Lunar New Year Tablescape with “Snow Village Lucky Dragon Restaurant” Centerpiece
Greetings from the Lake
Welcome to the lake!!! I am so glad that you are visiting! This has been a hectic few months for us as we had some challenges in December when the Christmas tree bit the dust, and we had to find a new one and then put it up and decorate it in a short time to be ready for Christmas. Then we had some medical issues such as a broken cap on my tooth two days before Christmas, and then on going hernia problems for Wayne, which ended in a hernia repair surgery this week. We have had some house/garden/pool challenges in the midst of January too. My sincere apologies for the delays this has caused on my website. I have missed sharing with you, and missed hearing from you!
The Lunar New Year
Last year, I did a Lunar New Year Tablescape that featured Mickey and Minnie Mouse. To see that tablescape, please click on the blue title below, which will take you to that post.
Mickey and Minnie and their Dragon Friends Celebrate the Lunar New Year
This year I decided to do a more “grown-up” Lunar New Year Tablescape in contrast with last year’s “fun” tablescape which was for kids and those who are kids at heart. This year, in my tablescape, I aimed for elegance and I aimed to hono the traditions of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
This Year’s Lunar New Year Tablescape
This year’s Lunar New Year Celebrations began on January 29th and will end on Feb. 12th with the lantern festival. In reading about the Lunar New Year celebrations, I realized that in addition to other parts of the celebration, I would really love to see the lantern festival one year, as it is a day of dragon dances and lion dances, games, riddles, festivals and food, and it ends with beautiful displays of Chinese lanterns.
When not looking for Lunar New Year decorations, I happened to see a beautiful Chinese Lantern at Homegoods. (Is finding something you weren’t looking for, a frequent happening for you also when you shop Homegoods?) This new lantern seemed perfect for my Lunar New Year Red and Gold Table – so it became a catalyst for the direction this table took.
I placed the lantern at the center of the table, hanging from my chandelier, directly above the Lunar New Year Snow Village Vignette.
For this table I used many of the things I used in last year’s Mickey and Minnie table – the same gold tablecloth, dragon table runner, flatware, chargers, placemats, and napkins. Do the two tablescapes pictured above feel the same to you? If not, what feeling does each one give you and which one to you enjoy the most and why? (I’d love it if you would give me your opinion in the comments section at the very bottom of this post.)
This tablescape was done over a few days, as were the photographs. Over time I tried things out in different places, waited for the 2nd flower arrangement to arrive, and enjoyed a few different sunsets. I hope you too enjoy the variety in the sunsets, as sunsets are some of our favorite things!
The Centerpiece
Snow Village “Lucky Dragon Restaurant” Vignette
For the Centerpiece, I chose a Dept. 56 Lucky Dragon Restaurant # 56.55011. It is from the Original Snow Village Collection and was made in 1999. Although it’s now retired, I was able to find one recently in great condition to purchase from eBay. I also purchased the Dragon Parade accessory #56.55032 and the Brite Lites Dragon Accessory to be a part of my centerpiece display. The various Snow Village Trees as well as the cake stand were items I already owned. Both the “Lucky Dragon Restaurant” and the Brite Lite Dragon are pieces that light up. The “Lucky Dragon Restaurant” has a light cord that plugs into the wall, and the “Brite Lites Dragon” operates with batteries or a separately purchased adapter cord. To eliminate the cord for the restaurant, I decided to use some small lights that I originally purchased to use in flower arrangements that needed submersible lights.
I love that these lights fit inside the hole in the bottom of the Snow Village restaurant. However, it’s worth noting that they may not fit into each Snow Village house, as all houses are designed a little differently. I love that these lights have a remote that controls not only the on/off functions, but also the color of the lights. For this tablescape I tried both red, and white and loved both colors with the tablescape.
