Deepavali: Where Tradition Meets Modernity in Stunning Table Settings

The art of tablescaping has effortlessly transitioned from captivating Instagram reels to becoming a cherished part of real-life celebrations. What was once just a surface for sweets, diyas, and dinnerware has now blossomed into the central focus – rich, intricately layered, and deeply personal expressions of hospitality.

Traditionally, an Indian Deepavali table featured classic elements like brass diyas, delicate glass vases, urlis brimming with floating flowers, and elegant mirrored trays. These timeless pieces still hold their charm and relevance, deeply rooted in heritage and exuding warmth. However, a noticeable shift is occurring as hosts increasingly embrace experimentation with texture, scale, and compelling narratives. Imagine grand floral installations gracefully cascading over the table’s edge, multi-tiered trays of mithai artfully arranged amidst flickering candle clusters, sculptural ceramics, or modern metalwork that subtly echoes traditional motifs found throughout the home. The aim is no longer simply to be ‘nice’; it’s about creating a theatrical and immersive experience.

If you need further evidence that tablescaping has truly entered the cultural limelight, look no further than designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s renowned grazing tables. These lavish displays have become a signature at his exclusive soirées, each one overflowing with antique vases, fine porcelain, gleaming silverware, and lush foliage, all dramatically lit to create an unforgettable ambiance.

“It’s undeniably rooted in tradition,” explains Eeshaan Kashyap, a Delhi-based multi-disciplinary culinary artist who splits his time between Delhi and Hyderabad. “But the contemporary approach to tables is far more about creating something unusual, deconstructed, and truly modern. Instead of adhering strictly to what has always been done, we’re witnessing a surge in creative experimentation – think small, artfully arranged plates, mithai boxes used in innovative ways, and the beautiful fusion of metal with mitti (mud), where food itself becomes an integral design element.”

In one of his recent projects, Eeshaan curated a Deepavali-inspired setup where the entire dining experience unfolded as an artistic installation. It was a fresh reimagining of traditional thalis, presented through sculptural plating and vibrant bursts of color. “It still celebrated the very essence of Deepavali,” he adds, “but in a manner that felt truly fresh, intriguing, and undeniably design-forward.”

The Table as Canvas

The Art of Hosting, a recent showcase at Nilaya Anthology in Mumbai, running until the end of October, brought together influential Indian design voices Sona Reddy, Eeshaan Kashyap, and Aneeth Arora of Péro. Their collective aim was to explore how a dining table can transcend its functional purpose and serve as a profound canvas for culture, intuition, and the spirit of generosity. Through these immersive settings, the exhibition subtly, yet powerfully, asked: how can design authentically honor individual expression within a context that is inherently communal?

For Deepavali, Eeshaan’s fresh take on the humble vessel offers a wealth of inspiration. Consider pairing classic brass thalis with luxurious velvet runners, adding shell-inspired plates, or incorporating metallic accents that playfully catch the light. Sculptural candle stands or raw, natural stones can serve as striking centerpieces, introducing captivating contrast and depth. The emphasis here is less on rigid formality and more on imaginative exploration – discovering novel ways to elevate the everyday into something truly extraordinary.

For Aneeth Arora, the visionary Delhi-based designer behind Péro, tablescaping is all about embracing a delightful whimsy – an aesthetic that consciously refuses to take itself too seriously. “Our table is typically set for a gathering of our wonderfully quirky, gloriously wacky, and outrageously eccentric friends,” she chuckles. “It’s a place where nothing is quite as it seems, and everything is joyously unexpected.”

At The Art of Hosting, her display perfectly captured this spirit. It was a beautifully orchestrated scene of delightful chaos, where dessert might make an appearance before drinks, and main courses surprisingly follow entrées. “Why not?” she grins. “Celebrations, after all, should be a little mad – a little unpredictable.”

The setting was a vibrant explosion of handwoven textiles: shimmering Chanderi from Madhya Pradesh, rich mashru from Gujarat, elegant taffeta silks from South India, classic Benaras stripes, and ethereal gauzy jamdani from Bengal – each fabric layered with intention to both surprise and enchant. “It truly was a boisterous party of lively chatter and joyful disarray,” Aneeth smiles, “a world brimming with a touch of mischief and an abundance of love.”

Her philosophy is perfectly suited for Deepavali – a gentle reminder that the festive table doesn’t need to achieve unattainable perfection, but rather reflect a heartfelt personal touch. Mix bold patterns, layer on vibrant colors, and allow your unique quirks to shine as the star of the show.

For Sona Reddy, the celebrated Hyderabad-based architect, a table is far more than just a surface – it’s a powerful social catalyst. “The first thing I always seek out is a generously sized table,” she reveals. “I adore seeing everyone gather together; it keeps the energy unified and ensures the delightful flow of shared conversation isn’t lost.”

This fundamental belief shaped her installation, “Ode to Nilgiris,” a heartfelt homage to the rolling mountains, misty eucalyptus groves, and abundant wildlife of the Nilgiris region, where she studied over three decades ago. “Somehow, the Nilgiris simply spoke to me,” she reminisces. “I felt a strong desire to honor that remarkable landscape – its serene calm, its profound depth, and its powerful sense of memory.”

