“Tong tong tong chiang!”– a familiar melody that is played weeks in advance, in the lead up to Chinese New Year. It’s almost a reminder for everyone to start preparing for the celebration as we welcome family and friends who will be visiting our home to celebrate new beginnings and renewing old bonds.
As a host, our priority is to create a comfortable and welcoming space at home for our guests, while not missing out the Chinese New Year traditions. Here are some simple, cost-effective and meaningful changes that you can make at home to elevate your hosting game – so that you can spend more time with your guests and less time stressing over pulling it all together.
Add festive touches to set the mood
Red is associated with wealth and good fortune in Chinese culture no matter the occasion, but particularly so during the Chinese New Year as to kick start the new year on an auspicious note. From traditional paper-cut art to door couplets that express well wishes for the coming year – the IKEA limited edition SOLGLIMTAR collection has everything in red that you need to set the mood for the celebration.
Create a homely space to spend time in
Chinese New Year is always more fun with the loved ones who will be staying over. While it is exciting as you get to spend more time with them, it is more important to make sure that they’re comfortable. The key is a little hospitality, a welcoming persona, and an inviting bed that goes miles to making your guests feel pampered. Lucky for you, from 6 – 12 Jan, IKEA is offering 20% off on selected bedding products to all IKEA FAMILY members!
Keep every stomach filled with delicious food
What’s a celebration without lots and lots of food? Preparing a meal beyond a nuclear family may seem overwhelming but it’s not impossible with a little planning and additional kitchenware like the OUMBÄRLIG pot with lid for boiling and IDENTISK wok with lid for stir-frying.
No Chinese New Year is complete without festive goodies. Whether your guests are into the classic Chinese New Year goodies or something unique, IKEA has prepared a variety of delights available at the Swedish Food Market for you to fill up the “snack table” at home.
Mandarin oranges are another Chinese New Year staple not only because their sweetness points to a sweet year ahead, but also because of their auspicious name – “Kam” which also means gold in Cantonese. Give your guest mandarin oranges in pairs to symbolize spreading of good luck!
While you’re shopping for the above items, drop by the IKEA Restaurant and treat yourself to a delicious festive feast for all the hard work you’ve put in. The IKEA Restaurants are also open throughout Chinese New Year! There are also fun activities that everyone can participate at the IKEA stores.
Not a IKEA FAMILY member yet? Everyone can register for IKEA FAMILY for FREE at the FAMILY kiosk in any of the IKEA stores or online at IKEA.my/FAMILY/register.
For all your Chinese New Year home furnishing needs and inspirations, head on over to your nearest IKEA store or visit IKEA.my/CNY.
Read also: #CNY2020: Parkson CNY Shopping Party 2020 @ Sunway Velocity | Jan 11, 2PM-9PM
