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Chinese New Year is just around the corner, but you know what comes first—the much-awaited reunion dinner! We already know how important it is—this is the time for families to get together, most likely after not seeing each other for so long. And of course, there’s all the delicious food waiting to be eaten!
Before the big night, we want to help you out by sharing some tips on how to prepare and throw in some ideas that’ll make your family get-together special and fun!
#1 Clean the house way ahead of the reunion dinner!

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This might seem like a given, but for those who may be busy with work up until CNY, it’s best to schedule a time before the reunion dinner to start cleaning your house. Once you’re done you’ll have more time to do other tasks.
#2 Your reunion dinner menu doesn’t have to be conventional

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Speaking of unexpected dishes: your reunion dinner menu doesn’t have to only be the typical food you always have every year. Steamed fish, braised mushrooms and abalones, and longevity noodles are delicious—but there’s nothing wrong with changing things up a bit.


Images via www.stripeskl.com
Brasserie 25 at Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur is offering a feast of barbecue specials with a twist of traditional and Western offerings on 4 February from 6pm to 10pm. Enjoy scrumptious dishes such as grilled hoisin dragon burgers, prosperity man tao, and Chef’s Chinatown ‘Char Siew’ beef ribs! And don’t worry—you can still have your favourite traditional salmon yee sang and longevity noodles with your meal.
This CNY, they’re having a promotion for RM98 nett per adult and RM68 nett per child, inclusive of free flow prosperity mocktail. For more information, visit http://www.stripeskl.com/dining.html!
#3 Give your house a CNY makeover

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… and one of those tasks is decorating the house for CNY! They’ll bring up the festive vibe and lift everyone’s mood when they arrive. Hang lanterns to drive off bad luck, glue paper cuttings (these are usually in red!) on glass windows for luck and happiness, and keep a vase of kumquat trees in the house to attract wealth and good luck.
#4 Give the kids something to do before and during reunion dinner

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If there are many children in your household, then get them involved as much as possible. Before the reunion dinner, you could have them help you out with making crafts, baking cookies and cleaning the house; while during the reunion dinner, you can get them to play games.
#5 Travel with your family for the reunion dinner and CNY

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If you can afford travelling, then you can consider going abroad for CNY and turn it into a mini adventure with your whole family. Discover new places together, where you’ll find time to bond and de-stress. You could even try unexpected dishes for your reunion dinner!
We hope you’ll have an amazing time with your family, regardless of what you’re planning to do! Gong Xi Fa Cai!