Inside Mouni Roy’s Bombay Birthday Bash All the celebrity #inspo you need for your next hosting gig

Fresh off Brahmastra, Bollywood beauty Mouni Roy celebrated her 37th birthday in the city of dreams with stunning style. From cute cakes to creative cocktails, this celebrity party had it all, and lucky for you we took some diligent notes.

Here are six gorgeous party tips & tricks from Mouni’s big bash that you can include in your own party plans. Read on to know more!

Get creative with Party Cocktails!

Mouni had customized the cocktail menu at her birthday party and some of the drinks were even inspired by her name! From Junoon’s bramble, Mouni & Tonic to Mounilicious and The Nambiar Effect, the drinks menu was something to take some inspiration from. Here’s a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

And if you’re keen on hiring mixologists for your birthday bar, we have a list of bartenders you can choose from in your location.





Choose the right venue

Mouni hosted her birthday at Taki Taki, one of Mumbai’s cool culinary hotspots with a sublime ambiance. The fine-dining Pan-Asian restaurant is located at Lower Parel, Mumbai, and is known for a scrumptious Sunday brunch where you can relish everything from pancakes to sushi, and fun, innovative cocktails.

Here are the restaurant details below!

Where: World Crest, Unit No.1A & 1B, Lodha, Senapati Bapat Marg, Upper Worli, Lower Parel, Mumbai

When: 12:30pm–1:30am

Cost: ₹2,500 for two (approx.)




Make your cake the party showstopper (besides you, ofc!)

The actress is not afraid to satisfy her sweet tooth! Mouni was seen cutting two cakes at midnight, one was a classic chocolate overload and there was another that was bound by chocolate cover wafer bars, looking absolutely decadent and delicious. Oh, and don’t forget to light some show-stopping candles for the cake!




Here’s a complete list of cake bakeries and confectionaries in the city to help you choose your birthday cake beauty.

Your birthday outfit can complement your party décor!

The birthday outfit is BIG deal. Mouni chose a strapless ivory-hued dress that was adorned with beaded embellishments and sequins to help her sparkle like a true Birthday Queen. The glistening ivory dress offset the red-themed party décor, creating a complimentary contrast that made Mouni effortlessly steal the spotlight.



Have a birthday backdrop for the photos!

No birthday bash is complete without a backdrop for photos and Mouni’s celebrity gathering had the perfect red carpet for her guests to pose for. Take a look at the pictures below!



Here are some exciting birthday backdrop ideas that can also double up as beautiful birthday décor.



You can also think of installing a photo booth for capturing the good times!

Sleek & Stylish 21st B’day Décor for Your Big Bash

Turning 21 is a *huge* deal. It’s the first official chapter into adulthood and the independent start into the rollercoaster of life. Safe to say it deserves décor that’s nothing but larger than life itself.

If you ask us, the décor’s the next most important thing after choosing your 21st birthday outfit…and maybe cocktails?

From gorgeous birthday photo booths that will help you capture your best memories to some divine mood lighting and delectable birthday cakes and pastries, we have narrowed down a few crucial points that will help you nail your 21st B’day vibe.

Here’s some inspo to get you started, scroll on to pick your favorites for the mood board!




Birthday Photobooth

A pretty and aesthetic photo booth has the potential to be the showstopper of the party (besides you ofc). Think about creating a frame that speaks to you, it’ll capture some of the best moments you’ll ever have.




Birthday Backdrop

Don’t hold back on the backdrop. Think all things shiny and streamers galore. You can also get creative, and add lighting, balloons, photographs, and disco balls to your favorite color palette.





Birthday Lights

Play with contrasting themes to make a lasting impression. Disco lights with delicate florals are definitely our current obsession but you can choose pretty much anything you want!




Birthday Cake

We’re firm believers that a showstopping birthday cake is part of the décor itself. Take your time to envision your perfect cake and make it true to who you are. To make it a little easier, here’s a list of the city’s most loved confectioners to craft your dream cake.

The Most Beautiful Tiffany’s Themed Bridal Shower

If there was ever a bridal shower theme that promised endless elegance, it is the iconic colours and sophisticated aesthetic of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Everything about Tiffany’s points to effortless glamour, from its breathtakingly beautiful color scheme to its timeless affair with pearls and diamonds. It’s simply an idea you just can’t go wrong with, and it is something that will undoubtedly make it a special day for the bride-to-be. Read on to know how to capture Tiffany’s signature style for a classic Tiffany’s themed bridal shower.

