Tips to turn your terrace into a hip Diwali party zone in under Rs 25,000

Fairy lights are easy to source, inexpensive and they go perfectly with spirit of Diwali. (Photo by Artem Saranin via Pexels)

Dussehra is done, and there's just less than a fortnight left to prepare for the next big thing on the festive horizon. Now, what could be bigger (and brighter) than Diwali - the festival of lights? After mammoth Navratri and Durga puja street parties, it's time to get up close and personal to celebrate with family and friends in more intimate spaces. Dinner and drinks will be on the house - literally - as the weather gets cooler while the party scene gets hotter. Yes, the terrace is where the party's at… with a little help from our design experts.

Clement DeSylva, principal architect, DeSygn, says you can distribute your budget if you don't already have what you need for a party.

Terrace party: Things to buy, and indicative cost

Prashant Chauhan, creative director, ZERO9, says, in a space-starved city like Mumbai, the building terrace will work if you live in an apartment rather than a sprawling bungalow. Since you're celebrating Diwali, the first thing you need to focus on is the lighting - apart from placing traditional diyas in strategic spots. "Loop in some fairy lights, which are easily available online and can add a spark to your evening party," suggests Chauhan. "Make some DIY lanterns out of Mason jars, old glass bottles or even paper bags. Kids actually find these activities fun - so ask some neighbouring ‘baccha party’ to help you with this task, and order some basic helium balloons to add colour to the space."

Lightweight, easily movable furniture and, if upholstered, then definitely with water-resistant fabric, is what Chauhan would recommend for seating, along with plants that create pathways and barricades to direct your guests to the main areas.

(Photo by Ishita Sitwala, courtesy ZERO9)

What’s a party without music, exclaims Chauhan. Well, don't hesitate to bring in bluetooth speakers (which can work well as a sound system) or even hire/borrow a karaoke kit to add that zing to partying.

Dipttii Khanna, founder & principal designer, Dipttii Khanna Designs, says, "To transform your terrace into an inviting party zone on a budget, there are several things to consider. First and foremost, ensure that you have proper seating in place. You can achieve this by bringing in bean bags, poufs, stools from indoors, and arranging them in a comfortable cluster. Complement this seating with the addition of cushions and throws for that extra cosy touch. To enhance the aesthetics of your lowseating area, incorporate a cotton-weaved or jute rug."

To set the right mood, proper lighting is crucial. Khanna, too, suggests the inclusion of fairy lights and lanterns to create a warm and inviting ambience. "The soft glow they provide can transform the space," she points out. "For a more natural and refreshing atmosphere, consider adding plants and creepers. They not only contribute to the vibe, but also infuse a tropical feel into the space."

For the ultimate party experience, having a dedicated makeshift bar station, is a fantastic addition, agrees Khanna. (Refer to DeSylva's idea of using a step ladder as a bottle display, to achieve this with a small amount of money.)

Pick lightweight, easily movable furniture. (Photo by Ishita Sitwala, courtesy ZERO9)

One important and often neglected area is the olfactory aspect of the space. This is easily done by introducing fragrance candles that can set the right mood and aroma, says Khanna.

Finally, once the decor and essentials of food and drink are sorted, she recommends that you ensure you have the perfect music playlist for the occasion and a sound system to keep the party going.

Follow these budget-friendly tips - and your terrace could become a popular party destination for your family and friends. Cheers!