Chopstick Rests
Other items that are new this year are my chopsticks and chopstick rests. The dragon chopstick rests were given to me by my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, for Christmas last year, and I am so excited to get to use them. The rests are beautiful gold dragons from Williams-Sonoma. I love the elegance and authenticity they bring to the table. The blue chopsticks were a “find” at Homegoods a year or two ago. Similar ones are available in red on Amazon. Our son is the only one in our family who has mastered Chopstick use, but I still love their presence at each plate. How about you – do you like to eat with chopsticks?
Napkin Rings
The Napkin Rings are new this year, from Homegoods, and reflect this year’s “Year of the Snake” – note the snake “slithering” across the top of each rolled napkin. Each Lunar New Year is represented by one of 12 zodiac sign animals and legend has it that those born under that sign have similar traits to the animal.
Flower Arrangements
I added flower arrangements to this year’s tablescape after I saw these on sale Macy’s website. I love all the symbolism within the arrangements. The red berries are a symbol of “goodwill, happiness and luck”. The beautiful Cherry Blossoms symbolize “new beginnings” and also celebrate the blooming of the Cherry blossoms in Japan at this time of year. The Mandarin Oranges symbolize “good luck and fortune”.
Goblets
The Goblets are gold glass and have an embossed design. They were purchased a few years ago at Homegoods.
A Tale of Two Tables – Details in Common
Both the Disney Lunar New Year Tablescape and This Tablescape Included the Following Items.
The gold tablecloth was purchased at Homegoods (or at least I think it was. I have had it a long time.) The red embroidered dragon table runner is from Williams-Sonoma.
The gold flatware is in the Golden Affection pattern from Oneida, and although discontinued currently, it is occasionally available on eBay. The Gold glitter chargers are made by Sparkles Home and are from Homegoods from at least 3 years ago and the Red beaded placemats are from Homegoods too, and from the same time period. And the top plate with the dragon, is a dinner plate from Homegoods about 4 years ago.
The red and blue dragon figurines are actually banks and were given away at Wells Fargo Bank at one time, and are now occasionally available on eBay.
The Lunar New Year paper fans (on the windows, and doors this year and on the chandelier last year) were from Party City a few years ago. The zodiac animal garland is new this year.
The Dragon dinner plates are from Homegoods from about 3 years ago.
A New Addition to the Lunar New Year Celebration
is the
Lunar New Year Tree
I have been trying to find some Lunar New Year’s Ornaments, so I can make my dining room tree special for the New Year celebration. In the years preceding this one, I have only gathered a few ornaments. However, this was my year of good luck. It started with Homegoods where I found about 4 ornaments I love, then I checked out a “Macy’s before Christmas 70% off Trim-a-Tree sale” (amazing) and also found a few things I love at Amazon.
I’m going to include a few dining room and tree photos here, as a sneak peek, and I will be doing a post all about the tree in the next week or so. I hope you will stop by and check it out!
