Indian Party Meal Planning
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.
Hi
I have a planning to do my son mundan
18 adult 3 kid
Churma laddu
Mix veg
Black chana with gravy
Puri
Rice
Gujarati dal
Frymes
Salad
Can I have quantity idea for main subji and dal rice
Hello Harshana,
For 18 adults and 3 kids, you will need -
Dal - 3.5 cups of Dal
For Main Subzi -
2.25 cups chopped potatoes
1.5 cups chopped bell peppers
1.5 cups chopped carrots
1.5 cups chopped French beans
4.5 cups chopped cauliflower
2.25 cups green peas
45 Paneer cubes – optional
Rice – I usually keep a measurement of 1/2 cup (uncooked) rice per person. That equals 9 -10 cups of rice for 18 adults. Since you have puri on the menu, you can do 1/4 cup of rice per person.
Have a great time!
Hi,
I am planning to have a party for 37 people (24 adults and 13 kids). I am planning to have samaosas (40 pieces) and mayo sandwichs in starters. anda malai lababdar, matar paneer and chole in main course along with laccha paratha (40 pieces) and rice. Cake and basundi in dessert.
Can you suggest how much dry chickpeas should I soak? The quantity of basmati rice and sandwich's i should make? Also how much milk i should use for basundi?
Hello Shreeja, for 37 people, you will need somewhere between 1.5 kgs (9 cups) to 1.75 kgs ( 10 cups) of dry beans.
For sandwiches - are you planning to serve them cut into halves or quarters? If served in halves - you will need 40 whole sandwiches (80 halves).
For Rice - I usually keep a measurement of 1/2 cup (uncooked) rice per person. Since you have laccha paratha too, I would do 20 cups (3 kg) of rice for 40 people.
For Basundi - You will need 30 cups (7.25kg) of milk for 45 servings.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any other queries, and have a great party. 😊
Hi Ruchi, I am planning a party for 30 people. 12 kids 18 adults. Please guide me with fully vegetarian menu as i have no helpers and I need to host it singlehandedly too.. please guide.
Which is better? Shrikhand or basundi
Bhakarwadi and khaman with bhelpuri?
Main course - i have dal Bukhara in mind but what else can I prepare in short time n how to manage breads being single.
Hello Riddhi,
You could do - Khaman with Bhelpuri as appetizers.
In Main course - Dal Bukhara, with a paneer dish would be great. Either Palak paneer or Paneer labbadar. If you have time on hand you can fit in Vegetable Jalfrezi too.
For Desserts - Shrikhand - is prefect to end your beautiful party.
Have a great time!
Hi, I am cooking and indian meal for 40 or more. I have done it before for 16 WITH A chicken tikka masala recipe im very happy with. The original recipe is for 6 and includes marinated grilled chicken, tinned tomatoes and cream The paste is made from ginger garlic, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, cardamom pods and tomato paste and chilli flakes. Can i just scale it up exactly, is each ingredient mulitpliable, even the paste
thank you
julie
Hello Julie, mostly all the ingredients in an Indian recipe can be scaled up or down as per your preferences. Though I would suggest, keep the whole spices on a lower side (cinnamon, whole cardamom, etc.) as they may overpower a curry if doubled.
Hi ruchi,
Can u please suggest measurement for 35 people (22 adults and 12kids)
Planning to make dal makhni, paneer gravy, mushroom fry
Hello Shama,
For dal makhani, you will need 6.25 cups of dal for 35 people.
For Paneer gravy, you will need somewhere between 2.5- 3 kgs of paneer.
For Mushroom fry, 3.5 kgs button mushrooms.
Have a great party!
Planning to make sprouts dry sabji for about 50 people.
How many cups of dry moth/matki/usal do I soak ?
For dry sabzi, you will need appx—2 kgs of dry moth. If you are pairing it with something else on the menu, that quantity should be good, but if that's the only dish you are serving, I would recommend soaking 2.5 kgs of dry moth.