White Lace & Mint Blue Fabrics

Think of delicate lace that would effortlessly compliment the pastel Tiffany Blue®. You could choose dainty lace fabrics for sheer curtains and table cloths to offset the pastel teal napkins or drapes. Although a little high maintenance, white lace will always remain a timeless classic that will elegantly elevate every gathering that it’s a part of.



On Theme Floral Arrangements 

Tiffany-themed florals make for the most breath-taking arraignments. They’re fresh and feminine with the most beautiful blue & white blooms. Think blue Hydrangeas, White Peonies or Roses, delicate Baby’s Breath or Lilly of the Valley, or a Larkspur Bouquet for some more blue options!





Cakes & Goodies fit for a Tiffany Breakfast or Brunch!

Besides the bride-to-be, it’s usually the scrumptiously tasty and daintily decorated cakes and goodies that steal the show. Tiffany’s can offer endless inspiration when it comes to choosing your bridal shower confectionary menu. Here are some of our favorites straight from Tiffany’s mood board!






“Official” Tiffany Photobooth

No bridal shower is complete without an on-theme photobooth for all the gorgeous clicks that are to follow. It’s can be an understated piece of the party, but it is something that makes your memories extra special when you look back at your milestones through pictures.



Tiffany or Audrey Inspired Dress Code

Dress codes and color schemes add to the beauty of a bridal shower rooted in sisterhood. You can request your girlfriends to dress in the Tiffany colors or choose some iconic Audrey-inspired gowns that will truly make this bridal shower one for the ages!






Unique Party Ideas for Kids

A kid’s birthday party is perfect for bringing your inner child out to play. As the world becomes more diverse, birthday parties become even more fun, entertaining, and engaging for kids. Here’s a list of a few unique ideas you can explore for your child’s next birthday bash!

KARAOKE PARTY



The ultimate ice-breaker, Karaoke is a fun and engaging party idea that’ll keep the kids busy, entertained, and excited. It promises bucket-loads of fun and appeals to all ages, especially kids! You can rent out a karaoke machine (here’s a list of vendors) or set up a simple karaoke system at home (refer to the checklist below).

To keep things interesting, you can even turn the party into a karaoke contest and give out gifts to all the participants!

Checklist

  • Speakers
  • Mic & TV display
  • Karaoke playlist – you can find karaoke channels on YouTube (Sing King) or make one using your favorite tunes!

CITY BUS TOUR



Images via Nilambari Open Deck Bus Tour, Mumbai

Here’s one unique party idea that’d probably get every parent’s vote! Take the kids out on a chartered open deck city bus tour and give them a chance to have their very own birthday picnic. You can show them around the city’s hot spots and stop for treats along the way, and here’s the best part – no mess to clean up at home!

Checklist

  • Booking the City Bus Tour (Spreeh recommends Nikamal, rated by TripAdvisor!)
  • Birthday treats and goodies (you can pack the food in travel-safe tiffins)
  • Birthday cake (imagine cutting the cake at a famous city landmark)
  • Some paper plates, cutlery, and trash bags
  • Birthday bus playlist for some energetic singalongs
  • A camera to capture the memories!

CARNIVAL FIESTA




Bring home the carnival for your kid’s birthday party! Besides the carnival-themed decor, and a big, bold and bright birthday cake, you can think of hiring a photo booth, serving easy finger food for the munchies, and throwing in some low-maintenance carnival-themed games (we’ve got a checklist for all your needs listed below!).

And if you really want to go all out, don’t be afraid of the mess and treat the kids to a face-painting session, or hire a mini-trampoline if you’ve got some outdoor space.

Checklist

  • Carnival decorations (party-supplies stores, here!)
  • Show-stopping birthday cake (our fav confectionaries here!)
  • Photobooth for hire (a few vendors, here!)
  • Trampoline for hire (a few vendors, here!)
  • Chart papers and hula hoops for games
  • Art supplies for face painting kits
  • Carnival games ideas

 BIRTHDAY OLYMPICS




Kids love some friendly competition. You can set up a few games (such as sack races, musical chairs, twister; three to four will do great), divide your guest into teams, and DIY a scoreboard. You can organize a fun little awards ceremony at the end and hand out special prizes to the winning teams.

