Crouching Tiger, Hidden Rooster. Happy Chinese New Year! Get ready to kick off the Year of the Rooster with our Chinese New Year party ideas. Our friend, Meng, hosts a fabulous Chinese New Year party every year. We were even more excited to celebrate our first Chinese New Year after learning we were born in the Year of the Rooster! It’s time to unleash some cluckin’ good Chinese New Year party ideas like no other. From red lanterns to egg-citing dishes that’ll have you winging it in the kitchen, this guide is your passport to a rooster-rific Lunar New Year bash! We are excited to share our Chinese New Year party ideas with you.
Chinese New Year Party Ideas: When is Chinese New Year?
Red is the new black. Chinese New Year doesn’t adhere to the fixed December 31st end-of-year convention of the Gregorian calendar. Instead, it operates on the lunar calendar, fluctuating between January 21st and February 20th. Recognized as the Spring Festival, this vibrant celebration extends over 15 days, bringing joyous festivities to mark the beginning of a new lunar year.
Chinese New Year Party Ideas: What is the Chinese Zodiac System?
I’ve always been a star at parties. The Western zodiac system is dividend into twelve months, while the Chinese zodiac system is divided into twelve years. Every year in the Chinese calendar is represented by one of the twelve zodiac animals.
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| Source: China Highlights |
Smells like animal spirit. In 2016, the playful Monkey took center stage, followed by the confident Rooster in 2017 and the loyal Dog in 2018 in the Chinese zodiac cycle. According to Chinese belief, one’s birth year animal influences their personality traits. Those born in 2017, 2005, 1993, or 1981 are said to embody qualities like honesty, independence, and ambition.
Renowned figures like Confucius, Henry Ford, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, and Roger Federer were all born in a Year of the Rooster, adding a dash of star power to this zodiac sign. Beyond China, the Lunar New Year extends its festivities to South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, making it a cross-cultural celebration that transcends borders.
We are Leos that are born in the year of the Rooster. Now let’s move on to the Chinese New Year party ideas about celebrating the year of the rooster.
Chinese New Year Party Ideas: How to Decorate?
Paint the town red. Decorating the space is an essential part of setting the festive mood and immersing yourself in the spirit of the Year of the Rooster. Whether you’re hosting a party, gathering with loved ones, or simply wanting to infuse your surroundings with the vibrant energy of the Lunar New Year, here are our Chinese New Year party ideas to make your space shine with the essence of this special celebration.
One of the most striking Chinese New Year party ideas is to incorporate traditional Chinese elements into your space. Red symbolizes good luck and happiness and should be at the forefront. Meng incorporated many shades of red in her decor. She hung adorable rooster decals on the wall, which is an easy way to display this year’s zodiac. Red is believed to ward off evil spirits and attract fortune, so let it take center stage in your decorative endeavors.
Lanterns and red envelopes and dumplings, oh my! Meng elevated her space by hanging vibrant red lanterns from the ceiling, infusing it with a dose of luck and prosperity. It’s a simple yet effective way to incorporate authentic Chinese elements. The bonus? These decorations are not just a one-time wonder; they’re foldable and ready for a repeat performance next year, ensuring that the charm of the rooster doesn’t hog the spotlight. Our Chinese party ideas definitely include investing in reusable decorations.
Red is my lucky color. Meng also incorporated the Fu sign on the door. We learned that the sign is upside down (“upside down” in Chinese sounds like “arrived”)—so by placing the 福 upside down, it means that luck or fortune has arrived.
Lost in a daisy maze. Meng also placed a beautiful bouquet of red daisies and roses on the dining table. With these decorating ideas, Meng transformed her space into a haven of celebration and luck. These Chinese New Year party ideas created a visually stunning room that captured the essence of the Year of the Rooster.
Chinese New Year Party Ideas: What to Eat?
Our Chinese New Year party ideas are not just about colorful decorations. It’s also a time to savor mouthwatering dishes that symbolize good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. Traditional Chinese cuisine plays an integral role in the festivities. Of course, our Chinese New Year party ideas include what to eat during this holiday. We recommend making the party potluck, especially if you are inviting a lot of guests. This way, the host can prepare a few dishes, without being overwhelmed about making all the food.
Meng’s cohost Melissa and her parents, Susan a yi and Steven shu shu, prepared many dishes for our wonderful feast. They are all amazing chefs, and we never tasted such delicious homemade Chinese food.
Certain foods are consumed during Chinese New Year because of their symbolic meanings.
- Fish is a must as the Chinese believe it brings prosperity and good luck. The fish is generally steamed, and served whole with the bones, head and tail intact. The head of the fish represents the beginning of the new year while the tail represents the end.
- Longevity noodles symbolize a wish for long life. They are longer than traditional noodles and can be served fried and served on a plate, or boiled and served in a bowl with broth.