Hi Ruchi
This is the first time I've planned a lunch party for 20 adults and I want suggestions and measurement for a vegetarian indian lunch menu. Thanks in advance
Sona,
What exactly are you planning to make? Do you have some recipes in mind?
Thanks!
Hi
Thanks for your reply. As such I don't have anything in mind. Would be great if you could suggest
Okay! Sona,
For appetizers - You could do a Salad along with Dhokla or Bruschetta
Main Course -
1. Either do a dal or a bean dish. Like dal makhani or Chole
2. One Paneer dish - either palak paneer or matar paneer
3. One veg dish - Like veg Jalfrezi
Feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Thanks so much for the information.
Thanks so much for your reply
Hi ruchi
Can you tell me the measurement for the above dishes.
Thanks
Sona, what exactly do you plan to make among all these?
Salad or Dhokla or Bruschetta
Dal or bean dish
Palak paneer or Matar paneer
Hi
I wnat to go for a salad with whole
Chole ,palak paneer and veg jalfreji
I would like to have measurements for these
Sona, for 20 people, the measurements are-
For salad-
5 cups Moong Dal Sprouts
2.5 cup Chopped Onions
2.5 cup Cucumber (peeled and cubed)
2.5 cup Potatoes (pan-fried)
2.5 cup Tomatoes (chopped and without pulp)
7.5 tablespoons Chopped Cilantro
2.5 tablespoon Lemon Juice
5 teaspoons Chopped Green Chilies
5 teaspoons Cumin powder
5 teaspoons Chaat Masala
Salt to taste
For chole, you will need
8 cups raw soaked chickpeas
12 green cardamom pods
7 Moti Eliachi
8 black peppercorns
6 bay leaves
6 cinnamon sticks
6 tea bags (optional- for color)
salt, to taste
16-17 cups water
10 cloves
FOR MASALA -
2.5 cups pureed onion
7 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
8 cups pureed tomatoes
Chole masala
Red chili powder
Cumin powder
salt, to taste
Garnish - chopped cilantro
For Palak Paneer -
5 big bunch Blanched and pureed palak
7.5 cup Homemade Cubed Paneer
5 medium Onions, chopped
2.5 teaspoon Garlic paste
10 medium Tomatoes, chopped
Salt to taste
Jeera (cumin seeds)
Red chili powder
Coriander powder
Haldi
Garam Masala
Cream (optional)
Oil/Ghee
For Veg Jalfrezi-
20 cups sliced lengthwise mixed vegetables like Potato, carrot, baby corn, beans, cauliflower, peas
2.5 cups of paneer cut lengthwise
5 medium-size capsicum sliced
8 medium-size Onions sliced
15 big tomatoes, pureed
5 Green Chilli slit
6 tsp ginger-garlic paste
5 Bay leaves
5 tsp Cumin seeds
5 tbsp Tomato ketchup
Turmeric powder
Red chili powder
Coriander powder
Garam Masala powder
Kasuri Methi
Oil
Garnish Fresh coriander leaves chopped
Hope this helps! Have a wonderful event.
hi ruchi
im plannning my kid 2nd birthday
15 adults and 9 kids
im preparing
pav bhaji
chole
matar paneer
pulau
raita
gulabjamun
i want to know the amount of paneer and chole and rice
thanks
Hello Deepa,
Below is the measurement list for 15 adults and 9 kids:
Paneer- You will need 950 grams of Paneer.
Chole- 8 cups of raw chole
Rice- Make 7.5 cups of raw rice.
Have a fun day and Happy Birthday to the little one.😊
What options for main entree would go with chole. I don’t want to make gobi .
Veg menu plz.
Starter ? Dhokala will work?
Veg Jalfrezi, Mix veg korma, Kadai paneer, and Dum aloo are some of the options that match very well with chole.
For starters: Dhokla or even khatta dhokla would be a great option.
Awesome thanks