Party Idea – A New Spin on New Years
by Lesley

It began about six years ago, when The Guru and I fantasized about throwing a New Year's Eve Party. Since college we'd bee n playing hostess, though sometimes with little success. We found it sometimes hard to get those Los Angeles friends to commit to a party, and often times were left with way too much food and a disappointing guest list, though when the parties were good – they were GOOD. But New Years was a big gamble – so many expectations, not to mention the fact that as we got older it became such a “couples” holiday. Would we feel pressure to make sure there was someone for everyone to kiss? Would our friends have too many other offers to even attend? Would we have to spend a fortune on champagne? There were just too many traditions that we didn't really care about or want to deal with. We both wished there was a way to throw a New Years party that wasn't actually on New Years.

And then the solution came to us – perhaps The Guru's Chinese ancestors called out to her from beyond, or maybe we just happened to look upon the right calendar – we could throw a party for Chinese New Year. The date, which varies on the Western calendar year to year, was usually at the end of January or beginning of February – a perfect time when there was no other party competition. It was our chance to create a holiday gathering that celebrated some unique cultural traditions infused with our own ideas.

The first year we decided to do it was the Year of the Dragon. Decorations were easy to find in Chinatown – paper dragons to hang and to put among the food, and paper lanterns strung on small Christmas lights. We held the first party in The Guru's tiny West Hollywood house, serving eggrolls and Chinese pastries along with the staple party fare of chips and dip. I found a shirt to wear with a pink dragon on it, and a matching small purse for my camera. The party was well attended, though small in retrospect, and everyone was impressed with our unique ideas. By the end of the evening we knew it had to become a tradition.

The next year was Year of the Snake, and both decorations and food began to get more elaborate. The Guru's parents, having bee n impressed with our party the year before, decided to let us use their larger house for the shin-dig. This time we made our eggrolls from scratch, and I also put a twist on the “Sweet and Salty Twists” recipe by coating chow-mein noodles instead (also known as “Haystacks”). The day of the party we actually got some more inspirations from going to a big Chinese Parade held just outside of Los Angeles , where we found some more decorations including a blow-up plastic snake.

The one rule handed down from the parents was that everyone was to remove their shoes for the party. Knowing some of our friends wouldn't be thrilled at the notion we decided to make it fun and have a “shoe check.” For further incentive their shoe tickets could also win them a door prize – some cheap toys and knick-knacks we bought in Chinatown . We also added some bright red paper fans, and Red Packets (Lai-see or Hong bao) which we filled with fake money and spread along every table. I wore a snake print mini-skirt and fake snake skin boots. This year I noticed that several of our guests had also made an effort to fit either the snake or Chinese theme, and one even brought us the traditional gift of tangerines (though, in true L.A. form they weren't fresh but in a can). This time the party was twice the size of the year before, and again was a smashing success. So much in fact that The Guru's parents again agreed to let us hold the party there the following year.

One of the other traditions I created for these parties is a Chinese Zodiac Notebook which I leave out for people to look through. For each year I find some information on Chinese Zodiak Horoscopes, usually on the internet. Using the information our guests can look up what their own animal is, based on their birth date, and then read about what that year has in store for them. Also in the notebook is some general information about the traditions, legends, and superstitions of the Chinese New Year. Perhaps it's the teacher in me, but I think people appreciate learning something new whilst they party. And, after all, we want to honor the holiday we are celebrating.

Year of the Ram (or Sheep) seemed to be a challenge, until at the craft store I found among the dried flowers some curly-cue plant decoration that looked like spiral horns. We decided to make pizzas with Asian vegetables and goat cheese. I made a pair of goat leggings and topped myself off with horns of my own. By this year the parents weren't worried so much about the shoes, though we gave away door prizes just the same. Some traditions just are too good to give up.

I've also made it a habit to always have an eye out for anything that might be a good addition to upcoming New Years parties – from decorations to recipes. I stick these ideas into my party notebook for when the next year rolls around. Since it's cheaper to reuse than re-buy I also keep the standard Chinese decorations stored neatly in a large plastic tub so that they'll be ready for the next celebration. Organization is a successful party-girl's best friend.

Year of the Monkey was held in The Guru's new Los Angeles apartment, which we decorated with a jungle theme. The pizzas had bee n such a success we made them again, this time topped with pineapple and other exotic flavors. We also added chocolate fondue with bananas to dip. And of course the lanterns and paper dragons came out for the occasion. I had no trouble throwing together a leopard print outfit and brought along my stuffed monkey to hang around.

Unfortunately by last February, Year of the Rooster (or Cock, he he) I was no longer living in Los Angeles . As luck would have it a business trip brought me back on that same weekend and so we still celebrated - this time a smaller group met in Chinatown for dinner and then went to a local bar, where we were met by more friends. Although the decorations and homemade food were gone, the Happy New Year spirit was still in the air, and I managed to find a shirt with a rooster on it to wear. I've since made a vow to The Guru that come hell or high water I will only celebrate Chinese New Years in Los Angeles with her (until she moves, too).

So now you have it, our own little secret New Years, which I suppose if you are so inclined you can duplicate on your own. This year is Year of the Dog, and I'll be flying in to Los Angeles especially for the celebration (though a couple weeks late, as the actual date is January 29, and I can't make it then). I think the Guru and I must have started some kind of revolution, considering in recent years I've bee n finding more and more Chinese New Years decorations sold at the local party stores. I always knew we were trend setters. Even if you don't decide to take on this tradition, I hope it's inspired you to start your own, whether it be small as a fortune cookie, or big and elaborate as a Chinatown Parade.

Lesley is a rabbit, which means she is articulate, talented and ambitious. She is also virtuous and has excellent taste. She is admired, trusted, and generally kind, though can be quick tempered. Her good imagination and intellect combined with her openness and generosity enables her to turn enemies into friends. She is clever at business and, being conscientious, she never backs out of a contract. She would make a good gambler for she has the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, she is too wise to gamble often. But when she really believes in something she is serious, persistent and capable. She is most compatible with those born in the years of Sheep, Pig and Dog.

Want to know your animal and horoscope? Check out some of these fun websites:

http://www.12zodiac.com/

http://member.newsguy.com/~twilight/ch.htm

http://www.deeshan.com/horochin.htm

http://www.chinavoc.com/zodiac/index.asp