136 ELLE.MY

CO-O

RDIN

ATIO

N: S

AMAN

THA

JOSE

PH. P

HOTO

GRAP

HY: C

ORBI

S/CL

ICK

PHOT

OS; S

EASO

NS/C

LICK

PHO

TOS;

LI

VING

4MED

IA/C

LICK

PHO

TOS;

IHSA

N RO

SNIZ

A/CL

ICKE

R ST

UDIO

; SYA

RINA

YATI

M

EXCITING COLOURSPantone’s colour of the year, marsala, is a delicious brownish red that’s quite versatile. Mix it with amber, turquoise and teal for a vibrant and festive effect and for a sophisticated and luxurious finish to home furnishings.

Cushions are the perfect union of comfort and style. Pick your favourite cloth in a range of patterns and textures — be it modern geometric and floral prints, or patchwork or woven fabrics — to instantly brighten the home.

Tengku Norashikin, Sarang Interiors Architecture and interior design

Are you ready for Raya? Our experienced panel is here to give you tips for a smooth festive celebration

Eid ENTERTAINING

Tea light holder, RM39.90, H&M Home

Candle, RM24.90, H&M Home

Plate, approx. RM635, Masini at luisaviaroma.com

Pantone hues (from left to right): marsala, turquoise and rococco red

Plate, approx. RM741, Furstenberg 1747 at luisaviaroma.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTIf your walls are mostly white, and your table tops are transparent glass, go with bright fuchsia florals and deep purple designs with a hint of turquoise decorative items. This won’t make the ambience too noisy as your main elements are in neutral colours.

Try to look around your house (or your parent’s house) for classic and timeless decorative pieces. Even one main item can make a big difference. All you need to do is mix and match modern pieces with some traditional heirloom items, such as your grandma’s old raya cookie jar or her favourite songket.

Farah Nashrina, Helium & Konfetti Event design and creative styling

TABLE MATTERSIt’s always nice to add festive ornaments when setting the table. Some prefer flowers while others prefer Raya-themed props. A combination of both works best. Festive cutlery, napkins, table mats, glasses, plates and candle or tea light holders can make a difference.

Go with low table arrangements so as not to obstruct the flow of conversation, and keep the décor simple. You can’t go wrong with a cosy, intimate setting.

Lily Chew, Wishing Tree Designer florals and wedding decorations

1

2

3

4

LIVING ENTERTAINING

ELLE. MY 137

STEP 1The flowers I have used for this DIY are white matthiola, sweet william,

which are the small red flowers, and white lilies for fragrance. As for the

foliage, I used eucalyptus and olive-seeded eucalyptus.

STEP 2Start out by placing the leaves in

a medium-height vase.

STEP 3Spread out the greens and add small bunches of white flowers throughout

the flower arrangement.

STEP 4Finish with sprigs of sweet william for hints of red. To vary arrangements,

you can also opt for flowers such as green hydrangeas, white stargazers,

tuberose and spray carnations.

Syarina Yatim, floral designer

BLOOMING RIGHTLooking for last minute decor? All you need is any sort of container, from old jars to even your mum’s water carafes — anything that can hold water.

STEP BY STEPMinimal is the in thing for 2015, so go for simple green, white and a hint of red. Wild arrangements are definitely the look to go for. To get the ‘wild look’, buy smaller flowers and try mixing them with a lot of green leaves.

Chocolate nutella cake with mint frosting

Lemon cake with orange Swiss meringue buttercream

SWEET THINGSI’m thinking light flavours this year. A lemon cake with orange Swiss meringue buttercream will give a real citrus hit after all that lemang and rendang. But also creamy cakes to indulge in such as my blueberry and lychee cream cake and, the usual crowd pleaser, chocolate Nutella with a twist: a mint buttercream frosting tinted light green for that wow factor.

Decorating or frosting cupcakes for a large group can be such a chore when you’re busy doing final preparations. Make life easy with a DIY cupcake bar. Prepare buttercream in small piping bags and fill small bowls with toppings for people to decorate their own cupcakes.

Satira Diana, Pearl Cakes + Events Cake styling and party planning

“Make life easy with a DIY cupcake bar. Prepare

small piping bags and bowls with toppings for people to decorate their cupcakes.”