- Oranges are believed to bring good luck and fortune.
- Rice cakes represent the next year and bring good luck.
Dumplings are an 1,800 year old Chinese tradition.
Chinese New Year Party Ideas: Serve a Whole Fish
At the heart of any Chinese New Year menu, you’ll often find a grand centerpiece dish like a whole fish or a roasted pig. These dishes symbolize abundance and prosperity, reflecting the belief that one’s wealth and resources will increase in the coming year. Steamed fish is a popular choice as it signifies surplus and good fortune. Its round shape represents unity and completeness, while the fish’s head and tail represent a good beginning and a good ending.
Chinese New Year Party Ideas: Make Dumplings from Scratch
When life gives you dough, make dumplings. Another must-have dish during Chinese New Year is dumplings. These little pockets of deliciousness symbolize wealth and prosperity due to their shape, which resembles ancient Chinese currency. They are typically stuffed with ingredients like minced meat or vegetables and are often served steamed or pan-fried.
Making dumplings is not only a culinary tradition but also a social activity that brings family and friends together, as it is believed to bring good luck and fortune when made and eaten collectively.
Melissa’s parents taught us how to make dumplings from scratch. They were delicious and everyone had fun learning how to make them.
Chinese New Year Party Ideas: Prepare Longevity Noodles
The longer the noodle, the luckier the gal. Longevity noodles, known as “changshou mian” in Chinese, are more than just a dish; they are a symbol of well wishes and a celebration of life’s enduring journey. These unbroken strands of noodles are a representation of longevity and a wish for a long and prosperous life. The length of the noodles is intentional, signifying a desire for a life that stretches as far as the uncut strands. Whether stir-fried, boiled, or served in a flavorful broth, longevity noodles are a cultural embodiment of hopes for health, happiness, and a long and prosperous future.
Chinese New Year Party Ideas: Fry Rock Shrimp
Shrimply irresistible. One of Meng’s friends made Rock shrimp. These small, succulent crustaceans symbolize the essence of celebration and prosperity. With their delightful crunch, they represent the promise of a year filled with positive experiences and resilience.
Chinese New Year Party Ideas: Pan-Fry Scallion Pancakes
The Scallion pancakes were a big hit. These savory appetizers are crafted from a simple combination of flour, water, and finely chopped scallions. The thin layers of dough were pan-fried to a golden perfection. These scallion pancakes were restaurant quality and served with soy sauce.
Chinese New Year Party Ideas: Order Fried Chicken
Our Chinese New Year party ideas for the year of the rooster definitely include fried chicken. One guest ordered fried chicken from Bonchon. Fried chicken is difficult to bring to a party as a guest, but easy to order directly to the party. Bonchon makes some of the best fried chicken in NYC too. This timeless culinary classic with its golden and crispy exterior boasted a perfect balance of herbs and spices. This iconic dish, with its familiar and comforting notes, was an instant crowd-pleaser.
Guests also dined on shrimp and fish tempura, biscuits, pork chops, quail eggs, scallion pancakes, fried chicken, rice, shrimp salad and more. Someone even shaped the mashed potatoes into a beautiful rose- it was very Twinspirational. The dining table looked beautiful with all of the potluck dishes. We recommend mixing and matching platters and using height display foods on a buffet table. So, get ready to relish the flavors that bring luck, prosperity, and togetherness to the Year of the Rooster with our Chinese New Year party ideas.
Chinese New Year Party Ideas: Enjoy Chinese Desserts
Rice to meet you. No Chinese New Year feast is complete without a plate of tangyuan, sweet glutinous rice balls served in a sweet syrup. These round and sticky dumplings are considered a delicacy and are often shared as a symbol of family togetherness and unity. The pronunciation of tangyuan bears a resemblance to the Chinese word for reunion. They were filled with sesame paste, red bean paste or crushed peanuts.
A berry good dessert. The dessert spread was a dream, and Cynthia’s sponge cake roll stole the show. Light and airy, the cake embraced a delightful filling of fresh strawberries and velvety cream, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
We wanted to make rooster truffles, but our chocolate molds didn’t arrive on time. We decided to turn our bad luck into good fortune by bringing fortune cookies to the party. These crispy delights packed with luck and prosperity messages. Each bite not only satisfied sweet cravings but also promised a brighter tomorrow. Who needs rooster truffles when you’ve got fortune cookies stealing the show?
Live, laugh, love custard. We also served classic egg custard tarts with golden shells and velvety custard.
Next up is the orange upside-down cake, stealing the show with its zesty caramelized orange slices dancing on a moist and flavorful cake. It not only looked beautiful, but tasted great too.
Chinese New Year Party Ideas: What to Drink?
