If you are planning a Chinese-themed party, you must decide if you want a specifically Chinese theme or an Asian-inspired theme. The former is more limiting. Many things Americans may think of as Chinese, such as the straw field hats worn by rice paddy workers, are not exclusively Chinese and are shared by several Asian cultures. You can choose Chinese decorations, foods, entertainment and favors. Does this Spark an idea?
Decorations
In China, the color red figures prominently in celebratory decorations. Choose red tablecloths, red paper lanterns and other red accents. Bamboo is native to China, and it can be used as a decorative element. Figures of lions, such as those used in the traditional Lion Dance, can be used for decoration, as can statues of Buddha or foo dogs. Fortune cookies, while not traditionally Chinese, can be used in a variety of ways for both decoration and dessert. You might also decorate your space to resemble a pagoda, or use Chinese calligraphy in your decorations.
Food
Food should be abundant. Serve a variety of appetizers, called dim sum, or a multi-course meal, including classic dishes such as Peking duck or whole fish. Hot tea should be served, along with other beverages such as Chinese beer. Oranges symbolize longevity and can serve as dessert and decoration. Choose foods that represent each of the five flavors---sour, sweet, bitter, hot and salty---in balance. Serve at least one rice-based dish.
Entertainment
Call your local kung fu school to arrange to have a Lion Dance performed for your guests. Traditional music and fireworks or firecrackers will also carry out your theme. Games might include tests of dexterity using chopsticks. Hire a calligrapher to write a "fortune" for each guest or their name in Chinese characters. A Chinese martial arts or dance school could perform an exhibition, or you could arrange a demonstration of a traditional Chinese craft.
Favors
Chinese take-out boxes make great favor containers. Red envelopes containing money are traditional Chinese gifts. Other favor ideas include fortune cookies, mahjong games, chopsticks, foo dogs, stuffed pandas and bamboo plants.
Tags: Lion Dance, traditional Chinese