Things to keep in mind before hosting a party

 Throwing a party at a restaurant cannot be compared to charms of hosting your friends in your home. Sit-down dinners, high-teas and brunch are great settings to hold court with your cherished familiars. And, for everything to be perfect, the place settings have to be just right. Here's a quick check...

Brunch
A brunch is a casual affair and gives lots of room for experimentation. Go for plates and serving bowls that are square, triangular, rectangle or oval. In colours, you can use solids such as pistachio, deep purple and maroon. You'll need a mix of stemware and juice glasses to serve your drinks. You can experiment with colours here too — blue, green or orange work great. A brunch setting is incomplete without fresh flowers on the table.

Lunch
Lunches are light events and less formal than dinners. The crockery should have simple floral patterns in light colours. You can't go wrong with whites, peaches, salmon pinks, lemon yellow, lime green and beige. There can be a hint of copper, silver or gold. Main courses such as pastas, gravy-based vegetables and soups should be served in soup plates rather than flat plates. Rice preparation should be served in oval plates. Serve wines in appropriate stemware and mocktails in flat glasses. Dessert plates are usually an extension of what you use for main course. You'll need cake plates, pie servers and tray stands.

High tea
Since high-tea is semi-formal, bring out your finer cutlery, the one with gold veins or solid colours with floral designs. The cups, saucers and kettle should be of the same set and should match with the other plates. These plates should be small, half plates and not large dinner plates. Other fundamentals include cake plates, tray stands and flower arrangements. Dessert spoons and forks are used for eating, while metal tongs and pie-knives are used for serving.

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Cosying up with cushions

You are sipping 'ek garam chai (or tea) ki pyali'...in the comfort of your warm and dry home, sitting propped up on comfortable cushions and watching TV or reading a book... doesn't this seem to be the ideal picture on a wet, rainy day?

Colourful cushions placed around the house can really lend an inviting and cozy look to your interiors this season. The variety of cushion covers available in the markets is mind-boggling. Just use your creative and colourful side when you are out shopping and voila you come back and change the look of your home!

Mixing and matching different sized cushions is a good idea. They not only make lounging more comfortable but also help to lend a lot of depth to the seating area without looking overcrowded. When you looking for comfort and know that the cushions will be used to sit on or lounge against then opting for handloom or pure cotton or comfortable materials that are kind to the skin is the bets idea.

If you like the heavily sequined, beaded, embroidered cushion covers then you should keep in mind that people may not like the scratchy and uncomfortable feel of sequined cushions. The brightest coloured ones are the winners when it comes to lifting up the spirits of your interiors on dreary monsoon months. So go ahead and get cosy!

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Picking artwork for home, an art

So you have just moved into a new house and after painting the walls and placing all your furniture, you notice that something is still missing. A home is a reflection of you — your personality and state of mind and everyone wants to come home to a comfortable and beautiful space. Most of the beautiful homes are characterised by a unique art collection. Empty walls give the illusion that a home is empty and barely occupied, so why not add some colour and style by investing in some art work.

The most important aspect to take into consideration is the amount of wall space that you have. The ideal place for paintings are a living room but you may want to add some in your bedroom as well. Depending on the amount of space available, choose a painting. You don't want one that overshadows the entire wall, nor do you want very tiny ones. Either choose one big piece or a couple of small ones that are part of the same series and go together.

Don't think getting some art work means spending big bucks. Yes, you may have to shell out much for one of the top artist's works but you can easily choose something cheaper. If originals seem too expensive, why not frame up a reproduction. You can even try and attain prints of your favourite artists' works.

Remember art is quite personal. So don't randomly select a piece just because it goes with the colour of your window curtains. Choose something that is meaningful to you, that inspires or calms you. Try to look it as something that you will keep with you for years. You want to select pieces that you will love and your close ones will appreciate.

No matter what artwork appeals to you, keep in mind also the theme of your home. If you have a very traditional Indian style home with traditional sculptures and carpets, you may want something that goes with the theme. A print of one of Vincent Van Gogh or Monet's work will look totally out of place. Colours are equally important as you don't want it clashing with the rest of the stuff in your home.

