Maximalist Holi Tablescapes: A Riot of Colour, Texture & Storytelling

Celebrate Holi with Maximalism

If you’ve seen Sonam Kapoor’s London home on Architectural Digest, you know what true maximalism looks like—an exquisite balance of heritage, craftsmanship, and bold self-expression. Every corner tells a story, every piece is carefully layered, and the result is a space that feels personal, lived-in, and undeniably luxurious.

But what if we brought that same maximalist spirit to a Holi tablescape?

Because what is Holi if not a celebration of colour, joy, and all things dopamine-inducing? It’s a festival that thrives on excess, vibrant hues, and textures that clash yet somehow belong together. Holi is about abandoning restraint—so why should your table be any different?

As someone who loves hosting and curating experiences, I thought I’d share a few tips and tricks on how to set a maximalist Holi brunch table—one that feels artfully layered, effortlessly festive, and unapologetically bold.

What is Maximalist Design? And Why It’s the Perfect Trend for Holi

Maximalism isn’t about having more—it’s about telling a story through objects, textures, and colours. It’s the antithesis of minimalism, rejecting bare spaces in favour of layering, nostalgia, and depth.

According to Apartment Therapy, maximalism is:

• Personal – Every object should have meaning

• Layered – A mix of colours, prints, and materials

• Eclectic – Clashing patterns, bold combinations, curated imperfections

• Warm & Lived-In – Not staged, but full of life

  
  

Holi is the maximalist festival of dreams. It’s a riot of colour, an invitation to mix and match, a moment to embrace boldness without hesitation. A Holi tablescape inspired by maximalist interiors should reflect this same vibrancy, depth, and joyful chaos.

Tablescape inspiration; image credits: Sourced from Rani Pink | Photograph by Aviraj Singh. All rights belong to the respective creators

Maximalism Inspired Holi Edit...

Imagine you're in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film—a world where grandeur meets intimacy, where every frame is drenched in colour, every fabric tells a story, and the meal is a celebration. The air is thick with the scent of mogra and sandalwood, golden diyas flicker against intricately carved brass, and music hums softly in the background, setting the stage for an unforgettable Holi gathering.

Now that I’ve got you in the mindset, let’s dive into how we are going to design your maximalist Holi tablescape—one that feels as if it belongs in the lavish court of Bajirao Mastani or the sunlit terraces of Ram-Leela. A table that doesn’t just serve food but creates an experience, a moment suspended in time where colour, texture, and tradition collide in the most exquisite way.

Brass tableware; image credits: Sourced from Lori Loftin. All rights belong to the respective creators

Let's set where clashes of pinks, marigolds, emerald greens, and jewel tones come together in a symphony of unapologetic colour. Florals aren’t confined to neat bouquets but instead spill across the table in cascading, organic arrangements, much like the chaotic yet poetic charm of a grand Bollywood celebration. Every element on the table tells a story—vintage brass cutlery with intricate detailing, hand-painted ceramics reminiscent of heirloom artistry, and block-printed linens that carry the weight of tradition and craftsmanship.

The Mood: Bold, Layered & Unapologetically Festive

Moodboard for a Maximalist Tablescape

A good tablescape is like a great outfit—the magic lies in layering unexpected elements.

Colour Palette:

• Papaya Orange & Marigold Yellow – Evoking freshly strung flower garlands

• Indigo & Emerald – A deep contrast against softer pastels and creams

• Buttercream White & Warm Terracotta – Earthy tones to ground the vibrancy

  
  

A maximalist Holi table isn’t about matching—it’s about mixing. Layer a block-printed tablecloth with kantha-stitched runners, brass thalis next to hand-painted plates, and coloured glassware catching the light.

Let's Curate Your Maximalist Holi Setting

Now that we have been inspired by a colour palette let's dive into layering

A vibrant set; image credits: Sourced from 100layerscake | Photograph by Kristy May Photography. All rights belong to the respective creators

1. Tablecloths & Runners: A Textural Canvas

Set the foundation with kantha-stitched fabrics, rich in hand embroidery, or Ajrakh and Bagru block prints, bringing folk artistry to life. For an effortlessly draped look, opt for handwoven cotton runners, adding warmth and depth to the table.

2. Tableware: The Art of Mixing & Matching

Maximalism thrives on variety, so forget uniform dinnerware—curate a collection that feels eclectic yet harmonious. Think hand-painted ceramics with folk-inspired motifs, paired with terracotta or brass serving bowls. Complete the look with gold-rimmed or jewel-toned glassware, adding just the right amount of luxe contrast.

3. Florals: Beyond Just Marigolds

Florals should feel organic, overflowing, and unrestrained. Instead of structured arrangements, let loose marigold chains trail across the table, while lotus blooms float in brass urli bowls. Add a touch of nostalgia with wildflowers tucked into antique glass bottles, creating an effortlessly romantic, vintage charm.

4. Lighting & Accents: Setting the Mood

Though Holi is a celebration of daylight, your table should carry its magic into the evening. Layer the glow with tea lights in deep amber, indigo, and emerald-hued glass holders, complemented by brass candle stands with tapered off-white candles. For a final ethereal touch, let floating diyas shimmer in vintage ceramic bowls, adding warmth and intimacy as the sun sets.

The beauty of maximalism lies in the details—it’s about layering colours, textures, and stories to create a setting that feels rich, vibrant, and full of life.

The Perfect Hostess: How to Make Guests Feel at Home

Now that we have set the table, it’s not just about the aesthetic—it’s also about creating an experience that will make your guests feel special. Some extra tip, welcome your guests with warm saffron thandai or chilled rose sherbet, setting the tone for a celebration that feels both indulgent and effortless. Let the air hum with a playlist that blends Bollywood Holi classics with indie folk beats, creating a vibrant yet soulful atmosphere. The menu can be a feast for the senses—light yet decadent, with overflowing chaat platters, delicate saffron-infused desserts, and fresh seasonal fruit adding bursts of flavour. But above all, let the setting feel organic. The most memorable tables are the ones that are slightly undone, effortlessly styled, and full of life—just like Holi itself.

Golden elegance; image credits: Sourced from Epic Stories. All rights belong to the respective creator

Your Table As A Storyteller

A maximalist Holi tablescape isn’t just about decoration—it’s about curation. It’s about bringing together textures, prints, objects, and stories that reflect the joy of the festival itself.

So this Holi, go all in. Let colour spill beyond the edges. Let fabrics drape, candles flicker, flowers tumble, and glassware shine. Because Holi is about celebration, and your table should be too.