Head into the season of card parties with our curation of gorgeous decks

Check out our favourite picks from fun patterns and unusual prints, cards with illustrations, historical references and other creative themes. PS: There is a dog themed deck and also one that features Sholay’s Jai, Basanti and Gabar Singh as the king, queen and jack

All you need for a great Diwali card party is a bunch of snacks, comfy floor cushions and, of course, a few packs of playing cards. “More than just a game, playing cards have a significant cultural context during Diwali, which is the most festive time of the year in North India,” says Anita Lal, creative director and founder, Good Earth.

Their card sets are usually an extension of their annual design collection, the latest being ‘Maladvipa’ inspired by the islands of the Maldives. The UV lacquered cards which come in a stunning decoupage box, feature beautiful imagery of elephants, herons and lemurs surrounded by Hibiscus, Champacas, trumpet flowers, tropical palms and palm leaves. “The idea is to keep it light and fun as it is intended for entertainment. It is meant for anyone, regardless of age or gender,” Anita says.

Chumbak, another design-led lifestyle brand inspired by all things India, instead focuses on vibrant colours, quirky prints and sharp humour for their unique creations. For instance, take their Bollywood Masti playing cards which draw from popular blockbusters to bring in elements of fun, drama and entertainment. Like the movies centred around a dashing hero, the heroine in distress and the evil villain, the court cards represent some iconic movie trinities such as Sholay’s Jai, Basanti and Gabar Singh as king, queen and jack.

For NIFT Delhi graduate, Himanshu Dogra, it is important to craft creations that are contemporary and design-centric with an emphasis on Indian culture. “The filter is a cultural inclination that we express as ‘graphic folklore’,” he explains. “Anyone interested in history and culture will enjoy our products, especially our Mughal-E-Azam playing cards set”, he adds. A tribute to four key Mughal kings, this set features simplified vector illustrations inspired by the Indo-Persian art and architecture. “It’s a fun way to get children interested in our history and the older generation to check their general knowledge.”

We have also picked other themes that will appeal to various personalities. Those who love to travel might like the Traveller’s playing cards by Herb Lester which feature quirky illustrations and 54 commonly used phrases in English, French and Spanish that are handy for the 21st century traveller. Heads Up for Tails, which creates and curates design-centric and premium pet products and services for your fur babies, offers super cute playing cards with dog themed illustrations that will elicit universal ‘awwws’ every time you use them.

So, check out our favourite picks from fun patterns, unusual prints and gorgeous illustrations to historical references, creative themes and attractive designs.