Lunar New Year is a significant time in the Asian diaspora to celebrate, strengthen, and showcase each country’s rich heritage and traditions. 2024 ushers in the Year of the Dragon, symbolizing power, strength, and good fortune.
Photography Vikki Chang
All around the world, millions of families are getting ready to celebrate the pinnacle event of the year: Lunar New Year. Also known as Tết, Chinese New Year, Chūnjié, Seollal, Losar, and so on, the special holiday brings everyone together for a weekend of centuries-old traditions, home-cooked feasts, and festive fun & games. While we all might observe the day differently, our commonality in globally honoring the Lunar New Year binds us together as one united, unapologetically proud collective of people.
After a pandemic spurred on an unprecedented wave of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) hate across the globe, we all have had to relearn the importance of banding together in the face of blatant racism, reclaiming our space even when we’re afraid, and standing up for what’s right when sitting out seems far safer. While the fight to eradicate such ignorance and evil is sadly not over, we know we will always be bolder and braver, together.
As we look ahead to a prosperous and abundant Year of The Dragon, may the celebrations around you fill you with immense pride and joy, serve as a reminder of our shared cultural unity transcend borders and languages, and ignite your hope for a brighter, more equal future.
Ready to enjoy the festivities? Below, we’re sharing three quick + easy ways to modernize your Lunar New Year tablescape and get it beautifully photo-ready:
Instead of chrysanthemums and peach blossoms, lean into the fiery color palette of the holiday and opt for red ranunculus and roses instead. The vibrant color symbolizes good fortune and these florals can be more easily found at your local grocery store. Distribute the flowers all along your table in mini bud vases for a garden party-style tablescape.
Bountiful fresh fruit stacked on a platter is a drool-worthy sight to see, but layering them directly onto your table makes a more vivid impact. Consider adding mandarins, lemons, kumquats, and even grapes directly to the table in small, uneven groupings for an organic look.
Traditional candlesticks for the holiday are instantly recognizable by their intricate carvings or golden embellishments. If you can’t source these styles for your table or altar, consider using modern tapers placed firmly in golden candlestick holders (we love Santa Barbara-based Gloam Candles for beautiful hand-made tapers!). To dress up your tapers even further, add a decorative tassel – but be sure to blow out your candles before the flame gets too close!
When it’s time to get ready, reach into your grandmother’s or mother’s closets and see if their traditional gowns might be a fit! You’ll find that these embellished garments tend to be incredibly detailed and so much more special than anything you’ll find at local markets last minute.
Our sincerest gratitude to this incredible team for contributing their time and talents to this story:
Words by Vy Tran Yang | Photos: Vikki Chang Photography | Floral Design Emerald City Flowers | Venue Florascape Studio | Content Creator Content by Christina | Styling @chelsea_eventsbygenevieve | MUA Beauty by Pearl | Ao Dai: Sophia Trinh‘s Grandmother Kińh Trần | Models Brenda Luu, Sophia Trinh, Connie Tran | Tea set & glassware Williams-Sonoma | Linen Capers Home
