Lunar New Year theme
A Lunar New Year party
Red lanterns, dumplings, and wishes for a lucky year.
Lunar New Year invitations
Free designs with an RSVP link that tracks every reply. Tap one to start yours; your names, date and place fill in, and you can change the design any time.
Ideas for your Lunar New Year party
Pick one or two from each and keep the rest simple.
Decor
- Red paper lanterns hung at different heights
- A red and gold runner with paper-cut flowers
- A bowl of tangerines with their leaves on
- Red good-luck signs by the front door
Food
- Dumplings, homemade or frozen, with dipping sauce
- Long noodles for a long life
- A whole steamed fish or spring rolls
- Tangerines and sweet rice balls for dessert
Activities
- Dumpling-folding table
- Red envelopes for the kids
- Lantern riddles
- Share family traditions, from Chinese New Year to Seollal and Tết
Cake
Skip the cake for a sweets tray: tangerines, almond cookies, and sticky rice cake (nian gao).
Favors
Optional. Something small and edible travels best.
Colors
DeepBrightPopSoft
Pick one bright color for balloons and napkins, and keep plates plain.
What to do and when
The plan for a house party, counted back from the party day. Festidy puts real dates on it.
6 to 8 weeks out
- Pick a date, a start time, and a backup date
- Set a budget and choose your big two
- Write the guest list
- Choose a theme or a look
- Lock in the location and a rain plan
- Note food, accessibility, and comfort needs
4 to 6 weeks out
- Send the invitations
- Decide on music and one main activity
- Book rentals if you need them
- Decide: cater, order trays, or cook
- Book a photographer or pick a friend to shoot
- Order the cake or dessertsCake idea: Skip the cake for a sweets tray: tangerines, almond cookies, and sticky rice cake (nian gao).
- Ask helpers and give them roles
- Make one contact and confirmation list
2 to 3 weeks out
- Order decor, tableware, and favorsDecor idea: Red paper lanterns hung at different heights
- Plan the menu and check allergiesMenu idea: Dumplings, homemade or frozen, with dipping sauce
- Plan the one or two moments that matterActivity idea: Dumpling-folding table
- Follow up on RSVPs
- Plan drinks, including good non-alcoholic options
- Build your one-stop shopping list
The week before
- Confirm every vendor
- Plan one group moment
- Lock the headcount and shop for food and drinks
- Prep favors, decor, and a playlist
- Write the party-day schedule
- Send the final party note
The day before
- Pick up the cake and set up what you can
- Pack a party-day kit
- Charge devices and share the run sheet
- Make the final weather and space call
Party day
- Set up an hour before
- Run the party and finish on time
- Reset the space and check for left-behind items
After the party
- Share photos and settle any remaining balances
- Send thank-yous
- Save photos and notes for next year
- Leave a quick note for your future self
Party-day run of show
For a 3-hour party starting at 2 pm.
- Final setup and safety checkSetup crew gets food, activities, and the entrance ready.
- Arrivals and drinksGreeter welcomes guests and handles coats.
- Food outFood lead opens the food and keeps it stocked.
- Group momentEntertainment lead runs the toast, gift swap, or game.
- Dessert and coffeeFood lead sets out dessert.
- Wind-downThe host thanks everyone and sends leftovers home.
- Quick resetCollect gifts and check the space for left-behind items.
Free Lunar New Year printables
Print at home on letter paper or card stock.
