Green is the new gold: How to add a festive touch to your home with plants and flowers
Doors, dining & that 'first impression' flex
Why spend hours crafting a rangoli when your staircase can be flanked by areca palms that say "hello" in green? Deck your grill gate with marigold malas, or better yet, twist some neem and tulsi into your own DIY toran. For the dining table, ditch the sterile ceramic and plonk a wild bunch of eucalyptus, bougainvillea or even hibiscus into that kulhad you've been hoarding. Clay pots, terracotta jugs, or recycled jam jars — let them double up as flower vases. The best centrepieces are the ones that make your relatives think you've hired a stylist.
Use
: gate-side palms + DIY floral centrepiece
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here]
Esseps
Learn More
Undo
Balconies & bedrooms: Your everyday escape zones
Why book a staycation when your balcony can feel like a spring soirée? Cluster flowering pots with leafy friends. A mismatched family of rajanigandha, rose, and some mogra in a chipped kettle — it's the Bengali version of cottagecore. Add a decorative moira butterfly on metal resin stick to your planters — it's like that one nosy but fabulous aunt who brings flair to every gathering. Move indoors and let your bedroom turn into a bloom-scented bubble. Hang kokedama balls from curtain rods, or place a single rajnigandha stem beside your bed in a brass tumbler. You'll dream better, we promise.
Use
: balcony corner + Moira butterfly + bedside floral pop
Loos & ladders: The unexpected glow-up
Even your bathroom's in on the glow-up this year. A pothos trailing from the shower window? Yes, please. A peace lily next to the sink? Namaste, zen. Got an awkward hallway or an old ladder gathering dust? Give it a second life. Lean it against a corner and dress it in string lights, potted ivies, or even dried wheat stalks tied with festive ribbons. Add a tall snake plant in a copper bucket below and boom — forgotten corner turned festive photo-op.
Use
: trailing plants in bathroom + bamboo ladder moment
Phool proof: This season's buzziest blooms
Here's what you can grab in 20 minutes from your local phoolwallah:
Genda (marigold): Bright, cheap, and basically the haldi of home décor.
Rajnigandha (tuberose): For that dreamy, old-world Pujo-adda aroma.
Bougainvillea: Vivid, wild, and free—especially if you snip it from your neighbour's wall.
Palash (flame of the forest): The OG spring bloomer—sets the festive tone on literal fire.
Roses (drama queens): Classic, fragrant, and they know they're the main character.
Hibiscus: Bold red, sacred, and puja-approved.
Aparajita: Soft violet, totally underrated, and perfect for stringing into torans.
'Even if you don't have a green thumb—and call yourself a 'plant killer'—you can still use flower cuttings, leafy branches, and painted recycled bottles for a touch of green. It adds a personal signature to your space.'
— Alokananda Mukherjee, gardening enthusiast
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor Gives A Masterclass On Staying Fit At 61 Without Quitting Chole Bhature
For many Indians, the first brush with cooking on television came through Sanjeev Kapoor. Long before recipe videos flooded social media, his calm presence on Khana Khazana made food feel exciting and achievable for every home cook. Decades later, while he has grown into a global culinary figure, what stands out is his love for the simplest of pleasures. His comfort food? A plate of piping hot chole bhature. What makes Chef Sanjeev remarkable is that even in his 60s, when most people worry about avoiding fried and heavy meals, he doesn't think the same way. Instead, he has mastered a philosophy of balance, where food is to be enjoyed and fitness is achieved through mindful living rather than rigid diets. Food Is Joy, Not Numbers For Sanjeev Kapoor, food isn't just fuel, but it's tied to emotions, nostalgia, and togetherness. He doesn't believe in demonising any dish. "In fact, while in New Delhi, I couldn't resist eating chole bhature, gol gappe, and Bengali sweets before coming to the event," the chef tells HT Lifestyle during an event. His philosophy is simple: no food should be labelled the villain. Portion Control Over Prohibition Instead of avoiding his favourites, the celebrity chef focuses on eating in moderation. "Savour, don't stuff," he says. A small plate of chole bhature satisfies his craving, but he ensures the next meal is lighter, like a soup or grilled vegetables. Sanjeev Kapoor also swears by eating fresh, seasonal produce. Not only does it taste better, but it's more nutritious and easier to digest. He further enjoys local delicacies wherever he travels and makes eating food an experience rather than a restriction. Fitness Beyond The Gym Unlike many who rely on heavy workouts, Sanjeev Kapoor's activity comes from his lifestyle, including long walks, constant movement in the kitchen, travelling, and engaging with people. His daily step count, tracked on his phone, reflects his naturally active routine. Sleep And Mindfulness Matter Alongside food, the celebrity chef stresses the importance of restful sleep. Good-quality rest, he believes, recharges both body and mind. "A peaceful and comforting sleep is not only good for your mental health, but also keeps you physically fit and active," explains Sanjeev Kapoor. In an era of strict diet plans and fitness fads, Sanjeev Kapoor's approach feels refreshingly real. At 61, with energy and enthusiasm still intact, he is living proof that you can love your chole bhature and still stay fit.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor reveals secret behind his fitness at 61: Know what he does after bingeing on chole bhature
