Are you planning to host an iftar this Ramadan? Planning a dinner can be stressful without any help. But with the help of a home cleaning service in Dubai you can host an iftar party without any hassle.
Besides being a month of devotion, Ramadan is also about experiencing the spirit of sharing and community. Muslims engage in communal prayers and iftar gatherings, celebrating the essence of the month. If you foresee a busy calendar this Ramadan, with the help of a cleaning service, you host an iftar any day of the week!
Tips on Hosting an Iftar Gathering at Home
In Ramadan, iftar gatherings are special events that Muslims look forward to. Much thought is put into food, decor, and seating arrangements. If you are on a budget, that is okay; all that does not have to be expensive.
Here are a few tips on how to host iftar without freaking out.
Set a Budget
First and foremost, set a budget for hosting an iftar. Calculate the cost of food, decor, and essential items required for the evening. This helps prioritize important purchases and prevents overspending. An additional tip is to plan your menu ahead of time to have a clear vision of your budget and avoid last-minute expenses and stress.
Choose a Simple Menu
Plan a simple yet delicious iftar menu that requires minimal preparation time. Traditional options like lentil soup, samosas, grilled kebabs, and baked items can be prepared in advance and stored for convenience.
If cooking is not your forte, catering food from homegrown businesses like Signature Cuisine by Alia, is a great alternative. Many food places offer Ramadan deals that can be used to order if your gathering is limited to 20 people. For dessert, treat your guests to delicious chocolates from the viral Dubai chocolate creator, Fix Dessert Chocolatier, or traditional American pies from Susan’s Baking Company, or brownies and cookies from Melting Moments, and end your evening on a sweet note.
Here are some menu suggestions for iftar that you can make or order from outside:
- Drinks: Fresh fruit juices, Vimto, Labban, Jallab
- Starters: Grazing platters like a Cheese Board or a Dates and Nuts platter, Lentil soup, Sambousek/Samosas, Falafel with tahini sauce, Hummus and Mutabbal, Fattoush or Tabbouleh salad
- Main Course: Biryani, Harees, Grilled Chicken and Meat Platter, Chicken Mandi or Lamb Ouzi, Stuffed vine leaves (Warak Enab)
- Dessert: Luqaimat, Umm Ali, Kunafa, Baklava, Brownies
Shop in Bulk
To keep the cost of your iftar party within your budget, shop for grocery items in bulk, especially dates, nuts, meat, and beverages from the fruits and vegetables market or the nearest Carrefour, Lulu, or Nesto. Many stores offer Ramadan grocery bundles with amazing deals and discounts. So make sure to check out these deals.
Select Affordable Decor
For Ramadan decor, pick out affordable options that add more to the ambiance. With just a few basic items, such as candles, fairy lights, mosque cutouts, and calligraphy artwork, you can set the mood for a warm and inviting space effortlessly.
For more budget-friendly options, make DIY centerpieces with readily available materials.
Comfortable Seating Arrangement
Ensure the comfort of your guests while planning the seating arrangements. For youngsters, consider setting up thick carpets, plush cushions, and low tables for a more traditional vibe while maximizing space. Provide elders with comfortable chairs, especially those with difficulty getting up from the floor.
Create a Prayer Corner
Transform a corner of your home into an aesthetic salah space, by arranging prayer mats, Misbaha (prayer beads), and the Quran in an inviting setup. That way, your guests will have a comfortable area to offer the Maghrib prayer right after iftar.
Set Up Convenient Self-Serve Stations
Arrange self-serve food and drink stations so that guests can enjoy themselves throughout the evening. Place juice dispensers, and a charcuterie board with snacks like biscuits, fruits, and nuts for easier access and light munching.
Activities for a Spiritual Gathering
It is essential to pass on the knowledge and spirit of Ramadan to younger generations. If your iftar party consists of kids, organize engaging activities for them.
- Organize Ramadan quizzes to increase their knowledge in a fun way while motivating them to adopt the best practices.
- Share Duas for enhanced learning and daily remembrance.
- Tell stories from the lives of Prophets to educate and inspire them.
Wrapping Up
By keeping things simple and budget-friendly, you can create an unforgettable iftar experience at home and enjoy the blessings of Ramadan with your friends and family. For the post iftar party cleanup, feel free to book the best cleaners in Dubai on ServiceMarket.