Try asking an artist or interior decorator for some tips. You can tell him/her what kind of home you have and they may help you select an appropriate work. They will also tell you how best to display it. You could use small picture lights to highlight the work.

Don't choose a piece in a hurry, take your time browsing the various art galleries at Kala Ghoda and Colaba. Check out some interesting artists' works online. You can even get a piece custom-made to your home size and liking. Always ask questions about the upkeep and maintenance of original works and choose wisely.

If choosing a print art work, take your time in getting it framed. You may want to choose a smart wooden frame with a polish in a colour that goes with your home. You can order a print online as well and most foreign websites will be happy to ship it for a small cost.

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Spruce up your home for the summer

Summer is a great time to add some pizzazz to your decorating. The key to summer decorating is to lighten and brighten.

Try some of these tips to transform your rooms and get your home ready for summer:

Remove layers: Just as we pack away our heavy sweaters once the snow is gone, we can do the same for our rooms. Warm, fuzzy throws draped over the sofa bring warmth to a room in the winter, but can add too much visual heat once the hot weather arrives. Replace heavy throws with lighter, airier fabrics for a more summery feel.

Do the same for large area rugs and the smaller runners in the entry way and kitchen — replace them with lighter rugs (look for any of the following: jute, cotton, bamboo or sisal), or even remove them completely for the season.

Tablecloths and table runners can also be replaced with lightweight versions. A white runner really lightens up a dark wood table. This is a great time to go sheer with window treatments as well. It can really make your space feel more open.

Cover up: If you have a dark, heavy sofa or chairs, a slipcover in a lighter colour and fabric can dramatically change the appearance of your room. This trick also works in the bedroom — slipcover your headboard for a whole new look. Look for lighter, cooler fabrics in a summery pattern like a light stripe or floral print. For a more casual feel, try a white canvas.

Throw cushions can also benefit from the slipcover treatment. Use sheer fabric (for added detail, try an embroidered sheer) to make covers for your dark throw pillows. Even easier — take a sheer scarf and tie it around the pillow for an instant no-sew cover.

For pillows that really say summer, try this easy DIY project: Sew two standard-size towels together along three sides to make super soft, comfortable pillowcases. Smaller towels can be used to cover throw cushions.

Add some artwork: Replace your heavier artwork with lighter pieces — go for summer landscapes, floral and botanicals, shells and water scenes. White picture frames can help to lighten things up as well.

Gather up outdoor photos of family and friends (beach shots are great for this). Put them in coordinating frames and hang them in a grouping to create a photo wall that's sure to be a focal point.

You can also fashion your own summer artwork in a few simple steps — pick a few flowers and leaves from the garden, press them in a book for a week or two, then place them in a picture frame (for those that share my fear of bugs, check flowers before pressing to avoid any unpleasant surprises!). Any of these tips will brighten up your home for summer and give you a fresh new look.

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Home decor on a shoestring

Decorating does not have to cost a fortune. No matter how much money we may have, we all place

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Dressing up windows can be fun

Beautifully decorated windows can make a room look attractive and inviting not only from inside but from the outside too.

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Paint your roofs white, reduce global warming

A new modeling study has determined that painting your roofs white can help reduce the effects of

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Get creative with table napkins

With the spicy, oily food that we all love, our table napkins are always left with some reminders of the

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Spruce up your home for the summer

Summer is a great time to add some pizzazz to your

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Making rose potpourri at home

The first notes you inhale on entering a home says a lot about its inhabitants.

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Animals that can kill evil eye

Some people believe it's all written in the stars. Still, many others think they can get Lady Luck their way with a little bit of help.

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Get the 'almost no furniture' look

Low furniture an really make a huge difference to how you home looks. The living room featured here has

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Go ahead, brighten up your bedroom

After a long stressful day at work, most of us can't wait to get home. That's because our home is our sanctuary. A physical space we can call our own. Our bedroom, especially, is that one personal space which offers maximum solace, serenity and happiness. Nobody likes returning to a place that is cluttered or untidy. So here's how you can liven it up without spending too much money or time.

Chuck the mess:
Get rid of all those old newspapers and magazines that have been piling up regularly. Sell them to a scrap dealer and you will earn a bit of money too. Keep the necessary reading material neatly stacked in a basket or tray.

