How to Host Cozy Iftar Party this Ramadan

One of the best way to celebrate Ramadan with family and friends is hosting an Iftar party. Iftar time is auspicious and fun way to get together enjoy great food and bond. If you are planning a Ramadan party, this post is for you. From Iftar party decorations, Iftar theme to Iftar food menu planning, these Iftar party ideas cover everything to make Iftar hosting easy and organized for you.

Choose a Convenient Date

Everyone is pretty busy during Ramadan so choosing a date that is convenient for everyone to gather is the first right choice to start. When picking a date, don’t just think about guest but also your convenience. After all its not easy to host an Iftar party while fasting. We always prefer to do it on the weekends, specifically on Saturday, so you get enough time for preparation and some rest on Sunday. Plus, on weekends, we get some extra help from other family members.

Also, I see most Iftar party invitations around the last 10 days of Ramadan and they’re great too if it suits you, but I prefer to do it by the second weekend so there are fewer chances of date clashes and I can move on to Eid preparations.

Deciding the Guest list

Once the date is set, decide on the gathering size. I know it feels like you want to invite everyone, but you need to consider the capacity. I mean the hosting space, food quantity preparation you are comfortable with. Mostly a cozy gathering with a few near and dear is best. But in case you have a huge list of people, here are 2 ways to deal with it:

• You can host 2 separate Iftar party may be one for family and the other for friends. Or group them based on familiarity.
• Another way that we do it is that instead of inviting everyone home. We make Iftar food packs and give them at their home. Those who are busy and cannot make it to the gathering actually find it convenient.

Pick your Iftar Party Theme

Iftar party is a cozy, spiritual, and intentional gathering, but in a few subtle ways to can set the mood of the party.

Here are some ideas for you to choose from, depending on what reflects your vibe.

A Classic Arabian Style:

This style is perfect if you want to keep things traditional with a rich touch. Make the space feel like a transition to an Arabian night. Serve traditional food. Go for rich, deep color decor like maroon, deep blue, and emerald green. With

Chic, sit-down gathering:

If you are not a fan of grand party looks, go for a chic gathering with floor table sitting and neutral colors with a touch of pleasant decor and fresh, healthy food options.

Culture Specific

This theme is especially best for people staying away from their homeland and families. It can be Turkish, Moroccan, or South Asian. Add a touch of decor or table setup that you or your parents used to have back at home. Serve all the delicacies of the region and have a nostalgic celebration.

Outdoor BBQ Iftar:

If you have a backyard, you must try to host a BBQ Iftar. Set the grill and tables outside. Make and keep ready the Iftar menu. And you can have the marinated BBQ items ready to grill just before Iftar time and keep them rolling while others eat. You can also enjoy it after Iftar and prayers with family.

Plan a Balanced Menu

Iftar menu, not that is the fun part. That everyone waits for. Now, before starting the menu planning you need to be clear on whether it’s just the Iftar with appetizers, drinks, and dessert, or if you want to include a main dish too. I think the menu for Iftar is different for families; some have a main course at Iftar, while others do not prefer it.

• If you are including a main course, you can keep 2- 3 appetizers, but if it’s just appetizers, you must have around 5 appetizers to have plenty of food and options for the guests.
• I know mostly Iftar food is about fried and grilled food, and yes, that is a fun part, but it must be balanced with light food like fruit salad, parfait, or yogurt-based drinks.
• Go for appetizers that you can prep a day before, like marinating chicken kababs or preparing sauces and freezer-friendly cutlet so you have less to do on the day of the party.
• When planning a menu, go for dishes that do not all involve immediate cooking just before serving, like samosas. If you make them very early, they lose the texture ad reheating is never the same. So, having once such an item is fine, but others must be something that can be pre-cooked or baked while you do other things. This way, you will have breathing room before Maghrib.
• You can also try a mix of home made food and take-outs.
• Have ample and a variety of chutney, sauce, and dressing made ahead of time and store in the fridge.
• Drinks are most important to everyone; they need to quench their thirst after fasting to have enough of it. You will probably need it more than a regular dinner gathering. Go for a classic Roohafza or rose syrup drink, or a lemonade and mint drink is also perfect and feels refreshing after eating a feast of fried food. Fresh fruit juice, like watermelon or orange, is also a good option.

Add a touch of Ramadan Decor

Adding a touch of Ramadan decor to your home, not just for the Iftar party but for the entire month of Ramadan is a good way to let festivity reflect your home.

• Just focus on adding a touch of decor to your entryway, living room, and Iftar ideas, which will probably be the dining room or living room.

• Use soft lighting like lanterns, fairy lights, or candles to create a Ramadan mood.

• Place pretty bowls to serve dates or place Tasbih’s.

• Use table runners or placemats that match your theme.

• Add a subtle Ramadan Mubarak Banner

• You can also add a few crescents and star decor

Arabian Theme Decor

• For a rich Arabian theme, use rich-colored carpet and table runners. Or else you can go for similar-colored cushions.

• Use gold shade bowls and lamps

• Add Moroccan lantern or golden candle holders

Chic and Elegant Theme Decor

• For chic yet elegant decor, go for neutral colors with a touch of wooden or metallic decor. But stick to one, either wooden or metallic, for a cohesive look.

• You can use beige, ivory, or soft grey table runners. You can either pair it with wooden serving boards and trays or a glass and marble tray with a touch of gold.

• Use metallic or wooden gold cutlery, candle holders, or matching lanterns.

• For serving, go for simple glassware, ceramic bowls for a clean and sophisticated.

• Add a few minimal candles and soft fairy lights to create a calm and cozy vibe.

Set a Welcoming Iftar Table

• To serve Iftar you can go for a buffet style food display or a cozy traditional sit down with floor sitting along with a wide spread of food.
• For a minimal setup ensure plates, napkins and cutlery are set for easy access. Use biodegradable, disposable items to keep cleaning minimal for later.
• Make sure a bowl of date and water or drinks are either individually served in plate or multiple bowls are available with easy access for everyone.
• You can keep starters and drinks on the table and main course on a side table to keep the food spread clutter free.

Prepare a Prayer Area

Immediately after Iftar everyone would want to offer Magrib prayer so have a calm corner ready.

Place neatly folded prayer mats or a large rug along with few tasbiah, scarf and caps ready before the guests arrive so you don’t need run around and everything feels smooth and organized.

Make sure to keep some water in the prayer area too.

Plan Cozy Catchup after Iftar

After Iftar and prayers you can plan a cozy catch-up for everyone to relax, connect and enjoy. Here are a few ideas.

Mindful Dhikar Time

Set a calm ambiance with some soft lights and comfortable seating for dhikr. Keep it casual and informal so anyone can join as per their preference.

Chai Time

In my family everyone needs a chai (tea) after Iftar. If that’s the case with you too make sure to serve tea, kahwa, or coffee. And enjoy chat while sipping.

Set a Henna Corner

You can also set a comfy henna corner with few henna cones, tissue and design print outs for inspiration. You can also try these henna design stencils to make it easy for everyone.

Kids Activity Corner

For some relaxing time keep kids occupied with some screen-free activity time by giving the some coloring sheets or activity sheets

Wind up by Tarawih

Make sure to wind up the party before Tarawih time so that everyone can end the day timely and be ready for suhoor next day. In case you want and extended celebration those willing can continue after Tarawih.

You can part guests with food to take home or give a small gift like small pack of dry fruits or dates. But its totally optional.

Hope these Iftar party ideas help you to plan your Ramadan celebrations with ease and host a festive gathering that is comfy and easy for you.

Ramadan Mubarak!