If you’re already a pro at Indian Party meal planning, this post might seem too simple. But if you are a beginner or always worried about where to begin, then I am sure this post gives you just enough jump-start to plan your next party and dishes with perfection.
This post outlines 101 amazing planning tips along with exotic sample menus for potlucks and gatherings that will make your next event a huge success. So, let’s get started with a straightforward, easy-to-follow checklist for remarkable hosting.
Hosting a dinner party is a great way to connect with family and friends and create memories that last. However, hosting the guests and entertaining them can be exhausting and tricky.
If not planned well, it brings more stress, and if you are stressed, it completely ruins the fun of hosting and enjoying yourself with your friends.
And if it’s an Indian Party Meal planning, trust me, it needs thoughtful planning!
Indian cooking is elaborate and demands time. The three-course Indian meal starts with
- An appetizer
- A drink
- Moves to the main course, and
- Dessert is the final round of a three-course meal.
With such an elaborate meal spread, it is best to KEEP IT SIMPLE! Yes, follow this rule of thumb, and you will have lots of saved time and energy.
With a plan in action, I can host all my parties like a pro, and this is what I will share with you today.
Of course, you need a date! Selecting a date well in advance for your Indian party meal planning gives you ample time to prepare for the event and helps make it more stress-free.
- You’ll be able to have the overall idea about the event clearly, and
- Start with the necessary arrangements early.
- A prior selection of date also facilitates considering the availability of the guests on that date.
So, whether it is Holi, Diwali, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, blocking your date in advance and sending in the invites will let your guests know that they have been already roped in for the event and should not make any other commitment!
Making a guest list helps to make better decisions, deciding upon the kind of space to accommodate the guests comfortably and the quantity of food/ drinks required, etc. Here’s a checklist that can help —
Create a list of people you are inviting. Doing this ensures you don’t miss out on any of the invitees.
Send out formal invites, an email, or a text message and save the date on people’s calendars.
- A formal invite will also let your guests know it’s a special dinner party, not a regular one.
- I usually prefer doing this 2 – 3 weeks in advance. Because the earlier we send the invites, the more guests are likely to turn up.
- Plan to send your invites a little earlier for major events like a Diwali party or a New Year’s Eve party. Ensure our guests are informed before making other plans for those events.
Be specific about the number of guests coming over – the head count. Calculate the number of adults and the number of invited kids so you know exactly how big the group will be. This helps in making proper arrangements. If possible, take confirmations from guests to ensure who can attend and who can not.
Deciding on essentials for Indian party meal planning will help you determine the next step. This will also let the preparations run smoothly and keep you from the last-minute rush.
Decide on the serve-ware — Give a moment to think about how you would want to serve the food to your guests.
- Using disposable paper plates and plastic glasses would be your preference,
- Or would you prefer using your fine serve-ware or expensive dinner set and cutlery?
- If it is not a formal sitting arrangement, then using disposable/ biodegradable products for serving will be the best option.
Visit this link for Sample Indian Party Menu
Other essentials and décor — Besides the tableware/serve ware, you also need to decide on the other requirements such as —
- The paper napkins/ formal cloth napkins,
- The table covers, centerpieces, etc.
- The table décor also requires some planning, as this sets the event’s vibes the way you want.
- Pick the colors and the textures of the tableware, the table cover, and other accessories that complement well with each other.
Decorating the table — Adding fresh flowers to the table décor on the dinner party day will surely bring in some freshness and colors, so remember to add them to your to-do list for the final day.
Gather cooking equipment —If it is a large gathering, you may need large cooking ware, too. Check your kitchen to ensure you have the necessary equipment, or else you will have to make arrangements (buy or rent out).
If you are planning to host a theme party, customizing your décor according to the chosen theme is something that needs some contemplation. It doesn’t have to be too elaborate, but selecting the basic theme will bring more fun to the party and make it unique.
Here are some ideas to narrow down your décor and color choices so you can quickly transform your party space into a visually inviting spot.
Diwali Theme — This décor has to be completely festive, which evokes feelings of warmth, relaxation, and joyfulness. So, consider bringing in —
- Some colorful diyas
- Candles and lighting up the corners of the party space.
- Adding colorful garlands and earthenware will also create a festive vibe that brings cheerfulness.
Sports-night party — Choose the décor that resonates with the corresponding sports you have gathered to enjoy together over the dinner party. Such as —
- Cricket-based décor for a cricket match,
- Football-based décor,
- Or baseball-based décor for the corresponding sports.
16th Birthday Party — A special occasion and therefore a special décor! Deck up the party space according to gender. You could go for —
- A pink and golden set for girls
- Blue and white for boys.
- Or just let your teenager choose their preferred color.
Holi party — The Holi décor must be very vibrant and colorful, setting the instant Holi vibes! Add colors that complement each other and create harmony among the various decoration elements.