One heck of a punch. Meng prepared a delicious punch that was perfect for Chinese New Year. Picture this: equal parts of canned lychee juice, the soothing embrace of chrysanthemum tea, and the tropical allure of passion fruit juice, all swirling together. She threw in a splash of pomegranate juice, not just for added sweetness but to turn the punchbowl into a kaleidoscope of colors that mirrored the vibrancy of the festivities.
Life’s a party, let’s prosecco-proof it. And that’s not where the magic ended – we crowned each glass with a splash of Prosecco, transforming the punch into a sparkling sensation fit for a celebration. But here’s the twist: if Prosecco isn’t your vibe, feel free to experiment with your favorite alcohol or keep it non-alcoholic with sparkling water.
Orange you glad we squeezed in some fun. Oh, and let’s talk garnishes. Each glass was adorned with strips of orange peels, adding a citrusy twist to every sip, and delicate rosebuds that floated atop the effervescent sea of flavors. It wasn’t just a punch; it was a visual cocktail masterpiece.
As the evening unfolded, guests indulged in the red and white wine, ensuring that every sip was a toast to the perfection that Meng had orchestrated.
Chinese New Year Party Ideas: Dress the Part
New lunar year, new me. To truly immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Chinese New Year, it’s important to dress the part. Just as the decor sets the tone for the celebration, the outfits contribute to the overall atmosphere. Whether you’re attending a formal event or hosting a casual gathering, incorporating traditional Chinese elements into your attire will add an extra layer of authenticity to your celebration. If you don’t have any Chinese elements, just wear red, or at least a pop of red.
Red is a lucky color that wards off bad luck and misfortune. Some guests were dressed head to toe in red while others sported just a splash of red with a shirt, scarf or shoes. Some guests wore a qipao or cheongsam, which is a form-fitted silk or brocade dress that features a high collar and a side slit. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns of the fabric reflect the joy and excitement of the occasion.
If you prefer a more casual outfit, consider wearing a blouse or top adorned with Chinese-inspired motifs, such as dragons or floral patterns. Pair it with a skirt or pants in a coordinating color, and you’ll have a stylish ensemble that pays homage to the traditions of Chinese New Year. Adding accessories like hairpins, bracelets, or earrings with lucky symbols like the dragon or the phoenix will further elevate your outfit and bring good fortune throughout the year.
For men, a traditional Tang suit or a Mandarin collar shirt paired with trousers is a fantastic choice. These outfits, often made from silk or brocade, exude an air of sophistication and elegance. The intricate embroidery and button detailing add a touch of refinement and make for a stunning ensemble.
Remember, the goal is to embrace the spirit of the Year of the Rooster, so don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colors and eye-catching details. Whether you choose a traditional Chinese outfit or incorporate Chinese elements into your modern wardrobe, your attire will not only show respect for the culture but also create a visually striking environment for your celebration.
Chinese New Year Party Ideas: Give Red Envelopes
You can leave me on red. Meng injected a playful and grown-up twist into the Chinese tradition of Red Envelopes. While the conventional practice involves adults gifting money to children during holidays, Julia, Rob, and Ramon decided to flip the script. Instead of currency, they crafted humorous and whimsical fortunes, distributing them randomly to add a touch of lightheartedness to the festivities.
Some of the fortune highlights included:
- You will marry Ryan Gosling
- You will move to the country and start a goat cheese farm
- A really cute puppy will save your life
These imaginative fortunes sparked laughter and conversation, transforming the traditional Red Envelope exchange into a delightful game of whimsy and surprise. After all, who needs money when you’ve got a future filled with laughter and playful predictions?
Meng, thanks for hosting our first Chinese New Year celebration. Special thanks to Melissa and her wonderful parents for cooking so many wondering dishes and teaching many of the guests how to roll dumplings. We hope our Chinese New Year party ideas inspire you to host your own Lunar New Year party. You can shop more Chinese New Year party ideas on our Amazon storefront here.
Light the lanterns and usher in another great year with new hopes and aspirations. Happy Chinese New Year!
Anonymous
Ooohhh this is an old post. I got really confused for a minute coz I’m reading iton CNY 2020 and it’s the year of the rat. Haha. Hope the Rooster was good to you.
Happy New Year!! Well, this is my year because I am a rat! It looks like you guys had a great time celebrating:) Thanks for sharing some insight into Chinese culture. I found it really interesting!
Lunar New Year is always special! Looks like a great celebration!
What a fabulous party – and a really helpful guide to the details and symbols that make the Chinese New Year the special celebration it is. Very interesting! I learned quite a lot. Many thanks and a very happy new year to you!
Happy Lunar New Year to you. I was looking at the food photos and you had me drooling! That was one fantastic feast! I miss having scallion pancakes. It was my daily brunch when I lived in Taiwan. Scallion pancakes smothered with chili paste. Yum!!!
I love Chinese food and parties where a person cooks her own dinner from the family recipes. These foods you were served look delish!