7 ways to throw an Iftar party like an A-lister

Ramadan needn't be a parade of old-fashioned eats and ordinary décor. Vogue chats with three fashion A-listers—including Nida Mahmood, Pernia Qureshi and Karishma Shahani Khan—who dispense seven tips on how to host an Iftar party in style.

Focus on fresh ingredients: Food is one of the primary elements for any party. Since an Iftar spread is the most important meal of the day, keep it very healthy. "Let the ingredients be the focus of this meal. Opt for fresh fish, crunchy greens, wholesome salads, air-fried kebabs and other dishes that are satisfying yet nutritious," says fashion designer Nida Mahmood.

Cool things down: Apart from food, your Iftar spread can be augmented with interesting drinks. While soda and lemonade are obvious first choices, you can give a shot to "homemade sherbets made with inventive ingredients such as bael (wood apple) or opt for fresh fruit coolers," adds Mahmood.

Reinvent staple choices: Designer Karishma Shahani Khan from the label Ka-Sha suggests turning classic Iftar staples into interesting eats. "Take for instance, cucumber boats stuffed with classic channa-batata or dates served in the form of a dessert," says Khan.

Host a high tea: Fashion entrepreneur Pernia Qureshi feels that Iftar time is ideal to set up a high-tea trolley. "Bring out an array of pick-able snacks and bite-sized desserts that are a mix of traditional (kebabs, sheermal) and contemporary (sandwiches, trifle pudding)," suggests Qureshi.

Try floral décor: "Fill up brass or marble bowls with water and flowers to give your home a fresh, lingering fragrance," says Qureshi. She recommends jasmine buds that are potent and leave the room cool and perfumed in a jiffy.

Spruce up your interiors: Apart from aroma, artifacts should also be emphasized on. Spruce up your home with trinkets carrying Islamic motifs to create a theme-based ambience. "Cushion covers, lamps and upholstery in geometric, floral or Mughal print work well on this occasion," suggests Shahani Khan.

Give to the community: Lastly, since Ramadan is the time to give, Qureshi thinks there is nothing nicer than sharing. "Personally, we pick one mosque everyday and send out food for fellow fasting individuals. You should try that too," she adds.