How to Arrange Thattu Varisai for Traditional Functions

A Celebration of Culture, Love, and Presentation

Every traditional function in South India,  whether it’s an engagement, wedding, puberty ceremony, baby shower, or housewarming,  holds one timeless visual: the beautifully decorated thattu varisai. Rows of shining plates, each carrying meaningful gifts and blessings, symbolize respect, prosperity, and joy between families.

But if you’ve ever tried to arrange them, you know it’s not as simple as it looks. Between deciding what to include, how to decorate, and how to align them perfectly, it can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, this guide will take you through every step of how to arrange thattu varisai beautifully and meaningfully for your next traditional function.

And if you ever feel unsure, remember, Seer Varisai Thattu decorators like SeerPlate can always help you make it picture-perfect!

What Is a Thattu Varisai?

A thattu varisai (also called seer varisai thattu) is a collection of decorated trays or plates that contain traditional gifts, sweets, fruits, and symbolic items exchanged between families during important ceremonies.

Each plate, or thattu, represents a blessing,  for good health, prosperity, beauty, longevity, fertility, and togetherness. It’s more than a set of items; it’s an expression of respect and cultural pride.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Arrange Thattu Varisai

Let’s go step by step, so you can easily organize a flawless setup for your function.

1. Understand the Occasion and Its Requirements

Every event has its own tradition.

• Engagement or Wedding: Include sarees, dhotis, cosmetics, sweets, fruits, and dry fruits.
  
• Puberty Function: Include cosmetics, bangles, dresses, turmeric, kumkum, and fruits.
  
• Baby Shower (Valaikappu): Add bangles, baby essentials, sweets, gifts for the mother.
  
• Housewarming (Graha Pravesam): Include lamps, coconuts, turmeric, betel leaves, rice, and gifts.
  

Before shopping, consult your family elders or purohit to understand what each plate should contain.

2. Choose the Right Number of Plates

Traditionally, odd numbers like 7, 9, 11, 21, or 51 are used. The number symbolizes auspiciousness.

Make a list of what you’ll include (e.g., fruits, sweets, dresses, gifts) and assign one plate per item type.

Example:

Item Type	Number of Plates	Description
Fruits	3	Seasonal fruits for health & blessings
Sweets	2	Traditional sweets like laddu, mysore pak
Saree & Dhoti	2	Gift for bride and groom
Cosmetics & Accessories	1	Beauty & prosperity
Betel, Turmeric, Kumkum	1	Traditional essentials
Return Gifts	1	Gratitude for guests

This organization ensures no plate feels cluttered or incomplete.

3. Select the Right Type of Thattu or Tray

You can choose from:

• Traditional brass or silver plates for an authentic look.
  
• Acrylic, wooden, or fiber trays for modern elegance.
  
• Decorated baskets or boxes for unique presentation.
  
  

If you’re planning a themed decoration (like pastel, royal gold, or floral), pick trays that match the color scheme.

4. Decoration Materials You’ll Need

To make your setup visually stunning, gather these materials:

• Satin or velvet cloths (for base covering)
  
• Artificial or fresh flowers
  
• Colorful ribbons, laces, and beads
  
• Golden paper, pearls, mirrors, and tassels
  
• LED fairy lights for evening events
  
• Transparent covers (to keep items dust-free)
  
  

Pro Tip: Choose a color palette, e.g., maroon & gold for weddings, pink & white for puberty functions, green & yellow for housewarmings, and use it consistently across all plates.

5. Arrange Items with Meaning and Balance

While decorating, remember the balance between beauty and symbolism:

• Place heavier or larger plates (like fruit or dress trays) at the back.
  
• Keep smaller, decorative ones (like kumkum, turmeric, or accessories) in front.
  
• Maintain symmetry; both sides of the display should mirror each other.
  
• Use stands or risers to create height variation. It adds visual depth to the display.
  
  

Expert Tip: Always keep the central plate reserved for the main item of the occasion, e.g., engagement ring plate, wedding saree, or valaikappu bangles.

6. Add Traditional Touches

Your arrangement should reflect tradition at every glance.

• Place betel leaves, areca nuts, coconut, rice grains, and lamps for an authentic touch.
  
• Include turmeric-smeared coconuts to signify prosperity.
  
• Tie mango leaves or banana stems around the area for cultural detailing.
  
• Sprinkle rose petals or jasmine buds for freshness and fragrance.
  

This is where a professional decorator can enhance your setup with creative detailing, layered heights, and floral artistry.

