| Celebrate the Year of the Dog with | | | | grocers and supermarkets in major cities. Log on to |
| Chinese-American Flair - | | | | for specific vendors. Always have soda on hand for |
| Easy Tips for Hosting A Fire Cracking Chinese New | | | | those who do not drink alcohol. Tea is another |
| Year PartyAs if you needed another excuse to | | | | nonalcoholic beverage that suits the |
| party, January 29, 2006 marks the beginning of the | | | | mood.Decorations: Red, a color believed to scare |
| lunar year 4074, better known as the Chinese New | | | | away evil spirits, should dominate the palette of your |
| Year. Much like its Western counterpart, this holiday is | | | | decor and be complimented with accents of gold, a |
| traditionally seen as a time to gather friends and | | | | lucky color. Paper lanterns should be hung and candles |
| family together to celebrate new beginnings.Throwing | | | | spread around to create atmosphere. Plenty of |
| your own Chinese-American themed party is a | | | | stores offer these goods and they can also be found |
| wonderful way to bring your loved ones together, | | | | online. Google "party decorations" for an abundance |
| warm up from the frigid winter, and renew those | | | | of options. "Foo," the character for fortune and luck, |
| barely remembered resolutions. Below are some easy | | | | highly displayed in China during the New Year, should |
| tips courtesy of Vroom Media, consultant for leading | | | | be visible and can be placed on various surfaces, like |
| Asian brands, for throwing your own | | | | napkins and door hangers, with magic marker. |
| Chinese-American party for the Year of the | | | | Oranges and tangerines, symbolic of luck and wealth, |
| Dog.Invitations: Head down to Chinatown to pick up | | | | can be placed in bowels to make a beautiful and |
| some pretty party invites. If you have no time to | | | | interesting conversation piece.Dress code: Have |
| make it, order some online or send an e-greeting. | | | | everyone arrive in red, the color traditionally worn on |
| Plenty of internet companies now offer cards specific | | | | this holiday. For a more unconventional scene have |
| to Chinese New Year. Not only will you save yourself | | | | everyone come costumed as one of the twelve |
| a trip, but also the cost of postage.Entree: There is | | | | animals of the zodiac.Gifts: Lai-See Envelopes filled |
| always the option of ordering from your preferred | | | | with money are given to children, young adults, and |
| take-out place, but there are plenty of simple dishes | | | | newlyweds during this time of year. Find them at the |
| if you would like to cook your own. Noodles, a staple | | | | above listed stores and fill them with fake bills or |
| favorite, should be left uncut to represent a long life. | | | | coupons for small prizes. Another idea is to go down |
| Several brands found at your local grocer offer | | | | to Chinatown and have an artist illustrate the names |
| oven-ready egg rolls, spring rolls, and won-tons. Of | | | | of those on your guest list. These can be used as |
| course, you can never go wrong with chicken and | | | | seating place cards and taken home at the end of |
| soy sauce. Food can be placed in take-out boxes, | | | | the night.Entertainment: For some authentic fun set |
| available on-line and at local restaurants. Be sure to | | | | out mahjong tiles for guests to play. Scatter sheets |
| get lots of chopsticks.Desert: A traditional Chinese | | | | of origami paper along with instructions for a fun, |
| "Tray of Togetherness," makes a wonderful desert. | | | | artsy activity. Rent a bunch of Kung Fu movies to |
| The tray is comprised of eight different dried fruit | | | | play softly in the background and if things get rowdy |
| candies. Have fun and make your own combination | | | | have your own Jackie-Chan style competition. |
| using American favorites like jelly beans and M & M's. | | | | Download some current Chinese music from and |
| Fortune Cookies are always a hit. Make your own | | | | intersperse it with some Chinese-American influences |
| fortune and wrap it around the cookie.Drinks: What is | | | | like Yo Yo Ma, Wu-Tang Clan, and Michelle Branch. |
| an Asian party without an authentic Asian beer? | | | | Dance the night away and give each other fake |
| TIGER BEER, a premium import from Singapore and | | | | tattoos with Chinese characters.The best part: |
| brand synonymous with Chinese New Year | | | | Chinese Lunar New year lasts 15 days, giving you |
| celebrations in Southeast Asia, enhances the flavor of | | | | plenty of time to prepare. Remember to have fun |
| the food and is available at in New York and at | | | | and keep a smile on your face. |