Eid al-Fitr is one of the most joyful celebrations in the Islamic calendar, bringing families, friends, and communities together to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. After a month of fasting, this day certainly deserves a huge and unforgettable party!
Whether you're hosting or attending your first Eid party – or looking to take this year’s celebration to the next level – we’ve got you covered. From planning the perfect menu to decorating the space, this guide will help you throw an Eid party everyone will cherish.
What is an Eid
Also known as the “festival of breaking the fast,” an Eid party is a jubilant gathering to break the final fast of Ramadan, which is celebrated according to dates of the Islamic lunar calendar. After a month of restricting eating during the day, these parties naturally include an abundance of delicious food, vibrant decorations, fun activities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Eid parties will vary in size as some prefer intimate family get-togethers, while others enjoy larger community celebrations. But at their core, Eid parties are all about expressing gratitude and sharing a grand meal with friends and loved ones.
How to Host an Eid
Select the Location
The first step in hosting an Eid is to decide where it will take place. Depending on the size of your guest list, you might choose:
-
Your Home: Ideal for smaller gatherings with family and close friends.
-
Restaurant with Private Space: A nice option if you prefer to do less cooking.
-
Community Halls: Perfect for larger groups.
-
Outdoor Spaces: Parks or gardens offer a casual atmosphere and more space for children.
No matter what you decide on, ensure the location is spacious, accessible, and equipped with enough table area to serve and display plenty of food.
Create the Guest List
While Eid is a religious celebration, everyone is welcome to join in the feast – even if they are not Muslim. Religious affiliations aside, write down everyone you’d like to invite, from immediate family to friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
The size of your guest list will impact other planning aspects, such as catering, seating, and activities. Make sure to account for children if families are attending so you can plan kid-friendly activities.
Send Invitations
Your invitation sets the tone for the event. Choose a theme and colour scheme to match the festive spirit. You can choose from physical cards, digital invitations, or even group messaging apps to invite your guests.
Send your invitations at least two weeks in advance. This gives everyone enough time to RSVP and allows you to plan the menu quantities accordingly. Don’t forget to include key details like:
-
Date and time
-
Venue address
-
Dress code (if any)
-
Special notes (e.g., food allergies, dietary restrictions, or activities)
Decorate Your Space With Ramadan and Eid Party Decorations
Decorations are the soul of an Eid party. The holy month of Ramadan begins from the sighting of one crescent moon to the next, so naturally, the moon, stars, and light are common thematic elements. Here’s how to make your space shine:
-
Colours: Green, yellow (or gold), purple, and turquoise are traditional colours often associated with Ramadan, but you can also incorporate additional colours that best suit your space.
-
Thematic Decor: Use crescent moons, stars, and lanterns to display around the space. Hang banners that say “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) to welcome guests.
-
Table Settings: Arrange elegant and colourful table settings with blooming centrepieces. Start with a table cover and add sturdy paper plates in complementary colours. Include cutlery packs and paper napkins with fun prints. Create a focal point and include lanterns, oil lamps, candles or fairy lights around the table for a cosy ambiance
Plan the Menu
Food, of course, is the star of the show at any Eid party. Consider serving a mix of traditional dishes and crowd-pleasers. Here are a few classic options to include in your menu:
-
Appetizers: Samosas, kebabs, and stuffed grape leaves.
-
Sides: Bombay potatoes, chapatis, and pakoras.
-
Main Course: Biryani, roasted lamb, or kofta curry.
-
Desserts: Baklava, kanafeh, and sheer khurma.
If cooking for a large group feels overwhelming, opt for simple, make-ahead dishes and use catering supplies to prepare and present all kinds of dishes.
Party Favours
Show your appreciation by giving guests thoughtful party favours. These can be simple yet meaningful:
-
For Adults: Small jars of honey, sweets like chocolate, or spice pouches.
-
For Kids: Bags of lollies, build-your-own wooden lanterns, or colouring books with Islamic themes.
You’ll find a variety of lolly bags and boxes in our shop to make your favours extra special.
Activities
Make your Eid party fun and active for everyone by planning engaging activities that highlight the holiday.
-
For Kids:
-
Arts and crafts, such as decorating their own moon and star ornaments or crafting mosques out of household items like tissue boxes and paper roll tubes
-
Face painting or henna stations.
-
Scavenger hunt to find stars and moons around space.
-
For Adults:
-
Trivia games about Islamic history and traditions.
-
Set up a fun photo booth with a foil curtain backdrop and provide Ramadan-themed props like crescent moons, stars, lanterns, and funny signs.
-
Lawn games if the party is hosted outside.
If you plan far enough in advance, you could also organize “Secret Bakra” which assigns each guest someone to get a gift for at the party.
What to Wear to an Eid Party
Choosing the right outfit for an Eid celebration is important. Here are some tips for both Muslims and non-Muslims:
-
For Muslim Women: Traditional yet stylish attire, such as a long embroidered or sequined maxi dress, abaya, or kurta is perfect for the occasion. Bring your best jewelry or a colourful scarf.
-
For Muslim Men: An embroidered kurta set or tailored suit works well for this event. Pair it with polished shoes for the celebration.
-
For Non-Muslim Guests: Respect the modest dress code by wearing long dresses, skirts, or dress trousers with a blouse – if you have something that is elegantly embroidered, that is a great option. Men can choose slacks with a button-down shirt. Avoid overly revealing clothing to honor the cultural norms.
Conclusion
Eid parties are a beautiful way to bring people together, celebrate traditions, and share joy. With thoughtful planning and a warm atmosphere, create cherished memories that will last a lifetime!