Chinese New Year Decoration
A popular party theme is the Chinese New Year, with firecrackers, dragon and phoenix symbols, and the colors red and gold that symbolize happiness and wealth. A traditional Chinese party for any occasion calls for colorful decorations and printed words of good wishes and health. Does this Spark an idea?
Supplies
Purchase Chinese brass bells, inflatable dragons, paper dragons to suspend from the ceiling and dragon marionettes. Also find banners that declare good wishes in Chinese characters. Other things to consider are noisemakers, colored paper lanterns, and red and gold satin pillows. "Good Wishes" paper table covers, chopsticks, plates and napkins are another festive touch. Also purchase bags of fortune and almond cookies and baskets of fresh peaches (which represent long life) to have as edible party decorations. Party favors can include paper parasols in different colors as well as pretty fans.
Decorating Ideas
Decorate the front door with red paper and the Chinese characters for long life and good health. Hang paper scrolls around the party room printed with blessings and wishes for good fortune, happiness and prosperity, as well as posters of Chinese celebrations. Have table centerpieces made of red paper flowers along with real floral arrangements (avoid white flowers, which denote death and are displayed as a remembrance to ancestors). Place a few Chinese yo-yos or toys on tables for guests to play with.
A Few Tips
If possible, visit a Chinese community or Asian market for your party decorations, fortune cookies, food and items that represent the Chinese culture, such as symbols of long life and happiness. You can also shop on the Internet for Chinese party decorations and decorating ideas at such websites as Oriental Trading Company, Party Details and Oriental Decor (see Resources below).
Tags: long life, party decorations, Chinese characters, Chinese party, Chinese Year