Chinese New Year, Vintage Style

February 5 begins a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar. Lunar New Year celebrations start on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month of the Chinese calendar and last for about 23 days. As a result, it comes on a different date each year. I particularly enjoy celebrations during the long winter months. They provide something to look forward to and moments of bright color to brighten what can be quite dreary days.

I've set a  New Year table, using as color inspiration the small platter that I recently bought. 

The platter depicts a pheasant, primarily blue, that sports a riot of feathers. It flies toward vivid red lanterns decorated in gold.

The table is set for two today. I've used primarily red and gold, starting with a gold charger and a gold-rimmed dinner plate. On top of these are salad plates I've had for several years and featured here. Now for the details — red napkins, chopsticks, gold soup spoons on the right.

On the left are soup bowls and red envelopes. Placing money in  red envelopes is a way to express good wishes and convey luck. The bowls were purchased for a different holiday, but if I hadn't told you, would you have guessed?

Vintage glassware in amber is decorated with flowers and vines that are very like the ones on the salad plates. Their smaller size seemed a good fit for a Chinese-inspired table.

We will unabashedly order takeout for dinner! The platter will hold a delicious selection of dim sum.

A blue glass pheasant by Paden City, created in the first half of the 20th century, has alighted in the center. It's one of a pair we purchased at a glass show in Cartersville, GA. If you've never been to one, you can get a taste of the experience at Glassware Everywhere.

Blooming in a pretty red is a Christmas cactus. In spite of its name, mine always bloom in late January!

I love the colors!

More buds are appearing. Although these are not native to Asia, I couldn't resist adding them with their pretty red blooms to the table.

Pattern on pattern!

I was lucky to catch the morning sun highlighting the glass pheasant. Perhaps the red envelopes will indeed bring me good fortune!

Table Resources
Dinner plates | Royal Doulton 'Alice'
Platter | Williams-Sonoma 'Lunar New Year'
Salad plates | Williams-Sonoma 'New Moon'
Tumblers | Jeannette (Floragold) 'Louisa Iridescent'