Noah's Red Egg and Ginger Party!

A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by Grace to plan and coordinate a Red Egg and Ginger party for her new baby. Her son, Noah, turned one month old this past Saturday, and around 50 guests came over to her home to celebrate!

In Chinese culture, red egg and ginger parties are held on the baby's first month birthday. Parents introduce their baby to friends and family and also the baby's name is usually announced. Traditionally, red-dyed eggs are given out to guests, symbolizing happiness and the renewal of life. Also, a broth is usually offered to guests made of ginger, pig's feet, eggs, and vinegar. The "one month" mark has its origin in ancient Chinese culture. Infant mortality rates were quite high in China prior to the advances of medicine, so babies who reached their one month birthday were likely to survive, and the event was celebrated. (Source)

This party had all of the traditional elements, plus more! Lunch was catered by China Pearl, with all the food set up in buffet stations with warming trays so the food stayed hot for the entire party. The menu included the following: Dim Sum Sampler, Jumbo Shrimp Combination (Spicy Garlic Salt and Walnut Flavored), Silverback Fish with Chinese Mixed Vegetables, Stir Fried Noodles, Sticky Rice with Pork and Vegetables, and Red Bean Soup. In addition to the catered food, three whole chickens were served, along with red-dyed eggs and ginger soup.

Red linens covered all of the tables, and a huge fruit display from Edible Arrangements brightened up the room, with daisy cut pineapples, chocolate covered strawberries, canteloupe, honeydew, and grapes. Red and gold balloons adorned the front of the house as well as the guestbook table. Grace's friend created a painting of an ox, symbolizing the 2009 "year of the ox", which was placed on the fireplace mantle. I wrote Noah's Chinese name on both sides of large pieces of metallic gold and red paper, which were strung on fishing line in the doorway along with two red lanterns. Mini bottles of Rémy Martin V.S.O.P. were given out to guests as favors, and they also enjoyed a lion dance performance at the beginning of the party. Here are photos of some of the details!

The party was a lot of fun, and guests were stuffed from all of the food! Thank you, Grace, for allowing me to be part of this special celebration!

~Emilie