- Purchase Chinese brass bells, inflatable dragons, paper dragons to suspend from the ceiling and dragon marionettes. Also find banners that declare good wishes in Chinese characters. Other things to consider are noisemakers, colored paper lanterns, and red and gold satin pillows. "Good Wishes" paper table covers, chopsticks, plates and napkins are another festive touch. Also purchase bags of fortune and almond cookies and baskets of fresh peaches (which represent long life) to have as edible party decorations. Party favors can include paper parasols in different colors as well as pretty fans.
- Decorate the front door with red paper and the Chinese characters for long life and good health. Hang paper scrolls around the party room printed with blessings and wishes for good fortune, happiness and prosperity, as well as posters of Chinese celebrations. Have table centerpieces made of red paper flowers along with real floral arrangements (avoid white flowers, which denote death and are displayed as a remembrance to ancestors). Place a few Chinese yo-yos or toys on tables for guests to play with.
- If possible, visit a Chinese community or Asian market for your party decorations, fortune cookies, food and items that represent the Chinese culture, such as symbols of long life and happiness. You can also shop on the Internet for Chinese party decorations and decorating ideas at such websites as Oriental Trading Company, Party Details and Oriental Decor (see Resources below).