7. Label or Personalize Each Plate

In grand functions, thattu varisai setups can have 30+ plates. Labeling helps guests and family members understand each one’s significance.

Use:

• Small golden name tags like “Sweets,” “Bride’s Gift,” “Traditional Essentials,” etc.
  
• Engraved wooden or acrylic tags for a modern aesthetic.
  

You can even personalize them with the names of the bride and groom or event title, e.g., “Sangeetha’s Valaikappu 2025.”

8. Arrange the Display Area

The presentation space matters as much as the plates themselves.

• Background Setup: Use fabric drapes, flower garlands, or LED curtains.
  
• Surface: Ensure it’s stable, wide, and covered with cloth.
  
• Lighting: Soft warm lighting makes colors pop and adds charm to photographs.
  
• Photo Zone: Keep the arrangement photo-ready, guests love clicking pictures here!
  

Remember, thattu varisai trays often become the highlight of your event decor.

9. Safety and Storage Before the Function

If you’re preparing the plates a day early:

• Store sweets and fruits in cool, dry places.
  
• Keep decorative trays wrapped in transparent sheets.
  
• Avoid direct sunlight to preserve color and freshness.
  
• Assign one or two people to monitor the area during the event.
  

10. Add a Touch of Creativity

Modern families love blending tradition with innovation. You can:

• Use floral initials (like S 💍 K) at the center.
  
• Add LED name boards or acrylic stands.
  
• Create theme-based displays (e.g., pastel floral, royal gold, temple theme).
  
• Include a thank-you tray or return gift display for guests.
  

These touches make your seer varisai setup memorable and unique.

Common Themes for Thattu Varisai Decoration

Theme	Best For	Description
Royal Gold	Weddings	Heavy golden décor, zari cloth, crystal borders
Floral Pastel	Engagements, Valaikappu	Soft pinks, whites, peach flowers
Temple Traditional	Puberty, Housewarming	Banana leaves, lamps, jasmine, coconut décor
Modern Acrylic	Minimalist setups	Transparent trays, LED edge lighting
Eco-Friendly	Green functions	Bamboo baskets, reusable trays, jute wrapping

Each theme carries its own mood and meaning, choose what matches your event’s personality.

Checklist: Essentials for Every Thattu Varisai

Here’s a simple checklist you can use before starting the decoration:

✅ Fruits (5–7 varieties)
✅ Traditional sweets
✅ Saree and dhoti sets
✅ Bangles, cosmetics, flowers
✅ Betel leaves and areca nuts
✅ Kumkum, turmeric, sandalwood
✅ Coconuts and rice packets
✅ Lamps or diyas
✅ Gifts and return gifts
✅ Decorative trays, fabrics, and covers

Pro Tips for Perfect Presentation

• Start early: Give yourself 2–3 days before the function.
  
• Involve elders: They’ll guide you on what’s culturally essential.
  
• Keep colors balanced: Too many bright shades can distract from elegance.
  
• Think photo-friendly: Arrange with symmetry and spacing for pictures.
  
• Hire professionals if needed: Expert decorators (like SeerPlate) bring artistry, balance, and detail that elevate the entire setup.
  

The Sentiment Behind Every Plate

Every plate in a thattu varisai tells a story, of blessings, love, and shared joy.
It’s not just decoration; it’s a family’s way of saying, “We care, we celebrate, and we bless you.”

When arranged thoughtfully, it becomes a memory that lives forever in photos, hearts, and family traditions.

So next time you plan a function, take a deep breath, gather your trays, and start designing your thattu varisai with meaning and pride.

And if you ever want to make it hassle-free yet stunning, remember, professional decorators like SeerPlate specialize in transforming your ideas into magical, culturally rooted displays.

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of a thattu varisai?
It symbolizes love, respect, and blessings exchanged between families during auspicious occasions.

2. How many plates should be arranged for a traditional event?
Usually odd numbers like 9, 11, 21, or 51, depending on the family’s tradition and budget.

3. Can I reuse the trays for future events?
Yes! Acrylic or fiber trays can be reused by changing fabrics or décor.

4. What colors are best for thattu varisai decoration?
Gold, maroon, and red for weddings; pastel pinks and whites for puberty or baby shower functions.

5. How can I make it eco-friendly?
Use bamboo or jute trays, cloth wrapping instead of plastic, and real flowers instead of artificial ones.

6. What’s the ideal time to prepare the plates?
Usually, one or two days before the event to keep everything fresh and organized.

7. Who can help with professional thattu varisai setups?
Event decorators or specialised teams, such as SeerPlate, focus on cultural presentation and detailing.