STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Here's what I'm thinking, to continue the Chinese theme:

from pearlrivermart.com

is the baby going to be born in 2007? Then perhaps include Year of the Pig items in the favors.

and who can resist the finger trap

and I love loose tea, not sure if your friends drink loose tea, but the tins are so pretty, and jasmine tea is fantastic.

for dessert or something else to make, you can do almond cakes:

What would a page of Chinese dessert recipes be without an authentic almond cookie recipe? Now you can enjoy the almond cookies once enjoyed by the highest mandarin of Shanghai.

Two cupfuls of rice flour; one-quarter cupful of almond oil; one-half cupful of chopped almonds; one and one-half cupfuls of powdered sugar; two eggs.

Mix thoroughly two cupfuls of rice flour, one and one-half cupfuls of powdered sugar, and half a cupful of blanched almonds, chopped very fine, with a quarter of a cupful of almond oil. Moisten with two beaten eggs. Use no water, and if too stiff, add more egg. Roll about a quarter of an inch thick, and cut in fanciful shapes. Place half an almond in the center of each cake, and bake them for one hour in a moderate oven. These cakes are certain to keep for a long time if they are placed in a tin box.

You could also try a more Asian-influenced fruit platter, since most traditional Chinese dinners end with fruit and not dessert. Perhaps melon, mandarin oranges, lychees, plums, hmm, what else? Or maybe a fortune cookie recipe, but with different flavorings added like cinnamon and vanilla. You could probably shape the fortune cookie into different shapes as well, like a flower.

Hope that at least helps to get the creative juices flowing! I love the fortune cookie invite, by the way. They look so pretty.

i am a dork and i tear out instyle magazine's party ideas, and one was for an asian-themed oscar party.  i also bought the instyle parties book because i love their presentations and their ideas.  they're classy themed parties without being cheesy. 

there are a ton of great ideas for the party.  a couple i remember are:

• order take out (you have that covered)


• have fans (relrel suggested that)


• have slippers available for the guests (i think that's cute)


• the party was red/black themed


• serve star fruit as dessert

i'll post more when i get access to the book (later tonight)or depending on when the party is, i can photocopy and mail you the recipes/pictures of decor if you want.  i will have a copy machine/be at the post office tomorrow morning if you let me know tonight.   

You could give money envelopes away as gifts. According to this website,"Traditionally, the Chinese red envelope holds lucky coins or a small gift. It is given to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness to the recipient, as well as to the giver. " A friend of mine is Chinese and his mom always gives him one before he travels.

ETA: This website www.asianideas.com has a lot of cute favors and decorations if you still need more ideas. Plus they have silver fortune cookie place card holders (like the one mikacat posted on sale for $1.75 each.

tara t wrote:

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i don't have any ideas, but they are beautiful !!

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