Checklist

  •       Backyard space (You could also use your apartment complex’s common area, or go to a nearby park)
  •       Whiteboard and markers for the scoreboard
  •        Prizes for the participants

Six Scrumptious Vegan & Gluten-Free Recipes for Your Plant-Based Friends

A good host knows the responsibility of serving a hearty meal. Food arguably has the power to make or break a gathering. You want your friends to not only have a good time but also leave with their stomachs and hearts brimming with joy & contentment. But for some, hosting a party of gluten-free, plant-based people can be a bitter challenge, especially when you wouldn’t reach out for vegan or gluten-free munchies yourself.

But worry you shall not, for here we have a scrumptious list of ten easy-to-make vegan & gluten-free recipes that will leave your guests craving more!

  • Creamy Vegan Potato Salad

This creamy and luscious potato salad is a proven crowd-pleaser. Think of it as a more elevated potato side dish, it’s not your usual mash or run-of-the-mill wedges but rather a crunchy, creamy, soft & tangy, herb-infused potato side dish you wish you’d made more of! Made with only six simple ingredients, get the full recipe here.




  • Thai Green Curry with Spring Vegetables

What’s a meal without curry, right? Vegan or not, Thai curry is a dish that you simply cannot go wrong with. Loaded with veggies and all the green goodness, this Thai curry is made extra special with spring vegetables such as asparagus, carrots & spinach! The dish is best served with steamed rice, and although you won’t believe it with the pictures, it is super easy to make. Find the full recipe here.



  • Quick & Vegan Channa Masala

This article wouldn’t be complete without a tantalizing, spicy Indian dish and it is the hearty & humble channa masala that makes the list! This saucy chickpea dish is not only easy to make but really elevates the palate of the table with its warm & fragrant spices. You’ll find the full recipe for vegan & gluten-free Channa Masala right here!




  • Gluten-Free & Vegan Margherita 

No party is complete without a pizza and we’re going to show you how to make the most perfect vegan and gluten-free pizza that will blow your guests away. Made using a chickpea base, this is as healthy as a pizza can get while being its (vegan) cheesy best. Get the full recipe here!

*Please note: the article contains both vegan & non-vegan topping options.



  • Vegan & Gluten-Free Scones

Hosting a high tea? Elevate the experience with these elegant & delicious scones that are also vegan & gluten-free. Yes, you read that right! Scones aren’t the easiest pastry dish to make without gluten, but we’ve found you a recipe that makes the most tender GF scones. Find the recipe here!



  • Vegan Caramel Slice (No Bake)

Polishing this piece off with a perfect vegan dessert, we present to you the gooiest and most irresistible Caramel Slice. Made with almond flour, dates, and dark chocolate, these sweet little squares offer some divine decadence that is also, believe it or not, vegan & healthy! Find the full recipe here.



What is Your Party Style? Got a minute? Take the quiz!

The food, the music, the memories, we firmly believe that parties can be one of the best things on planet Earth. But ever wondered what’s your favourite style of partying? Well, we’ve got a fun little quiz for you to find out!

  1. 1 Pick some people to party with.
  1. a) My local social circle
  2. b) Friends, acquaintances, strangers, and anyone really!
  3. c) My family, ALL of them
  4. d) Co-workers, industry folk, and high-society people
  1. 2 What kind of décor would you rather see at a party?
  1. a) Twinkling warm lights, polaroids, and house plants
  2. b) Disco ball, strobe lights and a photo booth, and a well-stocked bar
  3. c) Fun floral arrangements, colourful streamers, and al-fresco dining
  4. d) Exotic florals, posh tables & contemporary art pieces (maybe an ice sculpture or two!)
  1. 3 You had a crazy night. What snaps did you find on your camera roll?
  1. a)     Funny videos and your pals passed out
  2. b)     You singing karaoke and something blurry