The View from the Dining Room
Table Details and Origins
for
Mickey and Minnie’s
Lunar New Year Tablescape
Dragon plates – Homegoods 2022 (Homegoods carried Blue plates with dragons in 2023 which could be a great alternative)
Dragon Plates from Williams-Sonoma are another great alternative – available in 2022-2025
Red Beaded and Jeweled Round Place Mats – Homegoods – around 2022
Golden Affection Flatware by Oneida – Occasionally Available on eBay
Luminous Gold Charger Plates – Sparkleshome.com and also occasionally available at Homegoods
Chinese paper fans – OrientalTrading.com
Dragon Table Runner – Williams-Sonoma December/January 2023
Dragon Table Runner – Less expensive alternative to the above – Party City
Red Napkins – Homegoods – often available in November- February
Red and Blue Dragon Banks/ figurines – eBay
Blue Chopsticks – Homegoods 2023
Dragon Chopsticks Rest – Williams-Sonoma – 2023-2024
Red and Gold Snake Napkin Rings – Homegoods -2025
Lunar New Year Floral Arrangements – Macy’s – December 2024 – January 2025
Birch Tree – Amazon
Ornaments for tree – Macy’s, Homegoods, Amazon
Dept. 56 Original Snow Village “Lucky Dragon Restaurant” 56.55011 – often available on eBay and at other Dept 56 secondary sellers
Dept. 56 Original Snow Village Accessory “The Dragon Parade” 56.55032 – often available on eBay and at other Dept 56 secondary sellers
Dept 56 Village Brite Lites dragon – often available on eBay and at other Dept 56 secondary sellers
Dept 56 trees, and trees from other assorted brands – eBay, Michaels, Department56.com,
Red and Gold Chinese fabric lantern – Homegoods – 2024
Cake Pedestal – Homegoods – from eons ago, but other style of cake pedestals are often available at Homegoods,
Zodiac Animal Garland – Homegoods – 2024
Large Gold Glass Goblets with embossed design – Homegoods – around 2022
Mini Submersible LED Lights, Color Changing, with 2 remotes – Amazon – current product in 2025
If you enjoyed this post, I think you may enjoy these posts too…
Comments
I treasure your comments! If you have time, I would love it if you would scroll down to the bottom of this post, and leave a comment. In the comment, I’d also love to hear about your New Year’s traditions, including Lunar New Year, if you celebrate it. Also, I’d love it if you would share any holidays that you celebrate that are not holidays you celebrated as you grew up, as well as what you do to celebrate, and what inspired you to add these to your holiday calendar. I love to celebrate holidays from many countries and cultures and wondered if you do too. If you follow my website regularly, or have browsed around on it, which other holidays do you think I might enjoy celebrating?
Link Parties
You can actually find the below link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for.
Sunday
Life as a Leo wife (Nikki), Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly), Décor Craft Design (Mel) ,A Labour of Life (Linda), Ducks ‘n a Row (Sinea), Love My Messy Messy Mess (Katie) host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party. I love checking out the home decor, holiday decorations and current projects of all the hostesses as well as the ideas from their link party !
Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”. I love checking out Linda’s gorgeous holiday decorations and tablescapes, and her chandelier decorations are a beautiful finishing touch!!
The House on Silverado hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party. I am fairly new to Niky’s site but am loving her holiday decorating and her new grandma stories!!
Ridge Haven Homestead – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop. In addition to the blog hop, I am enjoying reading about Laurie’s homestead, the “off the grid” lifestyle they are living and the cabin they are building.
April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly on the first Sunday of the month. I am enjoying reading about April’s traveling adventures, as well as her projects at home!
Monday
Life Tales Books Blogspot hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party. Jennifer is a Photos and Story Treasures Consultant, and I am enjoying her ideas on photos and memory books, as well as her link party!
Holly-Pink Lady(Holly) and Sunshine and books blog (Sarah) host “Hello Monday Link Party”. In addition to the link party, I am enjoying Sarah’s book recommendations, and Holly’s recipes and party ideas.
Between Naps on the Porch hosts “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters”. I love seeing Susan’s amazing home projects which are very inspiring!! I always come away with some great ideas from her posts and from those who have linked up!!
The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!
Charlene at A Pinch of Joy hosts “Busy Mondays”. Charlene’s website is all about home decorating, and holiday decorations and recipes. The first two things are things I love to do and the Recipes are things I like to eat!
Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party Tamar’s website has some great photography, interesting places to visit, and thoughts on many things. Recently, I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah celebrations!
Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn, Nicky at Life as a Leo Wife, Michelle at Moms are frugal and a few other hostesses host “You’re the Star Blog Hop” I love checking out these websites and the link party for holiday decor, crafts, money saving ideas and tablescapes.
Tuesday
A Stroll Thru Life hosts the “Inspire me Tuesday” link party. Marty has an eye for design and decorating, and turning your house into a home. I always enjoy reading about her projects.
Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly) and Penny’s Passion (Penny) host the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. I have enjoyed Beverly’s Red Barn project and her projects and decorating . Penny’s website has both projects and recipes I have enjoyed reading about – and more – see “Thinking Out Loud” under “Thursday” in this list.
