Cover Vinki Li shows us how to prepare our tables for Chinese New Year (Photo: Zed Leets/ Tatler Hong Kong)
Vinki Li shows us how to prepare our tables for Chinese New Year (Photo: Zed Leets/ Tatler Hong Kong)
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Vinki Li shares her secrets to creating a show-stopping festive tablescape for Chinese New Year
Through her social media platform Essence of Hosting, Vinki Li transforms everyday moments into memorable experiences, one beautifully set table at a time. Here, she shares her top tips for creating a festive Chinese New Year tablescape that’s equal parts stunning and accessible—proving that elegant entertaining doesn't require a big budget. From incorporating traditional red and gold accents to selecting the perfect centrepiece, Li's approach makes sophisticated hosting achievable for everyone, whether you're planning an intimate family gathering or a larger celebration.
See also: Lea Salonga, Disney’s original Jasmine and Mulan, is set to sing at Hong Kong Disneyland next year
Keeping it traditional
Above A closer look at Li's tablescape (Photo: Zed Leets/ Tatler Hong Kong)
Above A closer look at Li's tablescape (Photo: Zed Leets/ Tatler Hong Kong)
A closer look at Li's tablescape (Photo: Zed Leets/ Tatler Hong Kong)
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Fai Chun: I put up fai chun [traditional Chinese New Year decorations of calligraphed auspicious phrases on red paper] around the doorway and inside the home. The “福” character, meaning fortune, is usually placed upside down to symbolise that fortune
has arrived.
Fruits: Fruits are considered essential, I usually place mandarins and pomelos at home, and a pear on each place setting is a must— they symbolise gold and invite prosperity.
Flowers: Orchids are a big part of our household tradition. Every year we drive out to the orchid farms in Chiba Garden in Yuen Long to pick our own plants; I love choosing colours that complement the home. Orchids symbolise fertility and abundance, making them perfect for welcoming the new year.
The Candy Box: One of my favourite rituals is preparing a traditional candy box. Growing up, my grandmother and mother always filled it with classic Chinese sweets that symbolised luck and sweetness for the year ahead. Nowadays, you can fill it with anything you like. I usually buy mine from Kee Tsui Cake Shop in Mong Kok or the Chan Yee Jai in Sheung Wan, which has been around for more than 95 years. Inside the Candy Box: Candied lotus seeds symbolising family harmony and blessings; candied winter melon for growth and good health; chocolate gold coins symbolising wealth; pistachios for happiness and good fortune; sesame cookie balls, symbolising laughter and a prosperous year ahead; crispy peanut dumplings, another classic treat shaped like gold ingots, symbolising wealth and abundance.
Above At home with Vinki Li (Photo: Zed Leets/ Tatler Hong Kong)
At home with Vinki Li (Photo: Zed Leets/ Tatler Hong Kong)
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Setting the table
Above Vinki Li (Photo: Zed Leets/ Tatler Hong Kong)
Vinki Li (Photo: Zed Leets/ Tatler Hong Kong)
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Symbolic Tableware: Plates or bowls featuring dragons, lions, phoenixes or koi are especially meaningful. They symbolise protection, strength and good fortune, and they’re wonderful to bring out for Chinese New Year festivities. You can mix and match them with your existing dishes for a more modern look. If you don’t have symbolic tableware, simply layer in red or gold accents through napkins, placemats or trays. It will instantly bring in the Chinese New Year spirit. Lucky Details: I always place a red envelope on each plate as a small welcome gesture to bring blessings to every guest. Red and gold elements, such as lacquer trays, gold-plated candy boxes or porcelain with subtle red detailing, help elevate the entire table design.
For Chinese New Year, I make sure everything on the table is arranged in even numbers. The New Year favours pairs, balance and good things coming in twos
The Rule of Pairs: For Chinese New Year, I make sure everything on the table is arranged in even numbers. The New Year favours pairs, balance and good things coming in twos. I avoid sharp tableware like knives, as they are traditionally thought to “cut” the
flow of good fortune.
Lighting the scene
To complete the ambience, I add candles, gold lamps or [candles in] brass candleholders to represent light and positive energy.
I avoid heavily scented candles, as I prefer the fragrance of the food to fill the room. Chinese New Year is all about intention,
symbolism and family—and for me, setting the table beautifully is just another way of honouring those traditions.
Credits
Photography Assistant: Jove Tsin Li/Tatler Hong Kong
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision across social, digital and print, and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and leaders across business, style and the arts. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she also drives the planning and execution of Tatler's flagship IPs, curating star-studded events and building the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
