My husband and I got invited to a Chinese New Years party.  The
hostess is a co-worker of my husbands and I wanted to bring a
small/simple but meaningfull hostess gift.  Any suggestions on an
appropriate gift?

This is her description of the party: "We hope you both can come. It
will be a very casual dinner with home made Chinese food and a small
group of friends and neighbors."

Hi mmacdo10:

Gung Hay Fat Choy! Welcome to the year of the Goat/Ram.

Thanks for the fascinating question. Chinese culture has many
traditions and "rules" that revolve around their New Year
celebrations. While it is uncertain from your question how traditional
your upcoming hosts are going to be, you can't go wrong getting them
something that would fit into their traditions.

First thing, read:

Chinese New Year Customs
http://yoyo.cc.monash.edu.au/groups/chonghua/cny_customs.html

Another thing to keep in mind is that the Chinese consider the colors
red and gold to be very auspicious. If you can buy something that's
gold and wrap it in red paper - that would be ideal.

What to buy (i.e., things considered lucky): 

* candy
* candles
* coins
* wind chimes

Heck - if you can find some gold chocolate coins (chocolates wrapped
in gold tinfoil) and wrap that in red paper - you're set!

Don't be surprised if your hostess gives you a red "envelope" with a
small amount of cash in it in return for your gift. This is a
tradition.

For more information read: 

Chinese Traditions and Customs - Chinese New Year
http://www.fatming.com/traditions.htm

Red Packets
http://www.chinatown-online.org.uk/red_packets.html

I hope this has helped. Have fun!

websearcher-ga


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plus some of my wife's bookmarks. :-)

This is exactly what I was looking for.  Something simple but
meaningful.  I will be out shopping tonight!