Decorate the walls:
If you don't wish to spend a lot of money painting them, re-decorate it. Hang picture frames containing photos of your family and friends. Another option is to mount paintings and art work.

Switch to good lighting:
Change those boring lights in your room to some new ones. Go for softer lighting as this will help create the mood.

Get new sheets:
Using the same old white bedsheets that have become discoloured is not good. Purchase new sheets in colourful shades with elegant floral or geometrical prints.

Fluffy pillows:Chuck those old pillows that have begun to lose their fluffiness. Buy yourself some new ones that are comfortable to use.

Flowers:
Another good option to liven your room is to keep some fresh colourful flowers in a beautiful vase. The sight of beautiful colourful and their fragrance are sure to uplift your spirit. But if you find it too cumbersome to change flowers and the water every few days, you can opt for artificial ones.

Rearrange your furniture:
If variety is the spice of life, then why not bring it to your bedroom, to add that extra zing? Rearranging your furniture once in a while, is a great way to give your room a diverse look.

Aromatic candles:
Doesn't a room wafting with the aroma of scented candles make it more inviting and relaxing? Place colourful scented candles in your room, on the table or shelves. These are available in a variety of aromas, colours, shapes and don't cost much.

Memorabilia:
Instead of dumping memorabilia in a cupboard or a chest, place them on the table or shelves. It adds a nice touch to your living space and constantly reminds you of loved ones simply by looking at the souvenirs.

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Make your rented apartment your sanctuary

Dreary white walls. Incompatible ceiling fixtures. Wall-to-wall carpeting that begs to be replaced. Furniture

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Make your guests feel at home

 Do you love having house guests over? When you start to plan your guest room, think about what you expect

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Make your guests feel at home

Do you love having house guests over? When you start to plan your guest room, think about what you expect to find in a five-star hotel room, and try to make your room measure up to that standard.

Your budget may not be enough to let you create a getaway oasis, but you can arrange what's necessary, and provide a quiet place to relax.

In a guest room, less is more — more space, more comfortable, and more welcoming. Get rid of anything that you would not find in the room of a fine hotel. Keep only the most useful items in the room, like a clock and calendar. Provide paper and pens or pencils, tissue, and a hair dryer and have all the bases covered. If you don't have an extra iron and ironing board to offer, be sure to tell your guest where they can find yours.

A phone in the room will be a much-appreciated bonus item. Put together several sets of keys to your home (and car if your guests will be using it). If your guests will be going around town without you, they'll appreciate area maps, brochures on the hot spots, and directions to your home.

Don't give your guest the oldest, most saggy mattress you have. If you can't afford a new bed, think about getting a quality air mattress. They're really quite comfortable and can be placed on top of a box spring, over a sofa bed mattress. Beyond clean bedding, think about adding wonderful bed linens and comfort items, a choice of pillows, a cozy down comforter, extra blankets, and freshly ironed pillowcases. Always have an extra set of bed and bath linens available for your guests. Clear a space to put a luggage rack or a small table or bench to set down a suitcase. No one likes to have to stoop over to the floor to pull out a clean pair of socks. Even a chair is better than nothing. Clear at least a foot or two of pole space in the closet or purchase an inexpensive hook that can accommodate some hanging clothes. Don't forget a supply of six or eight hangers. A simple hook on the wall or behind a closet door can hold a robe, jacket, or a purse. If you have an extra chest of drawers, that's perfect. But at least clear out one or two drawers for small items.

Some people do not sit on a bed. And your guests shouldn't have to. Place an upholstered armchair or side chair in the room with a table and lamp close by. It's always nice to have a light control near the bed, so your guest won't have to stumble around in the dark, just to turn a light on. If nothing else, provide a good reading light near a chair or over the bed. Another fixture or lamp near the desk would be great. A small night light is helpful.

If you've read a wonderful novel, share it with your guest. Five-minute mysteries, travel books, an assortment of magazines, classic novels, or the local paper will provide quiet-time activities for your guest. A TV in the guest room would also be much appreciated. Don't forget to place the remote control near the bed so they don't have to get out of bed to turn them off.

