept everyone going without feeling too full. Thai-inspired dishes like steamed fish nibbles tossed in tempura, and tofu in lemon basil sauce, added a global flair to the evening, ensuring there was something for everyone.
By the end of the night, as the last guests prepared to leave, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The Moroccan lounge, the starburst, the light-on-the-stomach menu, the laughter, and the music—it had all come together exactly as I had envisioned. My reward was smiles, and the promise of more such evenings in the future. And no more than a small cup of Mango Delight and Guava Thrill was required for the ‘sweet for the road’!
Hosting isn’t just about the food or the décor; it’s about creating an experience, a memory that lingers long after the evening ends. That night, the guests realised that the recipe for a wonderful evening isn’t complicated; its ingredients should be a balance of flavours, ambience, vibrancy, and, most importantly, the people who share it with you. After the lights turned off and I walked to my room, I couldn’t help but smile, dreaming of the next gathering.
Read more: The Mughal Durbar Festival – A Royal Feast of Mughlai splendor at The Great Kebab Factory!
