The Keybunch: {Diwali} 3 Awesome ways to prepare yourself for the Festive Season

The festive season calls for some special touches. Even if we are busy and don't have too much time to spare! Here are three things that are quick and do-able - a decor idea, a festive recipe and a gift-wrapping idea!

Festive Decor :One small change can make a ton of difference in your decor. For me, it was the curtains this year. The curtains in the pic below are too dull for the festive season. Also, they cover a large part - almost an entire wall of my living room - and adding something more festive there, is a sure way to effortlessly transform the room.

So that's just what I did. I picked up an orange tie&dye set of sheers, and just moved some of my things around to accessorize the curtains - the lantern from my altar table, and my DIY wooden frame to emphasize a look festive gay abandon! Here's what it looks like now!

So you could do something similar. It doesn't have to be curtains. Remember to tackle a large area of your room for this makeover - dress up the table if you have a huge dining room, curtains for french windows or large windows (like I did) - or if you have a large area of seating, then consider investing in silk upholstery (removable) for the festive season! If you have the time, then go ahead and tackle the rest of the home too - but start with these large areas first!

Festive Food
Here's a really easy egg-less orange cake. The recipe will be posted in a day or two, so do come back! But I do have another easy but exotic-looking recipe for you just below this pic!

Eggless Orange Cake

This is a recipe that's easy-to-make and delicious!

It's easy, it's festive!

It's Pomegranate and Rose Panna Cotta!!

For 6 tiny servings you need
1/2 a cup of cream
2 tablespoons of sugar
2 tablespoons of pomegranate juice (just cut a pomegranate in quarters, and rub each quarter on top of a citrus juicer) until you get this qty of juice
1 tsp gelatine (You need to soak it in a tablespoon of cold water)
a drop of white rose essence
Food color if you wish (my kiddo went overboard with my pink gel color, not realizing that just a drop was required)

In a heavy-bottomed vessel, heat the cream and sugar together until well combined, and just about to boil.
Take off heat and mix it into the soaked gelatine until it is fully dissolved. Stir a bit.
Now add the color, juice and essence.
Pour into greased molds/ ramekins (I used my mini tart molds) and leave to set in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours
Invert onto a plate and garnish with pomegranate seeds or rose petals.

Gift-wrapping
The kids and I are getting quite conscientious about green wrapping or re-using gift wrapping paper. Diwali is the perfect time to spread this message of frugality and green living. Here is a lovely newspaper wrapping idea that others would love to emulate too!