JYSK’S GUIDE FOR A MODERN GHABGA

The Ghabga is a long-standing tradition in Kuwaiti and consists of a gathering in the evening during Ramadan. The word “Ghabga'' comes from the word “Ghubooq'' in Arabic, and it is a period late at night before suhoor where people drink laban and eat dates. Although Ghabgas can be found throughout the Gulf, the origins trace itself back to a tradition established by Kuwaitis. Ghabgas embody the spirit of Ramadan, which emphasises the importance of maintaining community ties and encourages hospitality and generosity.

Ghabgas have recently regained popularity among Kuwaiti youth. Rather than simply laban and dates, this long-cherished custom has been given a contemporary update and expanded to become a large gathering with plenty of food and activities. However, the Ghabga continues to represent the essence of the original tradition, bringing people to have fun and bond together as a community.

Hosting a Ghabga this Ramadan, but not sure where to begin? No worries! JYSK has put together a

Step 1: Create a Ramadan Atmosphere

There are many ways to welcome Ramadan, one of which is by redecorating your home and accessorising it to create that Ramadan-y atmosphere. Using the right lighting may do wonders for creating just the right ambience. It's easy to change the mood in any room with our beautiful tea light candle holders, which add a splash of colour and switch up the look of any living space. If you prefer a more Ramadan aesthetic, our modern lanterns can be placed around your house.

Step 2: Getting Your Set-Up Ready

With the ambience set, let’s talk furniture set-up! Is this the Ghabga of the season? Or a low-key get-together with a few close friends? No matter the size, JYSK has all your seating needs. Whether your style is cosy or elegant, modern or classic, JYSK seats will make your guests feel right at home. Update your couches with our festive pillows and throws or go ahead and get that cosy armchair you might have been eyeing! Whatever your Ghabga vision, we're sure to have a selection to suit it.

But before you rush to our store (or click away online), consider the colour story you want to emulate. Is it the traditional Ramadan colours of gold and white? Or is it eclectic with blues and green? Either way, JYSK offers a line of sophisticated and modern palettes to inspire your setup.

Step 3: A Feast for the Eyes

What’s a Ghabga without food? And what’s food without a pretty Ramadan inspired dining setup? After carefully selecting the dining table and chairs that best fit your space, impress your guests with JYSK’s best dinnerware and glassware to serve all the Ramadan sweets and drinks. A trolley on standby is not only stylish but convenient for making sure snacks are always within reach. Mix and match our various tableware for your dining table to create your custom layout and give it that extra je ne sais quoi.

Your dining table will not feel fully complete until it’s been adorned with some accessories. For example, consider a gold palm-tree candlestick as a sleek centrepiece option (hint: this also makes an excellent “Naqsa” or giveaway gift for your guests), or embellish your plates with some decorative flowers. Check out our entire home decoration range online for some inspiration. We promise your dining set-up from JYSK will be a conversation starter for your guests.

Step 4: Keep your Guests Entertained with Activities

Incorporate activities and games to make your Ghabga even more memorable. For example, henna painting has become more popular than ever. Decorate with JYSK decorative low tables and chair sets to make the experience all the more special. You can also simply gather around the television and settle in to watch your favourite Ramadan TV show of the year. No matter what activity you end up choosing, ensure that your guests have a stylish and comfortable set-up and space.

Step 5: Take it Outdoor

This year, a spring Ramadan means that you can enjoy the warm and pleasant weather. So, move your Ghabga outdoors and take advantage of the various outdoor furniture that JYSK has to offer. This set-up is not only suitable for hosting during Ramadan, but it may also become a permanent fixture in your home. As extensions of your home, outdoor living spaces make for warm-weather spots for entertaining and relaxing with friends and family—as well as a secluded retreat for you to tune out the bustle of the everyday.

Do you plan to host catered soir es and seat guests at a dining set with an expandable dining table and armchairs? Or do you just want to hang out with friends on an oversized comfy couch and lounge chairs with a coffee table for an intimate conversation area? Or maybe you are looking for something to spruce up your balcony? There are a wide variety of options to choose from. Have a hard time deciding? JYSK's reclining chairs give the best of both worlds, serving as both a classic dining chair and a comfy place to stretch out. Be sure to have some of our JYSK throws on hand in case there’s a chilly breeze outside.

JYSK also carries a variety of garden accessories. Decorating with colourful flowers and eye-catching flowerpots can create a stunning backdrop at a minimal cost and with little effort. And since it’ll be dark out, do not forget to install some lighting to illuminate your backyard. One of the easiest tricks for creating a memorable outdoor space is adding decorative string lights. Alternatively, you can choose to place floor lamps around the area. However, keep in mind lights should enhance rather than dominate the surrounding environment–less is more when it comes to outdoor lighting.

Conclusion:

Using this guide will help prepare your home and make sure your guests talk about your Ghabga for days to come. So put on your dara’a, and get ready to show off your hosting prowess!

All our furniture is available online at www.JYSK.com.kw or one of our showrooms in Dhajeej, Shuwaikh, The Avenues, and our newest location, Assimah Mall. Should you have any inquiries, feel free to contact our Customer Service Hotline through WhatsApp at +965 2226 1884 from 9 a.m. to midnight or send us an email at customerservice@JYSK.com.kw