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Affordable & Fun Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year At Home

GUNG HEI FAT CHOY!

This post was sponsored on behalf of Ling Ling and Cost Plus World Market but all thoughts and opinions are my own. #Client

2018 is the Year of The Dog according to the Chinese New Year lunar calendar – if you’re Chinese, you’re no stranger to celebrating this two-week holiday that kicks off today, Feb. 16^th and lasts through March 3^rd. Steeped with many traditions and drenched in rich, vibrant colors of red and gold, it’s a time to enjoy fun festivals, gather with friends and loved ones and look ahead to a prosperous and healthy new year.

However, even if you’re not of Chinese heritage – don’t let that stop you from celebrating this holiday -embrace something new! What better way to gather with friends and family to–learn a new culture and start a fun tradition!

As someone who recently learned about the Chinese New Year and isn’t Chinese–I absolutely loved learning about the traditions, their meanings as well as special dishes to enjoy with friends and family as part of the New Year’s festivities.

Party planning for Chinese New Year is simple, affordable and most of all fun – and you only need a few elements to turn your celebration from an average night of Chines Take Out – to Take In for the your friends and family for a celebration they won’t forget!

First A Little Décor

A pop of red, a splash of gold – some lanterns, Asian inspired décor geared to the Chinese New Year is available at Cost Plus World Market – while there is a variety of products to choose from with affordable prices- the selection is amazing! Your guests will be so impressed with the décor and the authenticity of the items as if you traveled the globe to purchase them.

The items you’ll find will add a pop of color and serve as the centerpieces for your table scape. Spread them out amongst the dinner table or use then as name cards for the table.

From Red Envelopes to Red and Gold Coins – not only will your items serve as décor for the party but they can also be a fun prop for the party – where you can share the meaning of the items with your guests to teach them about the meaning behind the items.

Dragon Heads and Gold Coins Add an Element of Fun and Color to the dinner Tables

Forget Chinese Take Out – It’s Time for Chinese Take In!

Head to the grocery store and pick up some essentials to celebrate at home. Enlist your friends and family in the cooking process which will be part of the fun!

There are 7 lucky foods to eat and they include, noodles, dumplings, fish, spring rolls, sweet rice balls, oranges with leaves attached (good fortune fruit) and glutinous rice cake. Finding a few items on this list are easily found in your local grocery freezer isle with a little help from Ling Ling (the brand provides two of the lucky food items – its new noodles as well as dumplings). In addition you can compliment these store bought items with some unique Chinese side pairings from Chef Katie Chin.

Celebrating Chinese New Year at home has never tasted so good not to mention all the dishes will be filled with good wishes of wealth, prosperity, longevity and happiness.