A sentimental Diwali

This is the weekend when the pace and magnitude of Diwali card parties picks up, but the city's punters are already complaining about the market having become " thanda". They blame the cooling down of property transactions for the dampening of the high- roller sentiment this season.

Diwali has traditionally been the season of brisk property sales which, in turn, sustained the cash economy that comes into play at the imported roulette tables of the city's richie- rich parties.

This season, the punters are no longer talking about fatcats sauntering in with suitcases bulging with money at Chhattarpur farmhouses or ofRs.5 lakh being the minimum " move". As one veteran of these parties put it ruefully, " There's a liquidity crunch." In other words, there's not enough liquid cash floating around in the grey market. But of course, card parties have shown no signs of slowing down. They continue to go on till 6 or 7 am - the time people leading less colourful lives normally set off on their morning constitutional - though the stakes may not be as high as before.

Two features of this season stand out, according to insiders.

The first is the growing visibility of the scions of business families - not the prominent ones, but those that are locally important, from rice traders to car dealers.

These young men with their trophy wives, each one of them a walking DLF Emporio, are the new high- rollers.

Even they are being restrained in their "moves". No one's putting more than a couple of lakhs per ' move'. And these highrollers literally enjoy elevated positions at card parties - they play in secluded cabanas or on machans. Hosts are also judged by the number of roulette tables they set up, enabling guests to indulge their passion for blackjack.

At the more ' affordable' parties, the ' blinds' range fromRs.8,000 toRs.20,000 and in some cases evenRs.1 lakh. But the minimum buy- in at medium/ high poker games, a favourite of the scions, extends fromRs.50,000 toRs.1 lakh. The ' ladies', who are assigned separate tables away from the men, play with very small stakes that their husbands wouldn't even sniff at.

The other trend, which is not a new practice but has held its ground, is that no one gets to play on credit. This old practice has often led to ugly situations in the past.

The most infamous incident was that of a former cricket czar ending up owingRs.1 crore to a late hotelier after a cards party. The day after got so out of hand that the former ( and controversial) BCCI top honcho's industrialist father had to bail him out by paying in installments the money his son owed. Since then, you're allowed to play on the high tables only if you have the cash and you can ' move' only what you have.

The money changing hands this season may not be high, but the hosts of card parties are pulling out all the stops when it comes to showing their hospitable side. Single malts are the flavour of the season. At one such party, on offer to guest were a hundred single malts, some of them from the barrels of distilleries that had stopped operating decades ago. Italy's premium red wine, Barolo, is another favourite, and the hosts are going to great lengths to get their wine lists right. Finger food, fondues ( this year's flavour of the season) and kebabs accompany these libations and they continue to be served through the night. " The stakes may be lower, but our business is booming this year," said a caterer who's popular at highend card parties. Some win, some lose. Isn't that what gambling is all about?

For a last minute-party

Dazzling decor

A bespoke decor that oozes grandeur and glamour makes an evening more stylish. This includes creating a warm and welcoming ambience where guests can linger on for long. Colourful candle motives, hurricane lamps, T-lites, diya platters, cheery cushions and fresh flowers add a festive glow to the space. "Light up your indoors and outdoors with bright lanterns," suggests Meeta Gutgutia, creative head, Ferns N Petals.

Cheers to festivities

A great spread of food and wine can make or break any party. "Food & drinks are good conversation starters," says jewellery designer Musskan Aggarwal.

"Mulled wine is perfect for this weather. Keep a balance between spicy & non spicy starters and have them bitesize," suggests Chef Manish Mehrotra from Indian Accent, New Delhi. Go for Vodka flavour gol - gappa shots," says Vineet Wadhwa, Director, Food & Beverages, Shangri - La's Eros hotel, New Delhi.

Add a dose of glamour

You can opt for traditional, or fusion styles. From embroidered saris to concept ensembles and anarkalis ( floor - length & short), pick something that best suits your style and will keep you comfortable. To give your look a certain edge, opt for fun hairstyles and quirky accessories. While bright colours are ideal to sport, you can experiment with classic black and white too. And since no sign of stress on your face is the way to be the diva of the night, get a quick massage or facial done a day before.

Party favours

Make your party memorable by giving your guests a pleasant surprise. Here are some fun gifting ideas Gelato Vinto Diwali cakes, Rs.750 onwardsQuirky Ganesha from Moha, Rs.10,500