c )     Pictures of the food and group photos

  1. d)      Your outfit and some poses for the ‘gram
  1. 4 You’ve to pick your party outfit, what do you wear?
  1. a) Something comfy but cute (tee and jeans all the way)
  2. b) Something sexy (time to bring out the LBD)
  3. c) Something casual-chic (breezy maxi dress or chinos)
  4. d) Something sophisticated (your fav power-suit or the gorgeous black-tie gown)
  1. 5 At a party you are most likely to be
  1. a)         Laughing, crying, and winning at Monodeal
  2. b)         Taking refills at the bar and busting some moves
  3. c)       Eating your heart out
  4. d)       Meeting new people
  1. 6 Pick a theme that excites you the most
  1. a)       Game Night
  2. b)       Retro
  3. c)        Carnival
  4. d)        Cocktail or Black Tie
  1. 7 Where would you like to party the most?
  1. a)       My home (I love hosting)
  2. b)       The town’s best new hotspot!
  3. c) A farmhouse or somewhere outdoors
  4. d)        A beautiful resort or city hall!
  1. 8 Which of these sounds like your ideal night out?
  1. a) Playing pool or watching a match or game night at a friend’s
  2. b) Dancing the night away in your go-to club
  3. c) Out for a movie with the fam
  4. d) Networking in the town’s best restaurants
  1. 9 What kind of food does this party have?
  1. a) Your favourite take-out
  2. b) Some lip-smacking finger food, but you’re mostly at the bar!
  3. c) Barbecue and some potpie
  4. d)        A fancy fine dining spread
  1. 10 It’s 12 am, what’s your night looking like?
  1. a) It’s getting late but still fun
  2. b) The night is young
  3. c) Saying our goodbyes now!
  4. d) Already in bed

Your result:

Mostly a’s: Happening House-party! 

You love hosting and a fun, cozy night in with your best pals is a night well spent for a homebody like you.

Mostly b’s: Wild Night Out

You are young, wild, and adventurous and so are your night-outs! You love to turn strangers into friends, and you have a damn good time doing it.

Mostly c’s: Big Fat Family Fiesta

You know how to turn family time into a real party. There’s great food, lots of laughter, and even more love!

Mostly d’s: A Posh Gala  

You have a wardrobe filled with party outfits to impress your peers and you love it (also, your photos are impeccable).

The Zero Food Waste Guide for Your Party Planning Notes

In honor of World Food Day, we’re creating a comprehensive guide to help you successfully curb food waste at your next dinner party.

A well-thought-out food waste plan is an undisputed requisite in the modern host’s party toolkit. From food prep to party scrapes, we’re listing some easy but essential steps you can take to ensure maximum fun and minimum waste.

Go Local, Be Seasonal

Make an audit of your guest’s eating preferences and prioritize seasonal and local produce while planning your party menu

Plan with the Industry Portion Size in Mind

In order to avoid cooking excess food, try streamlining the preparations to the catering industry portion size of two helpings per person.

Recyclables or Reusables Only

Use cloth napkins instead of paper ones, and opt for serving food in reusable cutlery & crockery.

This way, not only do you get to show off some gorgeous linens and fine china, but you can also effortlessly elevate the mood of the party by making your guests feel valued & appreciated.

#ProTip: Make sure to start the party with an empty dishwasher and washing machine, so at the end of the night you can load everything at once and wake up to two less home chores!

Make the Party PSA

Before you begin the feast, make a quick announcement to guests about the recycling process and food scraps disposal. You can inform them about your waste reduction efforts and educate them about waste separations bins.

Segregate Your Waste

Have a system for waste segregation, and also to separate out quality food from the leftovers.

Make sure trash, recycling, and food scraps are sorted correctly for the disposal process. Clearly label your waste bins to avoid confusion and contamination (do keep in mind that plastic bags should not go in your recycling bin!).

There’s a Lot You Can do with Leftovers

For the leftover food, you can request your guests to bring lunch boxes to take food in, or you can hand it out to them in reusable containers.

Alternatively, you can tie up with organizations that feel the needy, homeless, or even stray animals, and donate the leftovers for their feeding drives. This way, you’ll not only be reducing food waste but also be helping goodwill forces fight food shortage and hunger at the grassroots level in your city.

Consider Composting

For food scraps, you can consider composting at home, and if that’s not feasible, see if you have a neighbor or friend who will take your food scraps to compost or use as animal feed.

