ORIENTAL PARTY

Think of the movies "The Samarai" or "Geisha" for inspiration.

Look in your local library for books from Japan, China, Vietnam, and countries to also get ideas.

There are so many easy party ideas, party decorations, party foods, and party favors to choose from at your local party store.

INVITATIONS Write your invitation message on a miniature kite, fan or in an origami figure.

DECORATIONS • Display paper fans and umbrellas. • Colorful kites are perfect for decorating the walls and ceilings. • Paper lanterns can be made or purchased. Light them with votive candles. • Sit on pillows and dine on straw mats or bamboo placemats. • Cherry and plum blossom flowers symbolize both beauty and luxury. • Kishea tassels for guest’s hair can be created with tissue paper and straws. • Karate belts for each guests are great fun. • Post proverbs all around the party area. • Bells tinkling at the party entrance are delightful. • Put up a “tree of fortunes” and display colorful tissue pieces with fortunes written on them in Chinese or Japanese. • Chinese gong symbols are nosy but contagious. • Create and hang colorful birds, butterflies insects and flower kites. • Hang red scrolls which symbolize good luck and prosperity. Write the script in Chinese calligraphy and decorate border with gold tempera paint. • Burn incense for a relaxing atmosphere • Fiery dragons are traditional Chinese decorations and make great centerpieces.

GAMES
Chopsticks Marble Pickup

You will need several bowl, marbles and chopsticks. Gather all the materials needed and put the marbles in bowls. Play as a relay. The object of the game is to take a marble from one bowl and place it in another bowl with chopsticks. The first team to finish is the winner.

PARTY FAVORS • Books on Chinese or Japanese language. • Chinese jump ropes. • Chinese yo-yos. • Chopsticks. • Fortune cookies. • Incense. • Japanese Dolls. • Little Fans. • Miniature parasols. • Paper blows. • Toy tops.

Traditional Foods Serve dinner on a very low table or grass mat with guests seated around on cushions. Create the table with a piece of plywood and bricks. Decorate your table with a deep red colored table cloth and napkins. Use paper lanterns instead of candles. Remember to have chopsticks available for those who wish to use them.

Serve a traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese Dinner. Fish/pork. Lamb/poultry. Tea. Tempura. Fortune cookies. Mandarin oranges. Stir fry. Hibachi cooking. Rice. Sushi.