Elegant Diwali Decoration Ideas for 2023

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Looking to infuse your home with ethnic décor this Diwali? Dive into this post for inspiration and ideas to usher in the festivities in style!

A stock image with diyas and a caption - Diwali Decor Ideas: Adorn your home this festive season in style — Diwali Decoration Ideas and Shopping Guide

If you moved to the US over a decade ago, you’ll probably remember that getting your hands on the Diwali decor wasn’t easy. Either you had to wait for a trip to India or hope that your Indian store would mercifully import a few items so that you could decorate your house.

Fortunately, the game has changed; thanks to Etsy and the scores of ethnic Indian home decor stores (you’ll find a hand-picked list below), our options are as vast as the Diwali night sky.

After endless hours (and tabs) of online scavenging, I’ve curated a list of dazzling finds that stole my heart. And since sharing is caring, why not pass the sparkle along? I’ve got the links; all you have to do is click – and let’s make your home Diwali-ready in no time.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links provided here are affiliate links. If you click on them or make a purchase through these links, I might earn a commission. I only recommend products that I use and love myself, so I know you’ll be in good hands.

Home Decor – Tips

Before you embark on your home décor shopping spree for the upcoming celebrations, I wanted to share a few pearls of wisdom that I’ve gathered over the years:

Measure twice, buy once – It’s always a good idea to measure the area where you plan to place your new décor. This small step can save you the hassle of returns later.
Start with a vision – I confess, I’ve often been swayed by beautiful pieces without considering their place in my home. Before making a purchase, envision precisely where you’d like that item to be. It makes all the difference!
Take your time – Remember, creating the perfect festive ambiance is a journey, not a race. It’s perfectly fine to build your collection gradually over the years. There’s no need to rush or overspend.

Outside decor

Toran and garland for front door — Toran and garland for the front door

Toran / Bandhanwar

During the festive season, most folks hang colorful, decorative hangings on the entryways to welcome their guests. Here’s a curated list of some exquisite pieces I’ve come across –

Kundan Pearl Toran / Bandhanwar – Spanning a gracious 40 inches, this pearl and rose toran epitomizes elegance. It promises to add a touch of grandeur to your entryways.
Marigold with mango leaves thoran – This handcrafted piece not only serves as a splendid addition over your entryway but also looks equally mesmerizing over the fireplace mantle. And if you’re a fan of floral décors, the Mogra mantle decor is another fabulous choice worth considering.
Elephant toran with gold leaves – Handmade and stretching 36 inches, this elephant toran infused with golden leaves promises to be a charming addition, especially for entryways within the house.

Here are a few more options for Toran/bandhanwar on Etsy.

Front door hanging with Ganesha on it — Diwali decor for the front door

Wreath

“Happy Diwali” wood round wreath – This hand-painted wreath is vibrant and looks absolutely stunning! Here’s another gorgeous option.
Wall hanging danglers – These wooden parrots paired with colorful jhumkis can be used in hallways or as a front door alternative to traditional wreaths.

Inside decor

Urli

The Urli, usually a decorative brass bowl filled with water, flower petals, or floating candles, adds a touch of tradition and is a delightful way to greet visitors at your main door.

Here are a few urlis that you’ll love –

Brass urli – Crafted using ancient techniques, this brass piece is a timeless beauty.
Begum urli – A handcrafted sunflower-shaped gem.
Golden roses metal urli – Decorated with golden roses, this urli can also be a captivating centerpiece.

Don’t forget the floating diyas or flower petals to elevate the beauty of your urli!

Flowers for the entryway, stairways, and fireplace

Marigold strings – About 6 feet long, ideal for dressing up entryways and windows.
Pom Pom side hanging – An excellent choice for stairways, with a bell dangler variant.
Flower rangoli – Making rangolis from flower petals can be a time-consuming process – that’s why this floral rangoli with artificial flowers is a great buy.
Handmade flower rangoli set – This floral rangoli set with handcrafted candleholders is a showstopper for your entrance.

Stairs lined with candles and flowers — Stair decoration for Diwali

Diyas

Here are some of my favorite lighting options that will add a touch of tradition, elegance, and modern flair to your festivities.

