GULFWEEKLY: This Eid Al Fitr feels different. Many of us are planning to stay indoors but that does not mean we cannot have a blessed festival with our loved ones. These latest trends and ideas surrounding home gatherings will elevate your family get-togethers and are sure to boost your sunken spirits.
Global trends indicate that homes are emerging as the venue of choice this season, with celebrations moving back to rooftops, gardens and living rooms. They are not only economical but also lend your soirees a personal touch, offering a warm environment and deeper connection.
Italian chef and TV celebrity Lidia Bastianich popularised the catchphrase ‘tutti a tavola a mangiare’, which means ‘everyone to the table to eat’. The essence of this mantra is what we are hoping to channelise through our festivities over the holidays.
So, get your notepads out and jot down these fun ways to make your next at-home occasion one to remember.
Flavours that speak
Curated dining experiences that tell a story or are engaging in some way are trending. Think DIY mashed potato bar where guests can choose their toppings, from beef bacon and chives to gravy, sour cream, caviar and more.
Globally inspired charcuterie boards or dipping trays are a fun addition to your dining table as are live counters – pani puri (Indian street food), mini shawarma, and what have you.
A retro popcorn maker with some off-beat local seasonings like zaatar, sumac or black lime, served in newspaper cones, has such an old school vibe that will easily excite your tribe no matter their age.
Wellness-infused socialising
This is a fun one for the ladies! Get your girl friends to come over for a self-care-themed session, where you sip on smoothies and green juices and nibble on fruit platters and chia seed puddings while wearing facemasks and doing your nails.
Setting up a skincare goodies counter for your girls with lip oils and hand creams as presents will add a fun touch to the evening while showing them you care.
This kind of a theme calls for a more intimate gathering, which is also trending this season. Many prefer smaller groups with meaningful connections rather than extravagant parties.
A group yoga or aerobics session in the garden or swimming some laps in the pool could be the ideal prelude to your wellness party.
Simple immersive experiences
Themed get-togethers that feel more natural rather than a ‘production’ are gaining momentum. For instance, young hosts are turning their apartments into makeshift coffeehouses, and documenting the process on social media.
Use décor that brings your theme alive but instead of buying readymade ornaments, go thrifting or unleash your artistic side – handwritten menus are a great touch as are personalised playlists.
If you have a patio or terrace, they make for fine setups while the weather still permits. Imagine a Bridgeton-themed soiree amidst colourful blooms or an intimate rooftop dinner with friends like in Julie and Julia.
“Flowers are in full bloom and spending more time in your garden is a great idea,” noted Bahrain Garden Club chair Zahra Malik. “I often host family gatherings in the garden where children chase frogs when they are out of the pond or count the butterflies.”
Curated entertainment for all
Gatherings are not just about dining but also about nourishing bonds. What better way to do that than enjoy some group activities.
“For most of us expats, Eid gatherings mean a lot of biryani and a lot of karaoke,” Indian expatriate and food enthusiast Anita Menon, who is known among her friends for her lively home parties, said.
For those who might not be musically inclined, board games are a great way to deeply connect with family (check out P5 for ideas). Before screens took over, they were a major recreational activity. This Eid, let’s bring back the simpler times.
Sip-and-paint sessions are becoming increasingly popular in Bahrain and could be great for an intimate gathering or a ladies-only get-together.
Connecting the hybrid way
Some of our loved ones decided to temporarily return to their hometown due to the current situation. That does not mean you cannot ‘invite’ them over. Set up an online Zoom call with a projector and have a reunion!
Poetry nights are a great way to engage ‘overseas guests’. Indulge in a session of shared verses by your favourite bards or ask each guest to bring a paper with their own couplets penned down.
Good ol’ Bingo is another easy-to-conduct activity for a hybrid party as is a family-themed quiz night; ‘who is the cousin that you would warn the new sister-in-law about?’
GulfWeekly wishes you and yours a blessed Eid Al Fitr! Avoid public gatherings, follow the guidelines set by the civil and defence authorities, and stay safe.
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