Festival lighting ideas: Transform your home décor with lanterns and lights for a warm and welcoming celebration

Outdoor festival lighting tips: Candles are a timeless addition to any festive décor. Opt for scented candles whenever possible (Image: Floral Gold Double Wick Scented Candle Set, Nestasia)

The festive season is in full swing, starting with the ongoing 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebration and continuing through Onam, Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, and Christmas. This season isn’t just about the rituals and celebrations; it’s also the perfect opportunity to revamp your home décor and bring in the festive spirit. A little creativity goes a long way when it comes to setting the right ambiance, and adding the right lighting can make your home feel warm, inviting, and brimming with festive charm.

With the festive season in full swing, now is the perfect time to embrace the magic of lanterns and lights, says Aditi Muraka, co-founder of Nestasia. “From welcoming your guests with a pathway of lights to creating stunning centerpieces for your festive feasts, there are countless ways to use lighting to elevate your home décor.”

Muraka shares some stunning décor ideas to light up your space this festive season:

Pathway of lights: Welcome guests by lining your entrance pathway with intricately designed metal lanterns. The soft patterns cast by the lanterns' light create an enchanting journey, symbolic of the festival’s spiritual significance. This simple yet striking décor choice sets the perfect festive tone right at your doorstep. You can also place small diyas or fairy lights along the pathway for a more traditional touch. Place brass lanterns in alternating sizes along your walkway to extend the warmth and joy of the festival even before the guests enter your home.

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Hanging mandap lanterns: Give your festive mandap a modern twist by hanging metal lanterns with intricate filigree detailing. These lanterns cast a soft glow, illuminating your Ganesha idol or deity, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere. The floating light effect from these lanterns adds a contemporary flair while maintaining the essence of tradition during prayers and rituals. For Navratri, hang colourful lanterns with traditional patterns around your mandap. The blend of vivid colours and subtle lighting creates a festive ambiance that lifts the mood during rituals.

Lantern centrepieces for feasts: Festivals are often synonymous with large, hearty meals shared with loved ones. To make your dining experience even more special, place ceramic lanterns at the center of your dining table. Surround them with fresh flowers, diyas, or tea lights to create a warm, inviting glow that makes your dining space feel elegant and festive. Opt for lanterns with intricate cutouts. Their glow, combined with marigold flower garlands and small oil lamps, transforms the table into a visual feast that complements the delicious food.

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Illuminated ganesh backdrop: Create an awe-inspiring display by hanging lanterns of varying heights from a sturdy metal frame. The interplay of light from metal and ceramic lanterns adds depth and dimension to your décor, turning the idol area into the focal point of your celebration. For a grand display, use a combination of brass and ceramic lanterns with different geometric designs. Hang them at various heights around your Ganesha idol, and complement the lanterns with strings of fresh flowers or fairy lights. The layered lighting effect will create a magical and spiritual ambiance.

Balcony and garden lanterns: Your outdoor spaces shouldn't be left out of the festive fun. Hanging lanterns in your balcony or garden area can extend the festive atmosphere beyond your indoor spaces. Lanterns with soft, warm lights bring a serene glow to outdoor areas, perfect for evening relaxation or festive gatherings. For Onam, hang lanterns with floral designs around your garden or balcony. Pair them with flower garlands for a traditional touch that embraces the beauty of this harvest festival. You can also place small tea lights around potted plants to add extra charm.

Candles as décor and mood-setters: Candles are a timeless addition to any festive décor. Opt for scented candles whenever possible, they not only serve as focal points but also create an inviting atmosphere, filling your home with comforting fragrances. Place candles inside decorative lanterns for a cozy, flickering glow that adds a touch of whimsy and elegance to your space. For Christmas, use cinnamon-scented candles in red and gold votive holders. Place them on your mantelpiece, window sills, or along your dining table. The combination of soft lighting and seasonal scents instantly brings warmth and joy to your home.

Pro tip: You can also mix and match your candles with lanterns. Try placing pillar candles inside large metal or ceramic lanterns for a more dynamic décor setup.