Once you start implementing these steps, you’re on your way to becoming a conscious and responsible green host, whose parties are not only fun but also kind to the Earth.

The Zero-Waste Party Plan

It’s the roaring twenties again and we’ve ascended into the realm of a post-pandemic world. Parties and gatherings, no matter how big or small, have made a much-awaited comeback, and we’ve learned to not take these moments for granted. This is why it’s important that we party like we’re in 2022, with a zero-waste party plan that leaves no carbon footprint and is easy on the planet.

There is literally no downside to an eco-friendly party. All it takes is a little pre-planning, a few supplies, and some creativity. Don’t know where to start? Here’s a little guide for going waste-free for your next big (or small) shindig.

Make a Sustainable Statement with the Invite: You can set the tone for your party with the invitation itself. Embrace paperless and opt for an e-invite accustomed to your theme. You can get creative or choose from countless templates online. If you’re still keen on traditional paper invites, opt for eco-friendly and plantable seed paper that will grow into something beautiful or delicious!

Keep it Real with Earth-Friendly Décor: If you haven’t experimented with natural décor, you’re missing out. Mother Earth has some beautiful, otherworldly bounties that make for the most captivating décor. Think florals, ferns, fruits, twigs, and more florals! You can stay true to your color palette and even think of using dried foliage for an understated look. You can also focus on all kinds of lighting décor, and eco-friendly paper décor to mix things up.

Break Out the China for Table Essentials: It’s easy to fall for disposables and their convenience, especially when you think of the cleaning job after. But there’s no denying that we’re making a gigantic, wasteful, and hazardous mess in choosing that. Don’t be afraid to break out the good china, or some stunning ceramics and glassware. It’s a cleaning job but it’s worth it. Besides, stunning tableware always doubles up as décor!

Pro-tip: Keep your washing machine empty so you can throw in all your cloth napkins for a quick wash right after hosting.

Make a Failproof Food-Waste Plan: Prep and planning go a long way in avoiding food waste. Here are a few tips to help you curb food wastage.

  • Make an audit of your guest’s eating preferences and stick to the catering industry portion size of two helpings per person.
  • Keep seasonal food in mind while planning your menu and prioritize local produce.
  • Set up a food compost bin and request your guests to get some tiffins to take home party leftovers. You can also tie up with a local shelter to send all the extra goodies to.

 

Feel Good Party Favours: Party favors are a tricky deal, most guests either love their little token or hate it. Either way, party favors tend to be pretty wasteful if not thought out carefully. Here are a few of our favorite Earth-friendly options!

  • Kids: Eco crayons, natural play dough, candy, organic art supplies
  • Adults: Herb kits, plants & succulents, local/homegrown honey or chocolate, natural consumables (organic candles, lotions, wines, etc.)

 

P.S Ditch the plastic for packaging and go for cloth bags, potlis, ribbons, jars, or jute.

Fun, kind, and guilt-free, there’s no better way to throw a party than an Earth-friendly party. Small changes make a big difference, you don’t have to get everything right the first time. If you’re not in a position to switch to zero-waste completely, start with one department at a time. But start somewhere, because, in all honesty, zero waste is not a choice but a necessity.

The Complete Guide to Planning an Authentic Mexican Fiesta (Part II)

The Fiesta

We strongly believe that one should experience the joy of an authentic Mexican Fiesta with their friends and family at least once in their life. It’s a gathering filled with vibrant color, fantastic food, great music, and endless joy.
In Part I, we covered everything you need for a full Mexican Feast – authentic, easy-to-make recipes for your appetizers, mains, mocktails, and cocktails.
Now, read on to know everything you need for creating the right ambiance for an authentic Mexican Fiesta

1. Party Décor

Vibrant, fun, and fresh is the perfect way to describe the decorations for an authentic Mexican Fiesta. If you want to truly channel the spirit of an authentic fiesta, you can look at incorporating the colors of the Mexican Flag – a roaring red, contrasting white, and lush green!
Lace your entrance with Fiesta theme décors such as sombreros, colorful flags, chili pepper streamers, cacti succulents, patterned throw pillows, acoustic guitars, and drums. You can even order a bunch of mini sombreros for your guests to raise the fiesta spirit.