When you think of Indian culinary skills, one name that instantly captures our mind is Chef Sanjeev Kapoor! From teaching us the art of cooking on Khana Khazana, one of the very first recipe shows to be aired on television to launching restaurants across the globe, he has been a household name for decades. From noting down his lip-smacking recipes in our diaries to try making them and messing up with our kitchens, we have grown up watching him grow. But here's a fun fact you may not know: Despite his global fame and access to every gourmet dish imaginable, Chef Sanjeev's all-time favourite food is Chole Bhature! Chef Sanjeev Kapoor on staying fit in sixties While most of us shy away from the deep-fried, carb-loaded dishes to stay healthy, Chef Sanjeev has a different mantra for fitness. So, what's his secret to staying fit in his 60s? In an interview to HT Lifestyle on the sidelines of a Wonderchef store launch event, Chef Sanjeev says, "My secret to staying fit and healthy in my 60s is not to restrict or give up on eating what I like. In fact, I believe in eating everything and anything my heart lures for.' Food is more than just calories: Sanjeev Kapoor For Chef Sanjeev, food holds a special place. "For me, food is about more than calories, it's about memories, emotions, and the joy of sharing.' He believes that no dish should ever be labelled as the 'villain.' Instead, it's the way you balance indulgence with discipline that matters. His fitness mantra at 61 At an age where many struggle with health issues, Chef Sanjeev continues to radiate energy. Here are some of his secrets to staying fit: Mindful eating, not restriction 'I don't believe in giving up on my favourite dishes. Instead, I practice portion control. I believe that instead of stuffing your stomach, you should eat in moderation. A small platter would suffice and satiate your taste buds without any guilt. The key is to savour, not stuff, " he adds Eating fresh, seasonal and local food He insists on eating fresh and seasonal food. 'Fresh and seasonal fruits are richer in nutrients, taste better, and are much easier to digest,' he says. Another aspect he feels should be taken care of is to try local food. 'In fact, while in New Delhi, I couldn't resist eating Chole Bhature, Gol Gappe, and Bengali sweets before coming to the event," he adds. Smart indulgence For Sanjeev Kapoor, fitness is not about saying no to foods, but about knowing when to eat and how much to eat. 'If I eat Chole Bhature for lunch, I'll balance it out with a light dinner, like soup or grilled vegetables," he shares. Staying active beyond gym Unlike fitness enthusiasts who spend hours in gyms, Chef Sanjeev believes in staying naturally active. 'I believe in long walks, kitchen movements, travelling, and engaging with people to keep my energy levels high, ' he says, while flaunting his phone's active health data. Good quality sleep Despite his hectic and busy schedule, Chef Sanjeev believes in good quality sleep. Chef Sanjeev says, 'A peaceful and comforting sleep is not only good for your mental health, but also keep you physically fit and active.' Meditation and yoga works: Meditation is great to calm the body and mind, which is why he advises people to meditate. 'A peaceful mind would help you stay active-both physically and mentally,' he concludes. In today's world, where fad diets and 30-day fitness challenges are everywhere, Sanjeev Kapoor's approach feels refreshing. Even at 61, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor is a living proof that age is just a number when you nurture your body with care, joy, and balance. So, the next time you're craving that plate of fried Momos or Chole bhature, don't guilt-trip yourself. Rather, take a limited portion, enjoy every bite, and stay active. Similar articles for you: How to find the perfect makeup base for your skin? Here is our guide for your help How to apply eyeliner like a pro: Master the art of perfect eyelining; Our tricks and tips Complete lip care guide: Tips for pigmentation, cracked lips, and healthy skin tone Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Ritabhari Chakraborty's Enchanting Vienna Escape: A Visual Journey
Bengali actress is currently giving fans a serene peek into her European escape through glimpses from Vienna. From palace backdrops to cobbled streets, her feed radiates wanderlust and elegance — blending timeless architecture with modern travel chic. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Whether sipping coffee at a quaint café or strolling past ornate facades, she brings Vienna to life with a graceful ease. Though details are scarce, the captions evoke quiet wonder and the simple joys of wandering through a city steeped in art, music, and history. Sharing the photos on social media, she wrote, "In Vienna, even the air feels like it's scored by Mozart and painted in Klimt's gold..." Fans took to the comments section and dropped heart emojis to appreciate her pictures. One of them wrote, "Every look u do is amazingly stylish," while another person said, "Elegant." The Vienna visuals continue Ritabhari's trend of sharing intimate, aesthetically resonant travel capsules — following her picturesque moments in Strasbourg and Paris.