Jenerally Informed hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”. Jen from Jenerally informed and Leslie from playmates to parties host “happy now” which brings many craft and decorating ideas and recipes for fun holiday foods.
Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party” which brings many decorating ideas, recipes, and ideas for family activities.
Kim and Cassie from Lou Lou Girls host the the “Fabulous Party”. Lou Lou Girls post unique recipes, family activities, DIY and party ideas!
Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures hosts “Tuesdays with a Twist”. Marci posts on gardening, sewing, recipes, crafts and books! Marci’s link party contains many other fun ideas as well.
My Wee Abode (Julie) hosts the “Tuesday Turn About” Link Party. Julie is turning her small home into a charming coastal farmhouse home. Her website and link party include great home decorating, DIY, craft projects and recipes. My Slices of Life (Joanne) hosts a life style blog which includes the “Talking about it Tuesday” link party. This is a great place for finding decor, fashion, recipes, holiday decorations and many other family friendly ideas.
Wednesday
Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”. I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel! as well as her decorating ideas, crafts, grandchild activities and home projects.
French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style” link party where decorating, recipes, fashion, tablescape styles are all shared.
Esme Salon recently began hosting a “Wordless Wednesday” photography link party – I can’t wait to link up!
Creatively Beth hosts the “Creatively Crafty” Link Party. Beth’s website contains wonderful craft posts, including amazing up-cycle, from scratch, and Dollar Store Crafts. Beth’s link party contains a variety of family friendly posts including recipes, crafts, and holiday decor.
Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop. I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that Laurie and her family are building.
Karin at Fifth Sparrow No More, hosts “Whimsy Home Link Party”. Karin posts about Finding the Beauty – in decorating, travel and faith and family!
Cecelia at My Thrift Store Addiction hosts “Vintage Charm” link party. What Cecelia does with her thrift store finds is so creative!
Lydia at Pandora and Max hosts the “All Seasons” Link Party. Lydia’s recent blog entry was all about her trip – and the sunsets are a “must see” – fabulous!
Thursday
I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday. I have been following Susan for quite a long time, and absolutely love her Tablescapes!!! I also love the ideas shared on her Tablescape Thursday link party!
Katherine’s corner hosts the “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop. I love the assortment of wonderful decorating, recipe, tablescape, and inspirational ideas found here.
Southern Sunflowers hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday. I have really enjoyed linking to their link party and the various decorating, recipe, tablescape and craft ideas found on this website and their “Home Matters” Link Party.
Penny’s Passion hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday. Thinking out Loud is a great post published each Thursday, and covers many interesting topics. Today the topic was “elf on the shelf – for empty nesters” and I love the traditions Penny has started in her home. So cute!
Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week. The photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are the places he and his wife photograph!
Good Random Fun hosts the “Little Things” link party, which I enjoy. Its a place for sharing and reading about lots of different topics and ideas.
Marsha in the Middle and Melynda, from Scratch Made Food for Hungry People, and Lisa, from Boondock Ramblings host “Weekend Traffic Jam” which goes live on Thursday at 8:30 pm CT. Marsha posts about Fashion and the link party contains holiday decorations, fashion, and recipes (to name a few of the family friendly links).
Friday
Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the “Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.” It is a gathering for home decor ideas, recipes, tablescapes, reflections, etc. I am enjoying being a part fo this group.
Building Our Hive hosts the “Funtastic Friday” Link Party which includes recipes, home decor, tablescapes, crafts, travel and other family friendly posts.
Cindy at County Road 407 hosts the “Farmhouse Friday” Link Party, which begins at 6:30 am CT each Friday and features home decor – all styles; holiday decorating, tablescapes, crafts, etc.
Andrea at The Cottage Market hosts “A Morning Cup of Joe” link party. Both the website and the link party feature DIY projects, Recipes, home decor, crafts and holiday decorations.