Christmas Party — Red, green, and golden colors are the obvious choices for chic décor when you think of Christmas.
- The flowers, the table runners, candleholders,
- Santa décor, and anything and everything have to be glittery and fun to elevate the festive vibes.
- How about adorning the space with some poinsettia
- Or dried petals for flower arrangement on a table? Of course, that’s a great idea!
New Year’s Party — A friendly color theme consisting of bright and shiny colors for New Year’s Eve adds much-needed party flavor to the evening. New Year’s centerpieces —
- Either flowers or candleholders add cheerfulness to the ambiance and never fail to impress.
- As I am a huge fan of candles, I use them as the centerpieces for my parties, and so can you.
- But if kids are also there, you can use LED candles for the ambiance for safety reasons.
- Confetti and paper decoration can also bring in an extra jazziness and enhance your décor without much effort.
Visit this link for Sample Indian Party Menu
No party is complete without food and drinks. It is a significant part of any event. So once the first four priorities are in place, then comes planning the party menu, and this is where the fun begins!
As the hostess, plan the menu according to the event. The key is to prepare a meal that is doable for you. Here are a few pointers that can help you plan a meal —
Plan a meal that is —
- Wholesome, hearty, and made of real ingredients.
- Select a variety of dishes that showcase different flavors, textures, and hues.
- Choose a balance of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes that accommodate varied dietary preferences.
- This will make for a soulful meal that everyone will enjoy.
Based on the course, decide the number of items you need to prepare for your Indian party meal planning. You may also plan to cook some things at home and order a few from the restaurant. Make a separate list of the items that are to be prepared at home and the ones that are to be ordered outside.
Planning will let you efficiently organize —
- Your time and energy
- And prevent you from the last-minute rush and exertion.
- Try to plan your menu in such a way that some of the dishes can be prepared in advance or a day ahead so you can relax on the day of the party.
These dishes may be appetizers that require last-moment assembling or sides such as —
- Marinades, spice mixes, and sauces/ dips.
- Some curries and gravies can also be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Dishes like Biryani taste even better when prepared in advance because the flavors get time to meld together!
Finalize the headcount — For example, if there are 16 adults and 16 kids under 16, I plan to cook for 25 people. But if there are older kids above 16, my head count would be 30 people.
We feast with our eyes first — A colorful spread attracts our eyes and appetites. Pick a color scheme and add it to the different elements skillfully to create harmony among the décor and the dishes.
- Display a colorful spread of different dishes, keeping in mind the color combinations.
- Also, keep the food color scheme in mind for an impressive menu.
- For example, try not to cook Rajma with Paneer tikka masala as they belong to the same color scheme – red, or Kadhi pakora with Gobi – yellow color scheme.
- Try to plan such that it maintains the harmony of colors and is eye-pleasing.
Besides the color scheming — ensure the ingredients are not repeated in one course.
- For example, Kadai Paneer with Panner Tikka. Consider the flavor combinations and clashes while pairing the dishes that work well together.
- For instance, the crunchy textured Kadai Paneer pairs well with Chole or Rajma, and the more creamier and melt-in-mouth textured Paneer Tikka Masala goes perfectly with Kadhi or Dal Makhani.
When deciding the menu — keep in mind the dry and gravy dishes that you plan to serve.
- Have a balance of dry and gravy dishes for a perfect combination.
- For example, Achari Gobi, a dry veggie, can be perfectly paired up with Kofta curry, a gravy dish.
- Their different flavors and textures perfectly complement each other.
- Raita as an accompaniment on the menu is always a good idea. Being cool, it balances the spicy flavor of the Indian food.
Plan dishes according to the weather — In winter, dishes prepared in the morning stay just fine till the evening, but in summer, some of the items may go stale- my personal experience. So, it is safer to plan to prepare dishes considering the existing weather.
A salad on the menu — makes a healthy and colorful addition to the meal.
- It not only adds nutrition but makes the meal more delightful and appealing.
- Besides being crunchy and enjoyable, salad is also light on the stomach.
- Try to add a selection of vegetables to make the salad eye-pleasing and nutrient-dense.
Appetizers — They are an indispensable part of the Indian party meal planning where your guests can enjoy the tasty bites before the main course.
- Plan the appetizers in such a way that it requires minimal work at the last minute.
- For instance, if the appetizer demands baking, keep some time for that.
- Another example could be the salad that needs to be assembled at the last minute.
- So, save some time separately for such preparations.
Creating a perfect ambiance for the party sets the mood and enhances your guests’ overall experience.
Lighting —Use lighting according to the theme of the party.
- For example, soft and warm lighting creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere for a family dinner party.
- The Diwali party will see more candles, diyas, and string lights.
- New Year party lighting will have disco lights and so on.
Music — Usually forgotten, but quite important to set the party mood. Play background music, complementing the mood and theme of the party.
- You can also create a playlist and let it run in the background.
