Year of the Dragon New Year's Party

2012 marks the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac Calendar.  There are 12 animals in the zodiac including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

What better way to ring in 2012 than with a little "Year of the Dragon" party!  

Decorate your home with symbols of Chinese good fortune in colors of bright red and gold/orange which symbolize happiness.  How about some red paper lanterns hanging over the dinner table.   Hope the Dollar Store will have red paper lanterns so I can replicate this look.

Or have the kids make some of these paper lanterns So simple!

Since oranges and tangerines symbolize good health and long life, fill a bowl with the fruits and use them as a centerpiece.  If you need a festive cocktail, click here for my favorite drink recipe!

Fill the house with flowers because if a flower blooms on New Year's Day, it will be a prosperous year! 

Keep the kids busy making this egg carton dragon!  

FYI - I WILL NOT be serving this!!

Wondering what to serve?  Fish and chicken represent prosperity but they must be served whole (not cut into pieces).  Not sure if your guests will run for the hills when you plop an entire chicken including head, tail, feet on the table but you can give it a try!  Noodles represent longevity but must not be cut.  

For dessert, oranges are perfect.  Or how about this simple cake - just bake (or buy!) one and stick a few fortune cookies on top.  Everyone will ooh and ahh your culinary prowess!

Remember, when your guests arrive, greet them with a hearty "Gung Hey Fat Choy"!  Hopefully, they won't be too offended when they realize it means "Wishing you Prosperity and Wealth!"