Chinese New Year falls on January 23 in 2012, marking the beginning of the fifteen day celebration. It is the year of the Dragon and some find this to be an exciting change from 2011′s year of the Rabbit. The Chinese Zodiac has 12 animals on a rotating 12-year cycle. Each animal has very specific characteristics associated with it. These characteristics are thought to be bestowed upon those born under the particular animal.  The Dragon has many positive qualities and a few to be mindful of. There are lots of wonderful traditions associated with Chinese New Year.  Here’s what the year of the Dragon may include as well as a breakdown of some of the traditions of the fifteen day celebration.

• Those born under the Dragon sign are passionate, outgoing, brave and self assured.  The flip side is that they are also a bit foolish and impulsive and often act without thinking. They are very charismatic and people want to be near them.
• The year of the Dragon is supposedly a good time to be starting a business. Dragons are lucky and money will come easily. But, Dragons are known for their extravagance and it would be wise to keep a handle on excessive spending.
• 2012 is the year of the Water Dragon. The water aids in providing a calming presence to the Dragon’s innate fiery spirit. Water Dragons are more open and willing to listen to others than other Dragons which in turn, makes them better leaders.
• The Dragon’s lucky color is yellow.

Chinese New Year is a time to welcome prosperity and longevity. It is a time to eliminate negative chi from the past.  This fifteen day celebration is marked with tradition and festivity.

Day 1

Day 1 of Chinese New Year is reserved for family.  It is the day when families gather to celebrate their ancestors and living family members. People travel long distances to be together.  It is cause for the largest annual human migration.

Day 2

This is a day for prayer.  Many Chinese will pray to their ancestors and all the gods.  It is also recognized as the birthday of all dogs.

Days 3 and 4

These are the days when daughters visit their families.  Husbands are to escort their wives to their parents’ home. Dutiful respects are to be paid in particular by the son-in-law.  A traditional gift may be given to the young couple; two lotus lanterns, one white, one red. The couple is to take the lanterns home and hang them by their bed.  If the candle in the white lantern burns out first, the couple will have a baby boy.  If the one in the red lantern burns out first, the couple will have a girl.

Day 5

Traditionally, people stay home on day five of Chinese New Year.  Visiting family and friends on this day is thought to bring bad luck.  It is the day when families welcome the God of Wealth.

Days 6 to 12

These days are the time when many Chinese will visit temples to pray and visit with friends and family.  It is during this time that many lai see (red envelopes) will be handed out.  Lai see are to be filled with new money and are traditionally given inside a bag with citrus in it. When visiting friends and family, it is customary to bring a small gift to the hosts.  The gift can be something as simple as candy or a bag of oranges.

Day 13

This is a day when many will opt to cleanse their system since they may haven been eating rich foods. A simple meal of rice congee and mustard greens may be eaten on this day.

Day 14

A day of preparation.  Many people will spend this day getting ready for the Lantern Festival.

Day 15

This is the last day of Chinese New Year and and is marked with the elaborate Lantern Festival. There is a grand Chinese New Year Parade and of course the Dragon Dance.

As Chinese New Year is celebrated around the world this year, take time to appreciate and acknowledge all the wonderful traditions associated with it.

There are literally thousands of gifts you can buy for a baby shower. Many of them are great and very useful.  Sometimes you just want to go the extra mile and get something out of the ordinary.  Next time a baby shower invitation lands in your mailbox, consider one of these gift items to give.

Dad to be hospital kit.  Dads often get left out of the gift arena. Create a kit just for dad at the time of delivery.  Things to include: a stop watch for timing contractions, a healthy, non perishable snack, a water bottle, a blank notebook for writing down and gifts received, toothbrush, neck pillow (for long nights on a hospital couch or recliner), airplane sized bottle of alcohol.

Books on tape. Have each of the important in baby’s life choose their favorite children’s book and have the record themselves reading it to baby.  If they also want to include the book as part of the gift, that would make it extra special.  This will become a treasure for years to come.

Mama kit. Mothers are notorious for forgetting to take care of themselves once the baby is born.  So, create a kit that makes it easy for them to do so.  Things to include, kleenex, hair brush or comb, travel size deodorant, mouthwash, perfume roller, headband or hair tie, lotion, dry shampoo, lip gloss, cotton t-shirts that will fit in the diaper bag, a few pairs of underwear for when the laundry isn’t done, and of course, nipple cream.   Present this in an easy to carry mom bag that they can keep in the car or on hand at home.

Baby kit. Create and emergency kit for the car.  Fill it with: formula, bottles, soft toy, teether, pacifier, onesies, diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, diaper cream, bags for dirty diapers, kleenex and anything else you would want in your go-to emergency baby supply kit.

Scrapbook. Make a scrapbook of all the important people in baby’s life.  Have them write a special message to baby to post next to their photo. This is a treasure mom, dad, and baby will love.

We hope this gives you a little creative inspiration to give baby shower gifts outside the norm.

You don’t have to have a large budget or fancy things to throw a fantastic party. It’s all in the execution of the elements you provide and the rest will just unfold.  Choosing food, drink, and decor wisely are just a few ways to make sure your event is one that stands out and is enjoyed by all.  We’ve put together some tips for creating a memorable party.

Sensational Invitations. Sending sensational invitations is really the best way to set the tone for your event.  The party invitations are the first peek the guests have into the party.  If your party is going to have a theme, incorporate that into the invitations.  PurpleTrail gives you three great ways to send party invites: printed, print at home, or send online.  So whatever your budget, you have access to the PurpleTrail Party Invitations Design Collections.  All the designs can be customized in the design center to your style and theme.

Signature Cocktail. Serving a signature cocktail is a great way to save money on drinks because you don’t have to offer a huge variety.  You can provide the ingredients, a smartly and artfully displayed instruction sheet, and let guests pour their own drinks.  Here are some great signature cocktail ideas. You should be sure to also have a non-alcoholic version.

Serve food you can prepare ahead of time. There are lots of gourmet style foods you can serve that don’t require cooking at the time of the event.  Here are some great ideas:

• Cheese platter with crackers, nuts, and grapes
• Endive leaves stuffed with chicken salad
• Cured Meats.  Serving quality salami and ham are always a big hit and require very little preparation
• Spiced Nuts
• Marinated Olive Bar
• Deviled Eggs

Keep everything stocked in the fridge then all you have to do is add to the serving platters as they get empty.

Be charming. Guests will feel more at ease if you keep a smile on your face and stay relaxed! Wear your favorite party clothes to make sure you feel your best.

Maximize minimal decorations. You don’t need lots of decor to provide stellar ambiance.  Place a clear hurricane filled with festive ornaments or a large flower arrangement on the buffet table.  Scatter bud vases throughout the house with just a bud or two in them.  Supplement with tealights and votives and you are good to go. If you are having a holiday party, hang some misltetoe in a very public place so guests will surely be caught under it.

Low Music. Having music playing at a low volume keeps the party a party. You don’t want anything too loud or too energetic as it will be difficult for guests to talk over it.  It’s shouldn’t be the star of the evening, just one of the players making the event a success.

Take Aways. Give your guests a little something to take home with them so they can remember the party. A sweet treat for the ride home is always a hit.  Little chocolates or mints tied with tag that thanks them for coming is a thoughtful way to end the evening.

We hope your party is truly wonderful and inspired!