Here is your Magical Lunar New Year Party checklist for a magical, memorable and delicious get-together with friends and family this winter - including recipes to try and what to cook for the perfect party.
Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, annual 15-day festival in China and Chinese communities around the world that begins with the new moon that occurs sometime between January 21 and February 20 according to Western calendars. Festivities last until the following full moon.
The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years ago a monster named Nian (“Year”) would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the colour red, so those things were used to chase the beast away. Celebrations to usher out the old year and bring forth the luck and prosperity of the new one, therefore, often include firecrackers, fireworks, and red clothes and decorations. Young people are given money in colourful red envelopes. In addition, Chinese New Year is a time to feast and to visit family members. Many traditions of the season honour relatives who have died.
The Checklist
✔️ Tidy Up
Among other Chinese New Year traditions is the thorough cleaning of one’s home to rid the resident of any lingering bad luck. Clean your space top to bottom to prepare for your magical evening.
✔️ Set the scene
The last event held during the Chinese New Year is called the Lantern Festival, during which people hang glowing lanterns in temples or carry them during a nighttime parade. Hang paper lanterns throughout your space or backyard as an homage to the Lantern Festival.
Paint your space red. Well, not literally. Opt for red accessories to decorate your space. The color red represents good luck and power! Red flowers, red napkins, red plates, go red!
Gold, especially when paired with red, represents wealth and prosperity - opt for red accessories with gold accents. Printing menus or place cards? Go with red paper and gold ink.
✔️ Lucky red envelopes
Traditionally, "lucky money" is given in red envelopes as a gift for Lunar New Year, these envelopes represent good fortune. We like to take it one step further and have a Lucky Envelope Station for our guests to fill a red and gold envelope with candies to take home. Talk about a sweet fortune!
✔️ Fireworks
It’s been said that no Chinese New Year celebration is truly complete without fireworks, because the terrifying beast Nian is terrified of the light and noise. Also, the noise wakes up a magical dragon who will fly across the sky to bring spring rain for abundant crops. We like to have sparklers in lieu of fireworks, perfect for kids and adults. At the end of the evening, gather everyone outside and enjoy your sparklers.
✔️ Find the perfect menu
The right menu will make your party really memorable.
A fabulous menu would showcase traditional recipes. Explore these menu ideas - you can even learn any of these menus from a professional Chef from your home kitchen so you can flawlessly assemble your memory-making meal.
Party Inspiration and Ideas
Fēst, pronounced 'feast', is a collective of Chefs, Pastry Chefs and Sommeliers who teach guided, interactive and completely customizable classes to cooking-curious people of all skill levels around the world.