Choose window coverings that not only add to the character of the room, but provide privacy and light control. Setting up a guest room doesn't take a lot of time. It just takes special consideration for your visitor's needs.

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Add a splash of white for the summer

White fabrics and sparkling accessories are natural choices for summer decor because they add much-needed light to a home's interior even when the drapes are drawn.

As children, we're taught that white is the absence of colour. But in nature, white actually embraces a rainbow of subtle hues, from pale pink and peach to tints of blue, green, and gray. As many interior decorators know, white isn't just one shade; there's off-white, eggshell, ice white, snow white and bright white — and that's just for starters. With an all-white room, or even one that's just heavily reliant on white, you can play with colour. Red one day, sea foam green the next. You can bring in a simple bowl full of water with gray-green stones and see how it stands out.

Toss a couple of throw pillows on a white sofa in a white room and watch the room change before your eyes. And an all-white room is perfect for a goldfish bowl. White works so well because it reflects back a great deal of light, so other colours you use with it will really stand out. A terrific painting over the bed in blues and a blue striped duvet cover or a bedspread patterned in bright yellow and white, and the door painted bright yellow. You can see how starting with an all-white room can free an interior decorator to choose and play with colour.

To make the most of all-white interiors, take out the slickness with textural, translucent fabrics. Few things have the power to renew the spirit like a long soak in a hot bath. A combination of snowy white linens and white towels in thirsty textured weaves are the way to go. Keep a stock of white candles, mirrored and sparkling accessories, and frosted glasses on hand to keep the look fresh and inviting.

Simply create new groupings from your stash every time you set the table. White can be crisp and clean, yet it can also be rumpled and cozy. Flat white walls and smooth white furnishings can readily blend into boredom. Add shades of warmth like gold, pale tans, or faded yellows to keep white from looking too sterile.

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Develop your own brand of decor

Only a lucky few have a clear idea of their favourite decorating style. If you develop your own brand of décor you're bound to be a bigger success than if you try and ape someone else's sense of style. Don't buy a thing just because your neighbour has it. Only bring into your home things you truly love.

More than fitting in with a certain style, this resolution focuses on elements you want to live with, whether it is lace curtains, colourful walls, or Chinese porcelain. Fill your home with things you love and you will build wonderful interiors over the years.

Wait for what you want and aim to buy quality. A blank wall might be better than a hastily chosen piece of furniture that will cause buyer's remorse when you later find what you really wanted. Save up for the "perfect armoire" or a "just right" dining room set, rather than settling for something that's just ok. Build your interiors over the years with well chosen pieces that will hold up over time. Buy with an eye for scale, quality, and function. Proper organisation is as much about editing as it is about space.

Get organised is equally important. Clean out a closet, rearrange your kitchen cupboards, and even the floor of your garage. Make room for what you need to do (mail, bills, reading), then for what you want to do (cooking, crafts, painting). Let your solutions fit your budget — large or small — and they will revitalise and refresh you and your space: Reappreciate, Reuse and Recycle. From fine antiques to treasures there are plenty of bargains in old furniture. Well chosen pieces come with a history marked in scratches and dents (fondly called 'patina'). Most will add interest to your home and help avoid too 'matched' a look. Get creative by painting or staining a number of misfit pieces the same colour. Cherish these treasures, and let your creativity blossom as you refinish, repaint, embellish, or simply enjoy them as they are.

Think of each room as a 'set that you can decorate any way you please to increase your home's sense of peace, warmth, and order'. Consider some of these ideas:

-Set up a tea service at a small table by a window overlooking a garden.

- Place an open book and cozy throw on the upholstered chair in your bedroom.

-Pile an attractive bowl with fresh fruit on the kitchen island.

-Display a vase of fresh (very fresh) flowers in the entry hall.

-Arrange some beautiful cookbooks on the desk in your kitchen.

In short, have some fun with a few accessories here and there, making interesting little vignettes that say "Welcome". Finally, resolve to outsmart your budget (however large or small) with freshness, creativity, innovation, and a little savvy shopping. Resolve to make your home more beautiful, more organised, and more in tune with your personal style. You are going to want to come back to your home everyday.

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