[Leeloomina]

Thanks for your replies. Do you think a pink dress will be ok?

Yes

[tibs]

My chinese relatives tend to give things like the gold ferrero rochers or the red lindt balls when they go visiting or for a meal with someone, gold and red are the lucky colours.

[Above rubies]

Also, I just realized its a new years party. Would it be too rude if we left before midnight? Just thinking of kids and babysitters.

[*LucyE*]

Is it at a restaurant or private residence?

Either way, leaving before midnight is fine. It isn't like the 12am 1 January type new years celebrations.

If you want to take a gift, the suggestions of gold or red wrapped chocolates are good.

Black is a perfectly fine colour to wear. Avoid white. Red is ideal. Use red accessories to go with the black dress if you like.

If the hosts have children under the age of 18, you can join in the token red packet gifting. Put some cash (ideally crisp current year notes) in a red envelope (do not on any account use a normal white one). Usually the denominations have to be even or something like that.

If you are going to a restaurant, put a small note (a $5 or $10) in a red envelope to 'feed' the dancing lions that usually come around. It is acceptable to 'tease' the lion/dragon and make them work for the envelope.

ETA most of the dishes served at a chinese new year banquet have a meaning behind it. It is polite to try (or at least take some to put in your bowl/plate) all of the dishes. It's about spreading good luck to all.

This post has been edited by *LucyE*: 09/02/2013, 02:07 PM

[amabanana]

We go every year to BIL's IL's and we bring either mandarins/oranges, tinned biscuits/sweets or Ferrero Rochers.
Milmo, we never stay until midnight. It's usually a lunch/afternoon thing that we go to.

Have fun!

eta You can get the little decorated envelopes especially for NY from your local Asian Grocer (if you have one).

This post has been edited by amabanana: 09/02/2013, 02:08 PM