Her table presented a harmonious fusion of art, craft, and innovative design – featuring intricate embroidered details and sculptural elements rendered in sophisticated black, white, and gold, all gracefully layered with soft moss, unique ceramics, and diverse textures. Forty-five exquisitely handcrafted ceramic goats were strategically placed amidst the lush greenery, serving as a poignant nod to both the domestic and the wild, the tangible and the remembered. “When you present a compelling concept and articulate it to your guests before dinner,” she explains, “it instantly becomes a vibrant conversation starter. Especially when people are getting to know each other, it provides a wonderful point of connection and reflection.”

For Sona, the deeply tactile nature of a table setting – the cool smoothness of ceramics, the gentle softness of moss, the raw authenticity of natural textures – is intrinsically linked to memory. “Design truly becomes meaningful when it engages all the senses,” she adds. “It’s not merely about how something looks, but what profound emotions and recollections it evokes.”

While her artistic vision wasn’t specifically designed for Deepavali, her thoughtful approach offers invaluable insights that perfectly complement the festive season. Deepavali, after all, is as much about shared moments and togetherness as it is about dazzling spectacle – a beautiful equilibrium between stunning beauty and a profound sense of belonging.

A Southern Lens

Arun Gowda, an esteemed architect and interior designer at Humming Tree in Kozhikode, believes the festive table represents a quiet, yet powerful, dialogue between time-honored traditions and global aesthetics. Imagine garlands of fragrant malli poo (jasmine) or sacred tulsi (holy basil) leaves draped gracefully across the table, their delicate aromas mingling with the warm, inviting glow of brass diyas. Mismatched ceramics add an everyday charm, while crisp ikat napkins and sleek matte cutlery introduce a touch of modern sophistication. It’s a setting that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly contemporary – earthy, yet inherently elegant. For Deepavali, Arun’s design philosophy translates beautifully: begin with elements that are local, layer in touches that are deeply personal, and allow thoughtful contrasts to create a truly memorable display.

Sreejith Jeevan, the Kochi-based designer and creative head of Rouka, observes that the concept of a grand tablescape is still relatively new in South India. “Traditionally, in the South, the acts of decorating and eating have always been distinct and separate,” he explains. “If you consider an Onam meal, for example, it typically involves a long table adorned simply with banana leaves – devoid of flowers, candles, or elaborate embellishments. The focus remains entirely on the food, with servers moving freely to offer dishes.”

However, that very simplicity tells its own compelling story – one of cherished rituals, strong community bonds, and rhythmic traditions. Yet, as Sreejith points out, the notion of decorating a dining table gradually made its way into South Indian homes through colonial influences. “My mother would often recount how, in my grandfather’s era, they hosted tea parties featuring delicate lace tablecloths and exquisite porcelain – an aesthetic very much inspired by British customs,” he says. “So for me, table settings were always more closely associated with Christmas celebrations than with Onam. Deepavali, in fact, was not widely celebrated in Kerala until quite recently.”

Instead of elaborate ornamentation, Sreejith’s tables draw their strength from the land’s bounty – a philosophy deeply rooted in material honesty. He carefully curates objects from his travels: a striking stone sculpture discovered at a roadside stall, a piece of terracotta acquired from a highway artisan, or crushed kasavu fabric ingeniously repurposed as a runner. “I find immense joy in uncovering new meanings for everyday objects,” he shares. “Sometimes, I’ll simply wander through a bustling flower market or a vibrant pooja shop, pick up something truly unusual, and then figure out how to incorporate it later. The shopkeepers are often perplexed – they’ll exclaim, ‘This is for rituals!’ and I’ll just respond, ‘Perfect.’”

For Sreejith, tablescaping transcends mere imitation or overt luxury; it’s about thoughtfully reclaiming and celebrating what already exists around you. “I am passionate about decolonizing design,” he states. “We don’t need imported objects to create something truly beautiful. We are surrounded by terracotta, wood, natural fibers, and metal – materials imbued with soul.”

And while his design philosophy isn’t exclusively tied to Deepavali, his approach resonates profoundly with its core essence – an abundance of warmth, a spirit of togetherness, and the beauty of improvisation. He suggests that a modern festive table doesn’t require extravagance to feel special. Instead, a few thoughtfully chosen, locally crafted objects, fresh vibrant flowers, and an array of textures from within your home can collectively weave a narrative of generosity that feels both deeply grounded and uniquely personal.

New Mood

If the next generation of hosts has anything to say, the festive table will undoubtedly become even more audacious and expressive. Take, for instance, Delhi-based designers Shivan & Narresh’s innovative new tableware collection – a playful, print-driven interpretation of luxury that is unapologetically modern. For younger hosts, the focus has shifted from inherited silver heirlooms to making bold stylistic statements. It’s a celebration of individual aesthetics, featuring vibrant patterns, sculptural candle stands, colorful glassware, and striking color-blocked linens. This is Deepavali done with a fresh perspective – still brimming with warmth and community, but infused with a distinctive and compelling design edge.