Eid al-Adha – the Festival of Sacrifice – is more than a celebration steeped in tradition, joy, and togetherness. With family and friends gathering to observe this special occasion, preparing your home is essential to ensure comfort and festivity.
Want to align your preparations with the cultural and traditional essences of Eid al-Adha while making your home the star of the festive evening? Here are a few ways you could:
Prioritise Cleanliness
Purity in all forms is deeply ingrained in traditions – a clean home sets the table for a spiritually uplifting Eid. Remember, cleaning isn’t just about appearances; it symbolises a ‘fresh start’ – a clean space is considered a blessed space. Plus, a sparkling clean house looks nice in Eid pictures!
Key areas to consider
The living room
Deep clean your furniture, dust off surfaces, and vacuum or wash carpets with shampoo. Since dates and ‘gahwa’ (an Arabic coffee) are traditionally served to guests on Eid in the UAE, try to make this place comfortable and inviting.
The kitchen
This particular room will be the heart of activity, especially while qurbani (or ‘sacrificial’) meat is being washed and stored in refrigerators, food and drinks are being prepared, and so on. Prioritise hygiene at all costs by cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, organising appliances, keeping the chopping board ready and utensils washed and dried up, and the entire room ventilated, especially while cooking.
The bathroom
Stock up on fresh towels, soap, and hand sanitisers. These small details might not seem much to you, but they show your guests you valued their comfort.
Insurance tip
With the hustle and bustle of Eid, accidents like spills or minor damages can occur. Make the evening worry-free by reviewing your home insurance coverage – and enhancing it if need be – in advance, ensuring your safety even if unexpected mishaps pay a visit.
Add Some Culture to Your House Decoration
Eid provides a great chance to mix tradition with festivity. You can consider Eid décor that adds flair to the setting of your festivities with a dash of tradition and a touch of culture.
Some Décor Ideas
Lighting
String up lanterns or fairy lights to create a luminous, serene ambiance. Lanterns have long been part of Islamic culture, and the enchanting glow they’ll cast might make evening prayers and gatherings even more special.
Islamic Art
Adorning your walls with calligraphy or crescent moon motifs might be a great way to evoke cultural pride. These elements embody the spiritual essence of this blessed occasion.
Fresh Flowers
They symbolise beauty, love, and spiritual connection, often reflecting the divine nature of creation. Plus, they smell incredibly nice, especially when they are fresh.
A Beautifully Laid Dining Table
It sets the tone for togetherness! Some people use patterned tablecloths, but you can always leave that out if it doesn’t match the décor of the room itself. A centerpiece with fresh flowers can brighten the table as well.
Insurance Tip
If you’re purchasing new or precious décor items, consider whether your home insurance policy covers these valuables.
Show Your Hospitality Responsibly
Generosity is part and parcel of Eid al-Adha, and hosting guests is a meaningful way to embody its spirit. But don’t go overboard and tire yourself out. You deserve to enjoy the day with your loved ones too.
Thoughtful Hosting Ideas
Make Space for All
Arrange enough seats to accommodate all your guests without compromising on comfort. Consider floor cushions for large gatherings. Rearrange furniture if need be – you can always bring them back to their original places later. Your goal should be simple: ensuring enough space and seating for all.
Set Up Self-Serving Stations
Set up a stylish self-serve drink station with ‘gahwa’, tea, fresh juices, and a jug or two of water, meaning more time to spend with family and friends and less back-and-forths between the living room and the kitchen.
Simplify Menu
Instead of a full-course buffet, you may opt for a curated menu with a few high-impact dishes. Think flavourful rice dishes, a hearty entrée, and a dessert or two. Keep it simple. Less time in the kitchen – more time with your loved ones.
Set Up Spaces for Children
Designate an area for children with toys, games, or simple craft activities. Make them Eid-themed if you want to!
Insurance Tip
Busy homes and active children can lead to minor accidents, like broken furniture or spills. A reliable home insurance policy shields you from such unexpected damages.
Pay Attention to Food and Waste Disposal
The tradition of ‘Qurbani’ holds great significance. So does the preparation and distribution of sacrificial meat. Waste disposal must also be taken into consideration. Organising your home and kitchen with these in mind will make the process smoother and more efficient.
Things to Consider
Ordering a Sacrificial Animal
Many sellers provide sacrificial animals online conveniently - through their website, mobile application, or simply by communicating the offer via email - and that too delivered within minutes!
Approved Method of Sacrifice
If you're in the UAE on Eid al-Adha, the only approved method of sacrificing sacrificial animals is to take them to the 'abattoir' - the designated slaughterhouse. It helps keep 'qurbani' waste to a minimum.
Enough Storage Space
Clean and prepare your fridge and freezer in advance for ‘qurbani’ meat. Use stackable containers to save space and keep food organised.
Plan Portions
Estimate meal portions based on the number of guests to avoid over-preparing food. You could use apps or online calculators to determine serving sizes if need be.
Pre-Cook, Freeze or Prepare in Advance
Marinate and partially cook some dishes in advance to reduce your workload on Eid day. Making dishes in advance, like desserts, might also help you save time and reduce stress.
Disposing Waste Properly
Dispose of waste ethically and environmentally, in line with Islamic teachings and government directives.
Insurance Tip
Kitchen appliances are often used heavily during Eid. Double-check your insurance policy to make sure you are covered against potential appliance malfunctions, such as freezer breakdowns.
Ensure Safety While Celebrating
While Eid preparations are exciting, it’s important to prioritise safety amid the festive energy. A safe, organised home not only protects your loved ones but also upholds the value of responsibility that is central to Eid al-Adha.
Safety Tips
Fire Precautions
Place decorative candles and lanterns away from flammable objects. You could also consider LED candles instead – they create the same festive vibe without any fire hazard to deal with.
Electrical Safety
Avoid overloading power sockets while plugging in appliances or lights.
Declutter Pathways
Ensure walkways are free of wires, decoration pieces, or furniture to prevent tripping accidents.
Childproofing
Prevent mishaps by keeping sharp objects and fragile decoration items out of children’s reach.
Insurance Tip
Many home insurance plans offer comprehensive protection against accidental damage, fire hazards, or electrical failures, giving you the confidence you need to celebrate stress-free.
All Set for a Meaningful, Worry-Free Eid!
Preparing your home for Eid al-Adha is a beautiful way to welcome this sacred occasion. From a deep clean that symbolises renewal to decor and hosting that honours the spirit of generosity, each effort mirrors the very essence of the festival.
With thoughtful planning backed by a comprehensive home insurance plan, you can fully enjoy every moment, creating cherished memories with family and friends in the process.
Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed, joyous, and safe Eid al-Adha!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Readers are advised to (i) obtain independent professional advise before making any decisions related or arising out of this blog article (ii) carefully review their home insurance policy terms and conditions to understand their applicable coverage scope (as some benefits may or may not be applicable to you), limits, and exclusions. This blog may include technical, typographical, or other errors. Sukoon Insurance PJSC does not make any representation or warranty of any kind in relation to this article/blog post including that any of the data, information, materials on this blog article are accurate, reliable, or complete. Sukoon Insurance PJSC hereby disclaims all and any responsibility or liability of any kind for any direct or indirect damages caused to you in relation to or arising out of this blog article.
