My grandmother’s birthday is at the end of the year and due to a combination of work and holiday craziness, I promised her a bigger celebration in conjunction with Chinese New Year, which this year falls on February 10th with the commencement of the Year of the Snake. Since my mother’s side of the family is from China, I thought it would be meaningful to commemorate my grandmother’s {belated} big day, as well as the start of the Lunar Year, with a savory and sweet spread!
For the table backdrop of our Chinese New Year party, I made a paper fan wall, inspired by oriental fans and umbrellas, and accented it with a traditional dragon puppet. The table was centered by cupcakes and toppers, based on the Chinese Zodiac. Some other sweets included “Longevity Peach” steamed buns and “Prosperous Orange Macarons” displayed in gold ingot cups.
The main dishes included some of our family favorites, as well as symbolic offerings, served on fun, whimsical serving platters, along with some traditional china. Red and gold were prevalent in the color scheme, but the infusion of many supplemental colors added a playfulness to the display. With some adorable clip art from Elsy Design, I created some food labels, held up by miniature take-out boxes.
Since oranges and tangerines symbolize prosperity and happiness, I incorporated them into the decor by filling hurricane vases with the fruit and topping them off with a Chinese firecracker push pop!
The traditional red envelopes not only served as vibrant decor, but we were also fortunate to be gifted with these packets, typically given out at celebrations and especially during Chinese New Year, containing monetary presents!
I am so very fortunate to be able to teach my daughter more about her heritage and expose her to Chinese culture and traditions, as well as share and celebrate these special occasions with four generations in our family! We had a fabulous and delicious time and wish you a sensational and stupendous Year of the Snake! Happy New Lunar Year! ♥
Merci Beaucoup!
This page may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read my Terms & Disclosure policy.
Southern Belles Charm says
Seriously — gorgeous!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Thank you so very much, sweet friend!!! Love ya! ♥
Unknown says
So many creative details, Lynlee! Especially loved the gorgeous backdrop and your Chinese zodiac toppers. I was born the year of the pig : )
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Thank you so, so very much for your incredibly sweet and kind words! I truly appreciate it! We have lots of pigs in our family! ♥
Tonya says
lovely!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Merci beaucoup, Tonya!!! ♥
peggy vincent says
Lynlee, you are one of the MOST talented women I know! Absolutely amazing what you can do:)
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Thank you oh-so very much for your incredibly sweet and humbling words, Peggy!!! I truly appreciate it so, so much! ♥
Party Patisserie says
Everything is just wonderful Lynlee! So colorful and creative:)
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Oh, thank you so very much, Debbie!!! I truly appreciate it, sweet friend! ♥
kikssimplelife says
everything’s awesome…the backdrop is amazing!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Awww! Thank you so, so much!!! I really appreciate your kindness! ♥
Brittany Schwaigert says
This is so gorgeous Lynlee! I can’t believe I am just getting around to commenting on it! And those cupcake toppers are out of control!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Awww, Britt! Thank you so, so much, friend! You know how much I appreciate your sweet compliments!!! Can’t thank you enough! ♥