A Chinese-themed birthday party may integrate paper lantern decorations and exotic teas.
Chinaculture.org explains that birthdays in China consist of several traditions such as issuing money wrapped in red paper and giving artificial peaches and wine. A Chinese-themed birthday, however, can celebrate other facets of this Asian culture including their bold cuisine, delicate tea and decorations. Does this Spark an idea?
Decorations
Chinese paper lanterns add both color and an Asian flair to the event. If the birthday party is outdoors, place large poles in the ground on opposite ends of the yard and tie a string of small battery-operated paper lanterns on each pole. If the party is held indoors, buy three or four large lanterns and cluster them together in one corner of the room. Adorn the tables with small bamboo plants and use a silky, bright fabric in colors of gold, orange or red for the tablecloth.
Tea Tasting
Chinese tea comes in a variety of flavors: White, oolong, black, green, dragon and others. Each tea, like any fine beverage, has different preparation methods and ingredients that affect the flavor. Some teas, are believed to possess certain health-boosting properties like antioxidants. Just as some parties have wine tastings, throw a "tea tasting" as part of the party. Go to a specialty tea store and buy different varieties. Either invite a friend who knows about tea or brush up on the different kinds yourself. Prepare the teas beforehand and offer hot or iced tea depending on the season.
Cuisine
Chinese food integrates bold flavors and exotic spices such as lemongrass and ginger. Celebrate this cuisine by having a stir-fry serving station. Ask a friend skilled in the kitchen to man the wok while guests are served a variety of veggies, tofu, meat, noodles or rice. Before the event, chop up different vegetables such as eggplant, bell peppers, carrots, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, baby corn and broccoli. Pick up a sauces at the store such as soy ginger and sweet and sour.
Make a birthday cake from a traditional Chinese cake recipe, such as a sponge cake. Or, add exotic Asian fruits found at Chinese specialty stores such as lychee, durian or dragonfruit, to your favorite cake. Also place a bowl of fortune cookies near the cake for guests to open and share as a conversation-starter.
Chinese Horoscopes
Every year in February, the Chinese celebrate a different zodiac sign. As is the case with Western astrology, a person's zodiac is based on the date of birth. Look up your Chinese zodiac sign before the party and add a few symbols of the animal as a decoration. For example, if you are an ox, place the poster of the ox above the food serving station or make paper place mats showing the animal. Offer horoscope readings to each of the guests at the party. As an ice breaker, read aloud who is compatible with the other guests based on their Chinese sign.
Tags: birthday party, Chinese-themed birthday, paper lanterns, serving station, zodiac sign