House and rooftop parties are making a comeback with a new COVID threat dangling over our heads. Avoiding crowds and restaurant food, many revellers are opting for house parties to ring in the New Year. In the last couple of days, event planners have started receiving loads of enquiries about such parties.
Small parties with few guests
Donna Arorra, proprietor of Shubharambh Wedding and Events, is organising five house parties on December 31.
According to her, though the trend began during the pandemic era, it is still in vogue. “I got calls in October, but, in the past two days, there has been a sudden surge and more and more people are showing interest following the COVID scare globally,” she added.
Another city-based event planner, Namita Shaw said people are mostly going in for smaller groups of 15 to 40 guests. “Our package includes food, music and drinks,” Shaw said.
“People are already moving to their bungalows and vacation houses to usher in the New Year. Depending on the number of heads and the type of décor, the package ranges between Rs 30,000 and Rs 70,000 including food, decoration, DJ and drinks,” said Arorra.
High demand for lights and décor
Everyone can’t afford event planners and are hence approaching the decorators. Suman Maity, owner of Lights On, said there is a demand for light chains in small quantities from various locations in the city. “These are mostly for small house parties. We had several bookings for big bashes, anniversaries and birthday parties which have been cancelled following the COVID scare,” Maity said.
“There are multiple orders, but most clients are asking for only two buffet tables with 15 to 20 chairs or four to five mattresses,” said Jagannath Das, a decorator from Tollygunge.
Taking no chances
Salt Lake-based businessman, Sunil Narayanan, has moved to his bungalow outside the city with his family and is planning a New Year party. Namita Shaw is arranging it. “This is the best way to celebrate. We aren’t sure of the COVID situation, but it’s better to be safe than sorry,” he said.
Jadavpur-based businessman Sourav Ghosh is planning a terrace party on December 31. He has hired a decorator and is in talks with caterers for an affordable deal. “Initially, I had planned to visit a Mughlai buffet restaurant with my friends, but cancelled the plan following the COVID threat. There are several children in our group and it is not safe for them,” he said.