The days before Diwali are big on socialzing. Lights begin to go up, homes smell of fresh paint and the air feels just a little more festive. It’s also a good time to slow down and have a cozy dinner with your closest friends and family before the big celebrations start. These smaller get-togethers before Diwali set the mood for the holiday. People talk, laugh and eat good food together at home.
You don’t need a fancy menu or complicated plans when it comes to planning dinner for these kinds of nights. Comfort, variety and a little sparkle on the table are the most important things. Here are some tips to help you plan a memorable dinner at home before Diwali.
Setting the Mood
Start by setting the tone for the evening. A few fairy lights, diyas along the balcony, and a simple flower arrangement can make even a small space feel festive. Soft background music — maybe light classical or mellow Bollywood tracks — adds to the warmth. Set the table with vibrant runners, a few candles, and colourful serving bowls to bring out the Diwali vibe.
If the weather allows, an outdoor setup in the balcony or terrace adds a casual yet elegant touch. It feels open and relaxed.
The Menu
Your menu can be simple yet full of flavour. Combine evergreen Indian dishes with a few festive add ons. Something everyone enjoys but still feels special.
Starters: Begin with small plates that are easy to serve and eat. Paneer tikka, dahi ke kebab and hara bhara kebab are evergreen favourites. If you want something lighter, try corn chaat or stuffed mushrooms. For non-vegetarians, tandoori chicken or fish tikka work beautifully.
Main Course: A festive dinner in India feels incomplete without at least one rich curry. You could go with butter paneer, kadai mushroom, or dal makhani for vegetarians. Pair them with jeera rice or lightly spiced pulao. For meat lovers, chicken korma, mutton rogan josh or a simple chicken handi curry can be go to dishes.
You can also add a one-pot meal like biryani or paneer pulao, which is easy to make, serve, and clean up later. To make it more filling, add rotis, naan, or garlic butter kulchas.
Sides and Salads: Simple cucumber-tomato salads with a dash of lemon and chaat masala bring freshness. You can also include papad, raita (boondi or mint), and pickle jars for that home-style feel.
Desserts: Sweetness that Signals Celebration
No pre-Diwali dinner is complete without something sweet. You can go traditional with gulab jamun, rasmalai, or kheer — all-time favourites that never fail. For a lighter touch, try phirni in small bowls or baked gulab jamun cheesecake for a fun twist. If you want something quicker, fresh fruit salad with honey or chocolate brownies served warm also work well.
If you have guests who love experimenting, keep a small dessert counter where they can top kheer or ice cream with nuts, saffron syrup, or roasted coconut flakes — it’s interactive and adds a playful element to the evening.
Drinks to Complement the Meal
You don’t need a full bar setup. Stick to a mix of simple and festive drinks. For non-alcoholic options masala chai, chilled nimbu shikanji or rose sherbet can be great choices. For a slightly modern twist, add mocktails like pomegranate spritzers or virgin mojitos. If you’re serving alcohol, a bottle of wine or light cocktails like sangria pair well with Indian food without overpowering the flavours.
Keep It Easy and Personal
The best dinners aren’t about perfection — they’re about warmth. Instead of trying to do everything yourself, make some of the food ahead of time or mix homemade food with store-bought food. Set up a buffet so that everyone can help themselves. Add little personal touches, like handwritten place cards or a bowl of chocolates for guests to take home.
Ordering Made Simple with Zomato
If you don’t feel like cooking after a long day of getting ready for Diwali, hosting becomes easy with Zomato. You can get full meals, party platters or festive thalis from the best restaurants in your area. Many places even have special Diwali menus with appetisers, main courses, and desserts. Everything comes hot and ready to eat, whether it’s butter chicken from Biryani By Kilo, paneer lababdar from Behrouz, or desserts from Haldiram’s.
You can even mix and match. You can order appetisers and desserts while you make the main dish at home. It saves time and still feels like it’s made at home.
A Celebration of Togetherness
A pre-Diwali dinner isn’t about being fancy. It’s about sharing stories, comfort food and laughter with people. The goal is the same whether you light up the grill, order your favorite foods online or make a simple meal at home: to welcome Diwali with love and happiness. These quiet nights before the big holiday are what make the season so special.
