Diwali 2025 | Card parties make a comeback to Delhi with a splash, pool theme rules

Splash of cards

Forget the regular living room card sessions. This Diwali, Delhi’s party circuit is diving straight into the pool! “From floating card tables to booking private villas with pools, we are organising it all to add a cool twist to the traditional taash nights,” says Saurabh from Celebrate Occasions, adding, “Almost 75% of the bookings we’re receiving this year are for pool parties. Hosts want a private villa with a pool to accommodate at least 20–25 guests.”

The wager is on decor, mood boards & Insta-perfect pics

For the pool parties to make waves, the decor is the key. “Besides classic setups with candles and diyas, the red and white theme is really popular,” says event planner Megha Singh, explaining, “We kick off with our first party for the season today and have 15 such bookings lined up until Diwali.”

Harsh Dhingra, from a store in Pitampura, informs: “The sale of card party decor items is very good this year! We’ve especially introduced products to match the theme of card parties. For the pool party-themed card parties, we’re offering waterproof products. From table mats designed in the theme of playing cards to tissues, cutlery and even casino-themed banners and decorations — a lot that can be used both indoors and for poolside get-togethers.”

Food gets a playful twist, too!

Card nights may be about the game, but the food is keeping up with the pool quotient. “Instead of the usual butter chicken and paneer, hosts now want playful, bite-sized food. Think cocktail-style golgappas, dim sum platters with desi fillings, and mithai reimagined as mousse shots,” shares Rhea Malhotra, a Gurugram-based caterer and home chef, adding, “We’re designing food that’s easy to carry around the pool, such as mini kathi rolls, pav bhaji sliders, chaat in little cones, and nachos with Indian toppings. This food looks good on Instagram and is also practical for the party vibe.”

Vegas to Goa: Casino roulette at home

For some Delhiites, the card parties are no less than a big-ticket Vegas experience. “Earlier we’d just set up card tables but now, party hosts demand proper casino ambience,” shares Madhav Singh from Showmaqers in Chattarpur, adding, “From Las Vegas-inspired decors, we build tall cardboard structures and use fairy lights to recreate that vibe. In the parties with pools, we’re going all out with Goa’s Casino Royale theme.”