Host a Party: Lunar New Year
2024: The Year of the Wood Snake
Slither into the celebrations—parties don’t plan themselves!
The Lunar New Year celebration is officially here, beginning on January 29th, and we can’t wait to kick off the Year of the Wood Snake to bring in wisdom, agility, and growth. As the Snake symbolizes knowledge, hardwork, and deep bonds, we hope that this year bring prosperity, determination, and strong relationships.
Here is how to throw a party at home for the Lunar New Year.
To Invite
There is a lot going on with up to 40 days to celebrate. Kick off the festivities with a personalized invite. For designs ready to send, peruse Paperless Post and enjoy.
To Eat
All the savory flavors to serve up and savor. Did you know that you could eat dumplings for every meal…of every day of the Lunar New Year? No longer necessary, but the option’s there.
Appetizer
Main
- Lunar New Year Dumplings
- Pan-Fried Fish: A must-have for every Lunar New Year Celebration
- Long Life Noodles
- Stir-Fry Bok Choy
Dessert
- Fortune Cookies
- New Year Sweet Rice Cake
- Tangerines: Serve these for good luck and double as a centerpiece or table decor
Pro Tip: Make it a Take-Out Party! Support your local Chinese restaurant and order from them. Yay local business.
To Drink
Sip on these, sit back, and celebrate the coming prosperity. Or get up and dance—you know those fireworks will be exciting.
- Lucky Cat Martini
- Mocktail: Lychee & Ginger Cooler
To Decorate
This is where you shine. Think color, festive, and all the rabbits you can gather (whether real ones or on decor, we’re in support).
- Chinese Dragon Garland
- Red Lanterns
- Snake Cocktail Napkins
- Snake Plates
- Snake Chopsticks
- Plum Blossom Branches
Pro Tip: Peonies are good luck! Bonus points if you can find pink or red ones
To Listen To
Because no party is complete without some prevalent tunes.
To Do: A Craft
Keep with the Lunar New Year theme and send your guests home with a keepsake. Good fortune in hand, yes please. Disclaimer: Don’t eat these ones (we’ve got you covered above, see To Eat).
To Play: Games
It may be made of wooden sticks, but we think this one is better than Jenga.
To Send Them Home With
Party favors so you can remember, reminisce, and reflect back on all the good that started your new year.
- Sugarfina Gold Pearls
- Red Envelopes
- ~Note: The lucky red envelope is special and comes with its own set of costumes. See guidelines for giving and receiving.
- Snake Charms
What NOT to do?
Shower, apparently. In order to not wash away the good luck and fortune coming your way, showering and throwing out garbage are not allowed until after the 5th day of celebrations. Finally, a reasonable excuse.
Now, with all the days of celebrating to get to, we think it’s best to jump into festivities. To the Lunar New Year, and all the prosperity it may bring.
References:
- History.com: Lunar New Year
- Prior World: Red Lantern Chinese New Year
- China Highlights: New Year Decorations
- Color and Chic: New Year Decorations
- The Kitchn: Creating My Own Lunar New Year Traditions
- Chinese New Year: Zodiac
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