- Keep the volume low enough so that people can chit-chat comfortably without music hindering their conversation.
- A piece of light music will set the ambiance just right.
Fragrance — Light-scented candles or diffusers with subtle scents create a pleasing ambiance.
- Choose aromas that complement the season or the cuisine you are serving.
- While using fragrances, be mindful of the guests with allergies or sensitivities and choose mild scents only.
Temperature and Ventilation — Ensure your home is well-ventilated and the temperature is comfortable for the guests.
Personal touches — You can add touches that reflect your style and make your guests feel welcome.
- For example, display interesting art pieces or items, family photos, etc.
- Provide them with a welcome drink or a personalized card for each guest!
The last and final secret is to HAVE FUN! Always include a resting time – how will you entertain others if you are not well rested?
Resting before hosting a party helps you approach the event with vitality, clarity, and reduced stress levels. It ensures you are in the best physical and mental state to engage with your guests.
It enables you to enjoy the gathering and also provides a memorable experience for your guests that they will cherish for years to come.
Good one
Thanks Nisha. 🙂
Hi Ruchi
. Please suggest me some starters and dinner menu only vegetarian for party. Total guest 20. 4,5 pox are teenage
Hello Premlata,
For starters, you can do any two of the following – Bruschetta, Sprouts salad, Corn salsa with chips, Puff pastry samosa, Khaman dhokla, or Paneer bites.
In dinner, you can do –
1. A dal or a bean dish (chole, dal makhani or dal Bukhara)
2. Paneer dish, (shahi paneer, palak paneer, Paneer tikka masala, Methi paneer, Tawa paneer)
3. Vegetable – (veg jalfrezi, kofta curry, veg korma, or Bharwan baingan)
4. Rice
5. Roti/naan.
Take Care!
Hi Ruchi. Please suggest me some starters and dinner menu only vegetarian for my son birthday party. Total guest 20. N kids above 5years old =5 . below 5years old =4
Neera, are you looking for Indian or fusion kid-friendly recipes?
Hello mam , wanted to know quantities to cook for 15 people for small get together at our place
E.g..How much quantity ingredients for Chole masala n Rice n vegetables For tawa pulav
Madhuri,
All the 15 people are adults?
planning a birthday party for 45 people Guests (including 9 kids)
please suggest a menu like
1 welcome drink
2 coffee with snacks (?)
3 lunch/Dinner
Raman, are you looking for a vegetarian menu?
Hi Ruchi
Nice blog, can you add some sample menus.
Like, Veg and non veg, cook ahead.
I’m confused for my menu like I need to cook a day in advance or minimal cooking same day.
I planned kadi, sukhi daal in main course. Which chicken dish and veg dish I can add?
Do you suggest something else, with atleast one chicken dish?
For starters I’m planning Sabudana Vada and Ming sprouts, any more suggestions?
Thanks for your help.
Thank you, Pooja for your kind words!
Nice blog, can you add some sample menus.
Will surely do!
I’m confused for my menu like I need to cook a day in advance or minimal cooking same day.
Please do some preparations a day in advance like – boil dal and store, kadi can be made in advance. Cook pakodas and store in the refrigerator. For the veg dish, you can add paneer and if considering chicken – you can make palak chicken or chicken curry to go with your menu.
For Starters there are many options like –
1. Bruschetta Bites – minimal prep-work required
2. Oven baked crispy Potatoes – minimal prep-work required
3. khaman dhokla – can be made a day in advance
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any other questions.
Hi Ruchi,
Planning a birthday party with 50 guests . Please suggest me easy to do rice dish and how to prep it a day ahead.
I have these items in the menu other than rice, Dal Makhani, Paneer Butter Masala, Aloo Gobi dry curry. So for these items how to prep ahead, can i make the gravies and boil aloo gobhi day ahead and just mix on the day,?would it still taste the same?
Please help. Thanks in Advance.
Hello Lucky,
You can make dal makhani a day in advance. Same goes for Paneer butter masala. Prepare the gravy in advance and assemble on the day of your party. The taste will remain the same.
Regarding rice –
You can do Moti Pulao, Veg biryani or fried rice. Rice can also be prepared a day in advance.
Have fun!
hii ma’am
I want to make dinner for around 20 people
the menu is jeera rice, aloo gobhi, chole,shahi paneer, puri, salad and raita
but i dont know how to decide the quantity for rice and chole.
and which type or brand’s rice should i use?
please help
16 adults+ 4 ( 14 to 19 age grp)
Komal for 20 people you will need –
Chole –
4.5 cups or 900 grams of uncooked chole.
Rice – I usually keep a measurement of
1/2 cup (uncooked) rice per person. That equals 10 cups of rice for 20 adults. Since you have puri on the menu, you can take 1/4 cup rice per person.
and which type or brand’s rice should I use?
Basmati rice is good.
Hope this helps! Enjoy!