Ganpati matki diya holder – This exquisitely designed diya holder promises to add a touch of elegance to any corner of your home.
Blocks rangoli tealight holder – Handcrafted by the skilled artisans of Rajasthan, these wooden tealight holders are not just lighting options, but pieces of art in their own right.
Flower Diya thali – A unique diya thali that showcases vibrant red and yellow flowers on a wooden base, with a tea light resting at its center.
Clay diyas – These clay diyas come in various colors and shapes – plus, if you are an Amazon Prime member, you’ll receive them very quickly. They also make great gifts! What I love about them is that they can be used as an oil lamp, and they hold tealights, too!
Electric diya hanging lights – If you’re leaning towards a blend of tradition with a modern touch, these vertical electric diyas are your answer. Crafted from plastic and adorned with a matte brown finish, they perfectly capture the earthen aesthetic.
Battery tea lights – Ideal for lining stairway steps, these flameless tealight candles come ready with pre-installed batteries that boast a lifespan of over 150 hours.

Diwali Candles placed on a blue surface — Diwali tea light holders

Crafts/gifts for kids

This curated list of crafty and culturally inspired gifts and activities can be a great way of introducing kids to our rich culture –

Paint your diyas – Let the kids explore their artistic side. The kit includes everything they need to decorate their diyas – unpainted diyas, coloring cards, cardboard rangoli, paper toran, paint colors, and a brush. A great way to keep them engaged and excited for Diwali!
Plushies (Baby Ganesh, Krishna, and Hanuman) – Add a touch of tradition with these adorable plushies of Baby Ganesh, Krishna, and Hanuman. To top it off, these 6-inch soft toys even play calming mantras, offering a unique blend of fun and spirituality.
Bird hangings with bells – Handcrafted cotton bird garlands add a delightful touch to any kid’s room. They’re colorful, cheerful, and instantly brighten up space.

While traditional powder rangolis can be a tad messy with young ones around, there are still ways for them to partake in this beautiful tradition. Here are two options:

Reusable rangoli template mat – Designed to contain rangoli colors and prevent mess, this mat is practical and fun. Here’s one more option to buy the rangoli mat.
Rangoli Mandala Circular floor puzzle – An engaging and educational choice, this puzzle weaves fun, family bonding, and cultural learning into one.

A colorful rangoli made from a puzzle — Rangoli

Diwali gifts/gift boxes

Whether you’re looking for something for family, friends, or colleagues, these items are sure to impress:

Marble handi hamper – A blend of tradition and elegance, this hamper showcases a beautifully crafted jute box with a Ganpati motif. Nestled inside are a pair of exquisitely designed marble pots. A perfect gift for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Nostalgic gift pack – Reminisce the good old days with this charming pickle jar. It’s not just a gift but a sweet gesture that evokes warmth and brings back memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings.
Gemstone studded tea light holder – Light up someone’s Diwali with these elegant tea light holders. Adorned with beautiful gemstones, these budget-friendly tea light holders make for a delightful gift that can be used year-round.

Where to buy festive decoration items

From my personal experience, here are some excellent sources for Indian-themed Diwali decorations:

Desi Favors – This is a one-stop shop for all festive needs. They also offer an extensive collection of party favors and beautiful home decor items.
Spundhann – I’ve acquired numerous Diwali decor items from this store over the years, and I’ve loved every single one of them.
Krishna home decor – If you’re looking for traditional Indian home decor, especially for Diwali, this store has fantastic options.
Shagun Arts and Crafts – An online haven for Diwali enthusiasts like me. Their collection is vast, and each piece I’ve purchased has added a unique touch to my festive decor.
Kulture Khazana – This site offers Indian-themed puzzles and books, which can be great gifts and additions to your Diwali celebrations.
Etsy – A global marketplace that never disappoints. There are numerous vendors offering Indian home decor. Just a small tip: always check the shipping costs and reviews before finalizing your purchase.

Decorating our homes is one of the best ways to get into the festive spirit. I hope this list helps you find the perfect pieces to adorn your space. Wishing you happy shopping and a joyous Diwali!

Hosting a Diwali party

How to host an Indian party (sample menus + recipes) – Let’s take the stress out of planning for Indian dinner parties. Get recipes, sample menus, ideas for a potluck, and helpful tips/tricks to make your next party a huge success!

Diwali homemade sweets and snacks

Dive into the spirit of Diwali with some traditional treats. Explore easy-to-make Diwali snacks & sweets recipes that are perfect for sharing.

Diwali sweets – where to order online

Mithas – based in the NJ / NY area, this shop ships sweets as well.
Rajbhog – I was personally impressed by their assortment when I visited their store in New Jersey. You’ll love their Diwali gift hampers!
Varah Gourmet Luxuries – For unique gourmet, all-vegetarian sweets.
The Paanwala – Do you know an avid pan lover? Get them these delicious pan truffles.
Tagmo – Chef Surabhi makes gift-giving easy by packing handcrafted sweets in a gorgeous gift box.
Malai ice cream – If gourmet, artisanal ice creams are on your list, your search ends here.