Erika at A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea at Momfessionals, host “Friday Favorites”. Both websites and the link party feature family activities, home decor, fashion, entertaining, recipes, and holiday decorations and traditions.
At Lou Lou Girls Kim, Cassie and Amber bring lots of good recipes and family activities to us and also host “Fabulous Friday” a link party that brings us recipes, holiday decor, family activities and many other family friendly ideas!
Carol at Answer is Choco hosts BFF Link Party. Carol’s website contains lots of ideas about crafts, scrapbooking, recipes and many other things!
Saturday
Pieced Pastimes Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party” which includes home decors, recipes and holiday fun foods, tablescapes, crafts, etc. Among the many things I appreciate at Pieced Pastimes is the first picture of many posts, where Suzanne shows her current view at home (in New Hampshire) I love her wonderful view in all weather!
Pam’s Party and Practical Tips hosts the “Dare to Share Saturday” Link party – which includes some great party ideas, recipes and crafts!
Thanks so much for stopping by! We are wishing you a very happy Lunar New Year!!!
About The Author
Patty
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Roentare Photo Blog | 11th Feb 25
The dinnerware looks so classic!
Patty | 12th Feb 25
Thank you so much! I love looking at your wonderful photography also! – Patty
Joanne | 12th Feb 25
You have some of the most fabulous plates and make such creative dining room displays.
Patty | 12th Feb 25
Joanne, Thank you so much for such a special comment! I really enjoy planning and making the tables! Hope you have a great Valentine’s Day!!
Pat | 13th Feb 25
WOW!! I love your Lunar New Year tablescape! Your dishes and table runner are beautiful as your tree decorated with special ornaments. It is all wonderful eye candy!
Patty | 14th Feb 25
Pat, Thank you so much for such a special comment about my Lunar New Year Post. I am so glad you enjoyed my tablescape and tree. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! Have a wonderful Valentines Day! Patty
Lydia C. Lee | 14th Feb 25
What a great setting – Happy New Year to you! The other night I saw the lion dancers in their outfits but without the drums or lion. I guess going to get dinner before the performance. It took me a minute to work it out but they looked like some time travelling chinese gang…Ha!
Patty | 14th Feb 25
Lydia, Thank you so much for commenting on my Lunar New Year Post. It’s interesting that you saw Chinese Lion Dancers as they headed to dinner – you don’t often get to see the costumes beneath the lion costume! Wishing you a Happy Valentines Day!!! We will have leftovers tonight and go out on a less crowded night, as restaurants get so busy here on Valentine’s Day. – Patty
Lydia C. Lee | 14th Feb 25
Thanks for sharing with #Allseasons
Patty | 14th Feb 25
Lydia, I enjoyed visiting your #Allseasons!! Have a great day! -Patty
Debbie-Dabble | 14th Feb 25
WOW!! What an amazing tablescape and incredible views!! All so pretty!! Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you enjoy the Holiday weekend!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Patty | 15th Feb 25
Deb, Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I’m so glad you like my Lunar New Year Tablescape and the view of the lake! I really enjoy your website too! – Patty
Jennifer Wise | 19th Feb 25
It’s good to see you back! I’m glad the health issues have subsided some. I’ve had some of my own recently, so I have a special appreciation for the struggle. 🙂 Wow, what an absolutely gorgeous table. The red and gold is just so rich and beautiful. The plates are amazing. Thanks for sharing this post with us at the Will Blog for Comments #56 linkup! We’d love to see more at #57, too. Have a great week.
Jennifer Wise | 19th Feb 25
It’s good to see you back! I’m glad the health issues have subsided some. I’ve had some of my own recently, so I have a special appreciation for the struggle. 🙂 Wow, what an absolutely gorgeous table. The red and gold is just so rich and beautiful. The plates are amazing. Thanks for sharing this post with us at the Will Blog for Comments #56 linkup! We’d love to see more at #57, too. Have a great week.