There was a time when Raksha Bandhan was celebrated with great simplicity, but now people celebrate it with elaborate decorations. The wide variety of *rakhis* and *thalis* (ceremonial platters) available in the market reflects this shift.

If you have already bought the *rakhi* but are hesitating to purchase an expensive *thali*, here are some ways to decorate one at home.

**DIY Hacks for Decorating the Rakhi Thali**
Instead of buying expensive decorative items from the market for the *aarti thali* on Raksha Bandhan, use these items found at home:

**Saree Fabric**
If you have a saree you no longer wear, don't let it go to waste; consider using it to decorate the *thali*. Take a clean steel *thali* and cut a piece of designer fabric from the saree's *pallu* (the decorative end). Apply glue thoroughly to the *thali* and stick the fabric onto it. If the fabric is plain, you can embellish it by sticking on colorful stones.

**Decorate with Artificial Flowers**
Spread a light-colored velvet cloth over the *thali*. Create artificial flowers using fabric or glitter paper, placing a pearl in the center of each. Once the flowers are ready, arrange them in a circle along the shape of the *thali*.

**Decoration with Pearls**
A *thali* adorned with white pearls looks incredibly attractive. To achieve this look, first attach a ribbon along the rim of the *thali* or cover the entire *thali* with a plain red cloth; then, arrange the pearls one by one in a circular pattern.

**Ribbon Decor**
Take a ribbon of your choice from your home and create small pleats or gathers in it. Then, use a glue gun to attach it along the edges of the *thali*. This will give the *thali* a ruffled, frilled look. For a criss-cross pattern, take ribbons in various colors and arrange them in a zigzag design. You can also create a bow at the center where the *rakhi* will be placed.

**Personalized Name Thali**
You can also create a special *thali* featuring your brother's name; start by forming the letters using ribbons. Flower petals, thick grains, or *akshat* (unbroken rice grains) can also be used to write the name.

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