Host a Party: Lunar New Year

2026: The Year of the Fire Horse

Gallop into celebration—because meaningful moments don’t plan themselves.

The Year of the Fire Horse is here, charging in with bold energy, passion, and unstoppable momentum. In Chinese tradition, the Horse symbolizes freedom, strength, and forward motion—while the fire element adds intensity, creativity, and charisma. In 2026, we’re channeling all of that into gatherings that ignite connection, joy, and major main-character energy.

Ready to host a Lunar New Year celebration that’s rooted in tradition and totally your vibe? We’ve got you covered.

To Invite

Start strong with a thoughtful touch.
Lunar New Year is more than a single day—it’s a season of celebration. Set the tone with a personalized digital invitation. Platforms like Paperless Post make it easy to design and send something beautiful in minutes.

To Eat

A feast filled with flavor and meaning.
From symbolic dishes to crowd-pleasing bites, here’s a lineup to build your menu around:

Appetizers

• Chinese Sesame Sticks
• Cantonese Spring Rolls

Mains

• Lunar New Year Dumplings
• Pan-Fried Fish (a must for abundance)
• Long Life Noodles
• Stir-Fried Bok Choy
  

Desserts

• Fortune Cookies
• New Year Sweet Rice Cake
• Tangerines (lucky, decorative, and delicious)
  
  

Pro Tip: Hosting doesn’t have to mean cooking. Support a local Chinese restaurant and make it a curated take-out celebration. 🎉

To Drink:

Cheers to what’s ahead.
Whether you’re raising a glass or a mocktail, sip something festive:

• Lucky Cat Martini
• Lychee & Ginger Cooler (zero-proof, 100% delightful)

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To Decorate:

Set the scene with intention.
Go bold, bright, and symbolic. Here's what to have on hand:

• Chinese Dragon Garland
• Red Lanterns
• Plum Blossom Branches

Pro Tip: Peonies are good luck! Bonus points if you can find pink or red ones

• Zodiac Papercuts

To Listen To:

No party without a playlist.
Queue up upbeat tunes to keep the energy flowing. Search “Lunar New Year” on Spotify or build a mix that’s part traditional, part dance party.

To Do: A Craft

Make a moment they’ll remember.
Send guests home with something symbolic and handmade.

🎨 DIY Fortune Cookies – Fold up good wishes in paper form.
(Disclaimer: Not edible—we’ve covered snacks above.)

To Play: Games

Gather ‘round for a little friendly fortune.

• Fortune Telling Sticks
• Mahjong (classic, chic, and very on-trend)
  
  

To Send Them Home With:

A little luck for later.
Cap off the night with thoughtful favors that nod to tradition:

• Sugarfina Gold Pearls
• Red Envelopes (add a kind note or lucky coin)
• Rembrandt Standing Horse Charm  (a 2026 keepsake)
  
  

📌 Note: Red envelopes are meaningful. Respect the cultural tradition—read up on proper etiquette for giving and receiving.

What Not to Do in 2026:

Skip the shower (yes, really).
According to tradition, showering and taking out the trash are off-limits until the fifth day of Lunar New Year festivities—so you don’t wash away the luck and prosperity coming your way. Superstition meets self-care? Count us in.

To the Lunar New Year 🧧

However you gather, may the Year of the Fire Horse bring you bold energy, fearless momentum, and connections that go the distance. Let’s celebrate growth. Together.