Every year, as Diwali approaches, there’s a familiar kind of excitement that fills the air. The sight of diyas being set out, the scent of ghee in the kitchen, and that unmistakable feeling of everything beginning to sparkle just a little more. It’s the festival that somehow turns even the simplest evenings into something cinematic. And honestly? It’s my favorite time of year.
This season was no different. Lights, décor, get-togethers, and a steady stream of sweets later, the festive haze has finally started to settle. But just when we thought we’d seen every possible iteration of a Diwali dinner setup, one tablescape stopped us mid-scroll. The kind that makes you zoom in. Maybe even save it for next year.
It belonged to Nilma Dileepan, whose Diwali table was, quite literally, a mood. Her approach? Diwali dinners deserve a little drama. And she wasn’t wrong, as long as it stays on the table, of course.
Nilma’s tablescape starts with a clean, monochrome base that lets everything else shine. From there, it unfolds into a riot of colour and texture. Bright marigolds, jewel-toned florals, gold-detailed crockery, and platters piled high with jalebi and laddoos (the kind that look too good to touch but impossible not to). A touch of whimsy runs through it all: ghungroos and jewellery draped over fruits and flowers, soft candlelight catching just enough of the sparkle to feel decadent without trying too hard.
Your move, Diwali hosts.
Diwali tablescape images courtesy: Nilma Dileapan