A humble nod to Chinese culture to welcome the Lunar New Year! Inspiration was sought everywhere. I learned a lot by putting together this table, mostly that my inventory of Asian dishes is sadly lacking. Still, it was fun to discover so many new things about Chinese traditions.
In traditional Chinese culture red symbolizes good luck and wealth. So, out came napkins, ramekins and water goblets.
The dragonfly is a symbol of prosperity, good luck and harmony. The Kim Seybert napkin rings are still a favorite, and seemed to work well with the red napkins.
My mother bought me this trinket box back in the 70s, in a Chinese import store on Clark Street, in Chicago. I still remember vividly that shopping expedition with her, and the discovery of the little box in the midst of fans, slippers, silk purses, and a myriad other tchotchkes. It was intended to hold my fortune-telling cards, however, it turned out to be a tad too small for them. I still love the little box with the flying swallows, and it usually lives in my dresser, where I keep my special treasures. I remembered it today, as I was running around trying to find Asian things for the table, and although it served no purpose whatsoever, I set it on the table to look at because it makes me smile and reminds me of my mom.
A few years ago, the owner of the nail spa I frequent, gave me this envelope as a token of appreciation and to wish me luck on the Year of the Rooster. Apparently, despite its peculiar appearance, it's legal tender. The search for inspiration continues.
The mandarin orange is an important symbol of the Chinese New Year. The small, round fruit looks like the sun, and is a symbol of abundance and happiness. Mandarins should come with stems and a few leaves, which is part of the symbolism and denotes freshness. They are frequently given as gifts during this period to wish the recipient a long life and fertility.
I placed the mandarins in a Blue Calico plate. The plate was manufactured in the pottery district in England, however, the cherry blossom pattern is evocative of Asia, where the flowers grow in abundance.
I just learned today that in a traditional Chinese table, you are not supposed to place a knife. Supposedly it's bad luck to cut your noodles. Imagine my chagrin when the noodles in my takeout Pad Thai came already cut! This restaurant is not following the rules!
So, the menu consisted of Char Siu (Cantonese BBQ Pork), which I made myself, Chicken Pad Thai, Shrimp Dumplings, Egg Rolls, and Steamed White Rice.
Then, to finish the meal, we shared almond and fortune cookies, and those delicious mandarins. Oolong tea was served in my little red ramekins.
Happy Year of the Tiger!
Gold Chargers - Marshall Field's many years ago
Black Dinner Plates - The Dollar Tree, many years ago
Red Water Goblets - HomeGoods
Red Ramekins - Emile Henry, available through their site or Amazon
Napkin Rings - Kim Seybert
Fork - Treble Clef, by Gourmet Settings
1 comment:
Your posts make be so bloomin' happy! What a delight to see and read and from which to learn.
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