Preparing for Diwali ... a 5 weeks Diwali planner...

Its 5 weeks to Diwali ... are you ... all over the place ... all loose ends ... not sure where to start ... but sure looking forward to making this a very special Diwali ... just need to figure out where to start ... Aaah! ... isn't that what we all go through ... all ideas in the head and well that's about it ...
O.k , so here's something we could all try a ... 5 week Diwali planner... for a wonderful .. different ... Diwali ... that you can actually enjoy ... Give that designer in you enough time to work the magic ... let your style show ...

... Now you need to figure out your celebration menu part of the deal ... I'll be there for the Style and Design part of the deal ... HELLOW !! ... Ladies, .... Anupy over at http://www.indianasapplepie.com/ , Zara at http://www.splitpearsonality.blogspot.com/ , Ananva at http://www.choolah.blogspot.com/ , Veda at http://www.iyengarskitchen.blogspot.com/ , Sreelu at http://www.sreelus.blogspot.com/ and all the other lovely ladies at cooking blogs ... hope you are all going to inspire a great Diwali spread ... :)

Here, goes ... a 5 Week Diwali Planner ...

Week 1 ...

.. Are you the planning major home cleaning ... well may be a good idea to have it underway ... drycleaning the upholstery... tapestry ... a fresh coat of paint you wanted to do ...

... Start the decor planning ... are you thinking of a special design element for the decor ... that'll be THE decor piece ... it 'll be a good idea to start with something you passionatly wanted to do .... that'll help you start on the next major thing ...

... COLORS... think of the colors you want to have this Diwali ... everyones getting all creative with the wedding colors and red is not the only color for a bride ... why stick to just orange and red and all the traditionally considered ... Diwali colors ... might be fun to experiment while you still got the time ...

... Deciding colors will take care of your options for ... flowers ... linen for the table ... colors for the rangoli (floral or powder) ...

... Decide your lighting options ... outdoors and indoors ... string lights ... lanterns ... candles ... diyas ... votives ... oil lamps ... ???

... gifts ???

Week 2 ...
... Most of planning under way ... a lot of decisions in place ... start collecting your pieces ... that means ... SHOPPING ... and while you are at it ... keep a good load of extra pack of tea lights or diyas (depending on which you have decided on this time )... handy anytime for all the corners that can be awesome with just a little lighting ...


Week 3 ...

... shine by the silver ... polish up the brass ...

... iron and starch the linen ... all ready to go ...

... pull out the outdoors lighting ... making sure alls in working order ... so no last minute surprises ...

... plan out your decor layout ... are you having guests or is it just family ...

... you've decided the flowers ... now may be a good time to think up your arrangements ... the containers ... the vases ... are you getting garlands to decorate ... make sure you have with you a good idea of the lengths you need and the no's .

Week 4 ...

... order your flowers ...

... get ready all your Chinaware ... flatware (cutlery) ... glassware ... don't want to end up with flowers in what was to be ... well ... ;) ... or floating flowers in what was your serveware ... thatyou instead need for the serving ;)

... depending upon how big or elaborate your outdoor decor is going to be ... you may be happier dealing with it a week in advance ... there will be plenty of last minute things ...

... with things to hang ... prop up ... light up ... a good idea to check all the nails .. hooks ... the wire extentions you'll need ... while the handy electrician and carpenters are not acting too dandy ...

Week 5 ...

... its the final week ... the weekend sees you all set for Diwali ...

... you've got most of the things dealt with ... early week can be a good time for self indulgence ...
... day before Diwali make sure flowers are delivered or picked up ... you can be ready with your flower arrangements the night before ...

... set the mood for the celebrations ... light up outdoors... why wait for just Diwali day ...

... your Diwali decor can get its finishing touches the day before ...

... your linen...serveware ...china ... flatware ... glassware... can all be ready and waiting in the flanks for you to lay it out the next day ...

... if flowers are all arranged ... you can as well lay out your ... indoor lanterns or votives except in case of diyas ... which is best placed as they are finally lit ...

... float your flowers on the Diwali day ... they may not remain fresh till next day ... if you float them earlier ...

... try and leave just the rangoli and table laying for the D-day ... this will give you ample time for your own self ...

... just a few things ... to make your celebrations more about you and the way you love them ... you design ... you style.

Would love to hear from you ... if you think I missed out on something ... and if this helps you ... I'd love to hear that bit too ... and have a Happy Diwali ... :)

Image Sources :- Image 1 ... http://www.indiamike.com/ , Image 2 ... via http://www.coutureventsbyd.blogspot.com/ , Image 3 ... via http://www.hostessblog.com/ , Image 4 ... http://www.marthstewartliving.com/ , Image 5 ... via http://www.zwedding.blogspot.com/ , Image 6 ,7 ,8... unknown .