Another year, another Eid? With this major festive season upon us, it’s time to bring out and dust off the usual decorations from the storeroom – not!
Hari Raya is all about new beginnings and joyous celebration, and what better than to revel in the festivities with some fresh décor? If you’re ready to switch up your décor game (and impress your friends and family), here are 10 easy-peasy changes to make your home this Hari Raya!
1. Matching Table Runners & Cushion Covers
Ladelle Baku Table Runner, $23.99. Picture: Spotlight
Traditional motifs and middle eastern themes are popular choices for Hari Raya, and having cushion covers and table runners with the same patterns creates a feeling of harmony. Think of them as highlights to a simple monochromatic color scheme for the rest of the room. You can add matching curtains for a more schematic look. You can get affordable ones here.
2. Fresh Flowers Everywhere
Fresh flowers in the dining room and living room will create a natural yet refreshing setting to the space and make your guests feel more comfortable and welcomed.
It’s also a simple decorative element as you only need to place an order for a bouquet or drop by your local florist.
Try not to use artificial flowers as the main centerpiece as this may make your space look less dignified or refined. Head over here to pick up fresh flowers at an affordable price.
3. Have a colored theme to your house so it’s easy on the eye
VARDAGEN Jar with lid, S1.90. Picture: IKEA
If your walls are painted, small details like the color of your cushions and kuih containers can really affect the whole atmosphere! Coordinate the colors of your items at home with your walls so that it’s all easy on the eye.
RÖDARV Cushion, $39.90. Picture: Picture: IKEA
However, it’s best not to overdo it as it might look too messy. Keep to a palette of matching colors or play with different hues! And where there are more patterns, strike the right balance by having milder colors such as white.
Colors can also evoke different emotions and contribute to the overall ambiance. For example, blue and green are colors that evoke calmness and tranquillity whereas purple will give your house a sense of grandeur and royalty. Think about the sort of vibe you’d like to exude and take your pick of colors wisely!
4. Forget blinking lights – DIY your own fairy lights for a warm ambiance!
Picture: LEDWorld
When you see colorful blinking lights outside someone’s windows, don’t you just feel warm basking in the festive mood? If you’d like your home to feel the same but prefer a time- (and money!) saving option, the most ideal alternative are fairy lights!
Related: How To Create Fairy Lights Using Ping Pong
Fairy lights will also suit the modern home a lot better with its subtle elegance and minimalistic appeal. To amp it up, try putting it in lamps or cut-out Hari Raya décor, and your home is all set for the celebratory season!
5. Make some unique ketupat decorations
Ring in the festive mood with some quintessential ketupat décor! But instead of the traditional ketupat décor, why not try these quilled ones? With just some quilled or shredded paper, a slotted quilling tool, a circle template, and glue, these pretty and adorable decorations are simple to make!
Here’s how you can do it: make 4 to 9 small quilling squares with 2 frills, stick them together with glue and tada – your ketupat decorations are ready to be pasted on the walls around your house.
Tip: You can also cut A4-sized papers length wise to the size of 3mm X 297mm if you do not have a mini paper shredder at home.
6. Hang fabric on the wall creatively for the best photo-taking sessions
Fancy a picture-perfect backdrop in your house? Secure a large decorated or patterned fabric on the wall and you’re all set! Not only does this easy step give your guests a fun place to take their OOTD or family shots, it also adds some flavor to your house.
Tip: Use removable Velcro walls fasteners to secure your backdrops and prevent any damage to your wall paint!
7. Go back to nature for decorative items
Instead of buying decorative items, use what nature has provided to custom make your own Raya decorative items. Hang up seashells in your hallway, or place smooth pebbles in a clear glass bowl on your dining room.
Hang some bright and freshly woven ketupat cases up on your eaves to create a natural and homely Raya atmosphere. You see, there are many ways you can decorate without needing to buy anything.
8. Play family-friendly movies for your guests to watch together
That said, movies are a foolproof way of keeping your guests entertained! Why not make use of those old Blu-rays or DVDs you have and play some nostalgic movies?
It’s also an effective way of keeping kids well-behaved, especially since so many of Pixar’s movies are on Blu-ray. You could also show them some of your generation’s childhood favorites, entertaining both the adults and kids in one go!
9. Repurpose old furniture
Soft furnishings can detract from a lacklustre sofa. Picture: Black Arrow Co.
Don’t throw away old or shaky furniture. All you have to do is repaint and use them for another purpose. For example, if you have a rickety wooden chair, sand and repaint it to be used as a side table.
Old wooden ladders can be turned into a display board, and a tired-looking headboard from your bed can be turned into a spot to hang clothing after you’ve attached a few metal hooks.
Related: How to revamp your tired-looking couch
10. Have designated spaces to meet your guests’ needs
If you have a big family, guests of all ages and sizes crowding your home is probably a common sight. And when kids meet other like-minded ones, we all know the house can get pretty loud!
With so many people and things around the house, the kids are vulnerable to accidents when playtime gains momentum. To prevent this, it’ll be wise to have a room where kids can play in. If your house happens to have a sizeable area outside, all the better to whip out your sparklers to keep them occupied.
And of course, a designated quiet space or room for prayers will always be a great idea for your guests’ convenience. Don’t forget to place some prayer mats and garments!
