Prepping for Eid
Have you ever moved to a new house and felt like it just does not feel like home? Even though you have brought all of your furniture and set them in your new place, the house does not feel cosy until all of your little decorations are brought out (which in my case are a wooden woodpecker and a jute owl) and put to their honourable posts.
These little things are what give your house an identity that speaks of you (a.k.a. screams out that you are one of those odd people who like owls). So, a little twist and turn in the small adornments will change the mood of your house from glum weekdays to upbeat festivities. We are here with an array of such adjustments that you can try this Eid for a household makeover.
BRING OUT THE CURTAINS
It is a thing that our mums have been doing for years. The fancy curtains are all hidden in some brilliant place all year and show up only the night before Eid, all gorgeous and ready to bedazzle the guests. Add a little extra to your regular fancy curtains. This can be a piece of the ancient Banarasi sari dominating the living room window in red or a hand woven piece with hand stitched designs. You can get the hand woven curtain at Aarong for Tk600 or so and for the sari, Grandmas' closet is the best place to go.
PLANT IT UP
We love plants here at LS and even more so on the Eid days. A small plant as a centrepiece of any sitting area never fails to lift up the spirit. While bringing a small plant indoors, make sure that it does not need much maintenance or does not die on you for the slightest of inconvenience.
Cacti, Bonsais, Spider Plants, Snake Plants, and English Ivies are good choices in this case. Put your plant in a personalised pot for that festive look. You can buy clay pots from any nursery or roadside vendor. Have a look at Clay Image for colourful ceramic pots. Go with white ceramic if you are looking for the sense of peace and relaxation.
THROW PILLOWS EVERYWHERE
Throw pillows instantly give the idea of fun, comfortable reclining and you know you will need a lot of that in between the preparing, cooking, and eating of meaty delicacies in these holidays. 18*18 cushions will cost you less than Tk200 and if paired with colourful and bedazzled cushions, they alone will bring Eid to your home.
MAKE YOUR HOME RUGGED
Yes, it's a bad pun but seriously, a rug placed right in your home is, sometimes, all you need to make up your place. Put an emphasis on jute rugs because that is what we make best. If you only require a rug, go to Satranji, the store dedicated to rugs and carpets, and if you are around Aarong, their collection of jute rugs is also worth checking out.
SPRINKLE WITH FLOWER
Artificial perfumed sprays are okay if it's a normal day and we are exhausted from work but Eid calls for something different and exciting. Aromatise your home with natural fragrances. Lilies of all kinds are famous for their sweet smell. Bring in our own Butterfly Lily (Dolon Chapa) for long lasting serenity.
Butterfly lilies are sold on the streets throughout monsoon. You can go to Shahbag for more choices of flowers. There are also specialised flower shops in Gulshan and Banani area who sell flowers that are very good for the eyes. Choose a flower vase that goes with the length of your flower stem (a longer one for butterfly lilies). Opt for interesting shapes and colours of the vase rather than mirrors, beads or other jewels that overpower your flower.
We started with small decoration pieces that you can buy to make your home more festive and we are going to end with that. There are a lot of small shops such as Idea Crafts that are filled with trinkets and knickknacks. Go and buy the trinket that's your favourite. Try not to go overboard with them. A little change here and there such as a red skillet hanging in the kitchen and wood parrot swinging by the balcony door (found at Aarong) should be just perfect for your Eid.
By Afsin Ahmed
Photo: LS Archives
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