2. Table Décor

The table décor can really be the centerpiece of your fiesta décor. A Mexican feast calls for a bright and eclectic table adorned with colors, flowers, food, and cocktails that promise a good time and an even better meal.

Start with your selection of vibrant table runners and napkins, you can top them with some bright and lush floral arrangements, or go for the traditional cacti and succulents in colorful pots. Another fresh take is to fill bowls or vases with freshly cut citrus fruits such as limes, oranges, or lemons that add to the fun and vibrant fiesta fervor.

You can also place several maracas around the table for a fun addition that guests can enjoy!

3. Music & Entertainment

Nothing puts you in the Mexican party mood more than Mexican music! Think soulful South American jazz, melodious acoustic guitars or the euphoric rhythm of a mariachi band! You can curate a perfect party on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, or Gaana or you can check out some downloadable playlists online. Either way, we have a few recommendations to get you dancing!

  1. Tequila by The Champs
  2. Oye Como Va by Santana
  3. La Cucaracha
  4. Tijuana Taxi by Herb Alpert
  5. La Bamba by Ritchi Valens
  6. South of the Border by Frank Sinatra
  7. Mexican Hat Dance aka Chiapanecas
  8. Bamboleo by the Gypsy Kings
  9. Mexico by Bob Moore & His Orchestra
  10. Mexican Radio by Wall of Voodoo
  11. Vaya Con Dios
  12. Guatanamera by Celia Cruz

 

Playlist courtesy of mesagrapevine.com

4. Party Games

The best way to dial up the spirit of a party is to throw in some fun party games in the mix. You can invite your guests to play some easy and popular party games but make it Mexican! Think of paper dance, but make it salsa or think of musical chairs but this time with sombreros! Everyone passes the sombreros around in a circle and when the music stops you have to put it on and do a little easy Mexican Hat Dance – the national dance of Mexico! Then of course there is the classic Mexican Piñata, the participants are blindfolded and take turns to break the piñata with a stick to release the goodies!

5. Party Favors

Leave your guests with a little something that reminds them of what could arguably be one of the best days of their life! A decorative sombrero, a succulent, or the traditional Mexican maraca would make an ideal souvenir for the party. You can browse through Amazon, or go to Etsy to select some cute handmade Mexican party favors5

The Most Beautiful Tiffany’s Themed Bridal Shower

If there was ever a bridal shower theme that promised endless elegance, it is the iconic colours and sophisticated aesthetic of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Everything about Tiffany’s points to effortless glamour, from its breathtakingly beautiful color scheme to its timeless affair with pearls and diamonds. It’s simply an idea you just can’t go wrong with, and it is something that will undoubtedly make it a special day for the bride-to-be. Read on to know how to capture Tiffany’s signature style for a classic Tiffany’s themed bridal shower.

White Lace & Mint Blue Fabrics

Think of delicate lace that would effortlessly compliment the pastel Tiffany Blue®. You could choose dainty lace fabrics for sheer curtains and table cloths to offset the pastel teal napkins or drapes. Although a little high maintenance, white lace will always remain a timeless classic that will elegantly elevate every gathering that it’s a part of.

On Theme Floral Arrangements

Tiffany-themed florals make for the most breath-taking arraignments. They’re fresh and feminine with the most beautiful blue & white blooms. Think blue Hydrangeas, White Peonies or Roses, delicate Baby’s Breath or Lilly of the Valley, or a Larkspur Bouquet for some more blue options!

Cakes & Goodies fit for a Tiffany Breakfast or Brunch!

Besides the bride-to-be, it’s usually the scrumptiously tasty and daintily decorated cakes and goodies that steal the show. Tiffany’s can offer endless inspiration when it comes to choosing your bridal shower confectionary menu. Here are some of our favorites straight from Tiffany’s mood board!

“Official” Tiffany Photobooth

No bridal shower is complete without an on-theme photobooth for all the gorgeous clicks that are to follow. It’s can be an understated piece of the party, but it is something that makes your memories extra special when you look back at your milestones through pictures.

Tiffany or Audrey Inspired Dress Code

Dress codes and color schemes add to the beauty of a bridal shower rooted in sisterhood. You can request your girlfriends to dress in the Tiffany colors or choose some iconic Audrey-inspired gowns that will truly make this bridal shower one for the ages!