Hosting a dinner party can be stressful, but hosting iftar? That’s a whole new level. When you’re relying on instincts—not just taste—to make sure everything is perfect, it can easily feel overwhelming for our fasting brain. The pressure to not only satisfy your guests but also ensure they feel comfortable in your space is enough to make anyone anxious. After hosting a few iftar parties myself, I am an expert on this type of anxiety and pressure. However, I have figured out a few ways to make myself feel more at ease, and excited for the night to come. 

It all begins with the invites. I love making them special, as they set the tone for the evening and add to the excitement. My favorite method is using an RSVP website. I can easily send mass texts, share the address and give details about the night’s theme, all while the guests are able to see who else would be joining. 

Next comes one of the most enjoyable parts: dressing up in our abayas. Since we mostly only wear them during Ramadan, it’s always exciting to finally break them out. Matching with friends and family enhances the sense of community at our iftar parties—for such a simple and overlooked touch, dressing up still feels like we are all part of something beautiful and meaningful.

Then comes the tricky part: narrowing down the menu from a million possible dishes to just a few that everyone will actually enjoy. I tend to steer clear of fried foods since they fill us up too quickly, leaving little room for the nutrient-rich dishes we need. My go-to menu includes light options like watermelon and oven-baked veggie samosas as appetizers, followed by lentil soup. For the main course, I love serving rice with a choice of meat and sandwiches. Don’t hesitate to use disposable dishes! There are some beautifully designed options available that not only save you the mess of cleaning up after a long day of fasting but also give you more time to enjoy your evening with your guests.

Decorations really set the mood for iftar. I like to combine stars and moons in my decor. A string of moon and star lights draped across the space adds a cozy touch, while candles scattered amongst flowers that match the theme of the night create the perfect ambiance. It’s a sweet, girly detail that ties everything together. 

Another decoration idea I absolutely love is incorporating personalized duas and seat names. For example, placing the dua for breaking fast along with each guest's name at their seat adds a thoughtful, welcoming touch that makes everyone feel special in your home.

Finally, the most earned step: making a cup of coffee at home before Taraweeh. After battling caffeine withdrawal, there’s nothing better than rewarding yourself with a nice iced coffee or dessert. Experimenting with recipes with friends is the perfect way to wind down, whether you’re heading out for prayers or staying up to do Qiyam at home.

May this be the best Ramadan yet for all of us.