Chinese New Year Party Plan
This year, the Chinese New Year falls on February 14. The year of the Tiger calls for a celebration, so why not host a small Chinese New Year get-together at your house? Here is a plan you can start with; it includes decorations, food, drink, and entertainment ideas. Feel free to use this entire plan or customize as you see fit.
Décor Plan
While there is nothing wrong with Chinese lanterns, they are a bit cliché, so try not to use them for party décor. Instead, start with a few bright colors and work them into the décor. Try colorful dishes (think FiestaWare), or bring out several bowls or vases and fill them with flowers. Another great idea is to use a red brocade tablecloth for the table(s) that you serve the food and drinks on. Beyond color, you probably want to add a few whimsical decorations like hand painted ceramic animals or other décor pieces with Chinese symbols.
Food and Drink Plan
Now it’s time to choose between foods you love versus foods with significant meaning. It’s okay to have a little bit of both. It is said that egg rolls symbolize wealth, seafood means abundance, and chicken symbolizes family. There are plenty of recipes on the web for all three dishes, so browse the web and devise a menu that will please the crowd. If you’re throwing the party in the afternoon or early evening, you might want to serve tea to your guests. A great idea here is to plan a hot tea bar with a variety of teas for guests to choose from. Don’t forget to keep a kettle of hot water (be sure to check the supply often), milk, and lemon nearby for self serving purposes. If your party is scheduled for later in the day, go with a bottle of wine or two. As for dessert, try a tasty and exotic dish, like sesame custard served with two fortune cookies each.
Entertainment Plan
Although socializing is the reason, no party is complete without a little entertainment. Try a Mah-jong game tournament or have a professional astrologer who specializes in Chinese astrology offer readings for the guests. Then again, you also could choose no entertainment, and let the guests mingle, as is.
