Ring in the new year with a new take on Chinese New Year traditions, with party snacks, fun-filled goodies and cool decorations inspired by the Asian holiday traditions.

Fortune Cookie Favors

Pass out these unique “fortune cookies” to your guests as unique party favors.  Cut a large circle (six-inch diameter or slightly smaller) from red or gold metallic wrapping paper, then roll into a tube and glue in place.  Fold the tube at the center, creating a bend or curve similar to a fortune cookie’s shape. 

Write your “fortunes” on slips of decorative white paper, predicting everything from love to financial success — or a few inside jokes between you and your guests. Slip the finished fortunes, one each, into your “cookies” and pile decoratively on a platter with an invitation for each guest to take one.

Sweet and Spicy Menu

Prepare some sweet and savory finger foods inspired by Asian favorites.  Make mini egg rolls by chopping cabbage, carrots, and cooked beef into tiny pieces, then saute with soy sauce and white ginger to taste.  Cut won ton wraps into fourths and place a spoonful into each — roll them up, tucking the ends close carefully, then fry until crispy and golden.

For a chicken dish sure to be loved even by picky eaters, dip pieces of white chicken in melted butter, then roll in flour and pepper and fry until golden.  Layer the chicken over a bed of plain or flavored rice. Cookie honey and dried garlic (seasoned to taste) and drizzle over the chicken and rice.

Asian-Themed Table

Asian-themed fabrics, like vintage kimono panels, are easy to find online or through ethnic-inspired brands.  A long kimono-style panel makes a perfect table runner for a New Year’s buffet, with smaller pieces perfect for place mats.

For a centerpiece, draw on the favorite Chinese firework displays by cutting thin strips of shiny metallic paper and forming “pom poms” glued to wooden towels or skewers.  Place the finished “firework wands” in a jar or vase in the center of the table — large displays can also double as party favors.

Create your own Chinese New Year concepts by adapting your favorite aspects of the ethnic holiday into easy party concepts perfect for entertaining your guests.