Marking the Year of the Ox.
In our limited-edition Perfect Pumps, calligrapher Alice of @pennedbyalice shares how she celebrates Lunar New Year.
“One of the dishes I always serve is a whole fish steamed with ginger, scallions, and soy. Preparing it whole symbolizes abundance, togetherness, and good luck.”
“We all start off the new year by wearing something new or something red! Bonus if you can tick off both at the same time.”
“Another tradition is to gift red envelopes filled with new money to friends and family who are either children or unmarried. The red envelopes symbolize good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.”
“I wanted to add pops of color with red and gold. Red and gold together are synonymous with celebrating the Lunar New Year because they mean good fortune, happiness, and prosperity. My 4-year-old daughter wanted to be involved with setting the table, so we crafted some red-and-gold goldfish out of some lucky red envelopes, which she scattered along the table. I thought was a great idea!”
“I grounded the table with a cream table cloth and placed a navy runner adorned with embroidered dragons on top. I added some gold-wired placemats, gold-rimmed glasses, and gold chopstick holders in the shape of dragons. I then topped each plate with a red napkin folded into a lotus shape.”
“I brought in more reds with fresh floral elements. I collaborated with floral designer Kerry Patel on a joyful centerpiece, and filled blue-and-white ginger jars for added depth.”
“I then decided to hand-letter mandarins to use as place cards. In Chinese, the word ‘mandarin’ literally translates to the word ‘gold’. Having them around the home is meant to bring about more fortune and riches in the new year!”
Calligraphy: Alice Lonero Photography: Rosemary Green | Flowers: Kerry Patel
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