How to Design Chinese Decorations for a Party

Red and gold are common colors in Chinese party decor.

Decorations for an Asian-themed party can be quite expensive, especially if you purchase them at a party supply store. Chinese decorations are often found in red and gold colors, particularly if the party is to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Decor that matches your party's theme tends to heighten the festive atmosphere and sets the mood for an enjoyable evening. You can make Asian-inspired party decorations inexpensively with a few basic supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Construction paper in red
• Paper plate
• Decorative foam stamps (swirls and geometric designs work well)
• Gold acrylic paint
• Paintbrush
• Hot glue gun
• Red and gold pipe cleaners
• Scissors
• Tissue paper in white, gold and black shades
• Stapler or cellophane tape
• Twine or yarn

Instructions

Chinese Fan Decorations

1. Pour a small amount of the gold acrylic paint onto a paper plate.

2. Dip your decorative sponges into the gold paint and place the designs onto the red construction paper. Allow these designs to dry before continuing.

3. Glue three different sheets of the red construction paper together to form a long rectangle shape. This will form the base for your Chinese fan.

4. Fold the paper back and forth at about 1-inch intervals, folding the entire rectangle shape in an accordion-style fashion.

5. Grasp the pleated sections two inches from the bottom and hold them securely together.

6. Wrap the gold pipe cleaner around the top of the two-inch section; this will form the handle for the fan. Once the gold pipe cleaner is in place, wrap a red pipe cleaner beneath it and then another gold pipe cleaner to finish the handle. You can place these on fireplace mantel, hang them on the wall or use them as table decor to enhance your Asian-themed party.

Paper Chinese Lantern

1. Cut out squares from a piece of red construction paper to give it the appearance of a windowpane. You can cut out four square shapes or several more depending on the look you desire.

2. Use your scissors to cut out squares of tissue paper that will fit over each windowpane. Alternately, if you want all the panes to reflect the same color you can just cut a piece large enough to fit over the entire piece of construction paper.

3. Glue the tissue paper to the edges of the construction paper, pressing firmly to ensure adhesion. Allow the glue to dry.

4. Roll the construction paper into a cylinder shape, and staple or tape it together where the edges meet.

5. Punch two holes into the two opposite sides of the top of your lantern.

6. Thread a long piece of yarn or twine into the holes and tie a knot in the ends. Hang it wherever you want a Chinese lantern for your party.

References

• Kaboose: Chinese New Year Fan
• Activity Village: Chinese Lantern Craft