A series of logos representing the Chair-man Mills Corp family of brands. Displayed are Chair-man Mills Corp, Event Rental Group, Contemporary Furniture Rentals, Higgins Event Rentals, Regal Tents & Structures, Advanced Tent Rental, A&B Partytime Rentals, Lounge Works, and MacFarlands Events

Introduction:
Hey there! Are you ready to dive into the vibrant world of the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival? With 2024 just around the corner, it’s time to gear up for some of the most colorful and meaningful celebrations on the lunar calendar. I’m Andrew Zimbel, National Director Special Projects at Higgins Event Rentals, a division of Chair-man Mills, and I’m here to give you the insider’s scoop on making these festivals truly spectacular.

Key Dates:

Lunar New Year 2024: February 10th
Lantern Festival 2024: February 24th

A vibrant Lunar New Year themed serving bar, decorated with a bold red and gold dragon design, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. The front panel displays intricate patterns, Chinese characters, and traditional lantern illustrations. On the bar top, there are two large drink dispensers filled with beverages, alongside neatly stacked rows of clear cups. To the side, a small stack of red beverage cans are visible, adding to the festive color scheme

An elegantly set dining display in a showroom, featuring a round table with a rich red tablecloth and black chairs with a lattice back design. Red fabric ribbons are draped overhead, with black lanterns adding to the decor. The table is set for four, with black plates, red napkins folded into a hat shape, and gold-rimmed stemware. Green bamboo plants flank the table, enhancing the Asian-inspired aesthetic of the setup.Why Celebrate? The Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival aren’t just about colorful dragons and fireworks. They’re about community, tradition, and bringing a burst of joy into the year. And guess what? In Toronto, with a Chinese community forming 10.4% of the population, these festivals are not just a cultural nod – they’re a massive opportunity for anyone in the event game.

The Spending Power: We’re talking about a community with a spending power of over $61 billion. That’s a lot of dumplings and red envelopes, my friends! This means there’s a significant opportunity to tap into a market that’s ready to celebrate in style.

How to Make Your Event Stand Out: Now, here’s the fun part. We at Higgins Event Rentals have got some fantastic items that’ll make your event pop:

  • Red Paper Lanterns: These aren’t just lanterns; they’re mood setters.
  • Bamboo Chopsticks: Because it’s all in the details.
  • Bamboo Steamers: Authenticity? Check.
  • Sky Lanterns: Light up the night sky with these biodegradable beauties.
  • Decorative Ideas: Use our blue and white plates to create a unique and beautiful ambiance.

Special Touches: We’re all about creativity here at Higgins. How about hanging lanterns from a bamboo pole instead of the usual umbrella in the barrel? Victoria has already done some magic in our showroom. What can you come up with to express the season?

A sophisticated table setting for a Lunar New Year celebration, with a layered place setting consisting of a black square charger plate, a smaller white square plate, and a vibrant red round plate on top, accented with a whimsical white bird-shaped napkin ring. In the foreground, two gold forks complement the setup, with a sparkling glass water cup, wine glass, and clear vase with greenery adding elegance. The tablecloth beneath has a subtle gold-flecked pattern, adding a festive sparkle to the occasionAn opulent Lunar New Year dining setting on a ‘Confetti Champagne’ tablecloth, with a textured gold pattern evoking a celebratory ambiance. Centered is a black square charger plate layered with a white square plate and a red round plate atop, symbolizing prosperity. A charming white bird-shaped napkin ring sits on the red plate. To complete the theme, gold forks and the potential addition of elegant chopsticks could perfectly complement the gold cutlery, while clear stemware and a vase with green foliage provide a refined touch to the festive arrangement.

A festive table setting for Lunar New Year featuring a luxurious red tablecloth and elegant black and gClose-up view of a festive dining table setup showcasing a vibrant red tablecloth. Each place setting includes elegant black and gold-rimmed plates, black napkins, and unique white napkin rings shaped like a bird. The table features gold-rimmed glassware and red votive candle holders that cast a warm glow. Lush green bamboo plants in the background complement the Asian-inspired theme,old-rimmed plates. Each setting is complemented by a black napkin and a unique white bird-shaped napkin ring, symbolizing peace and happiness. Red votive candle holders add a warm, ambient glow, matching the glassware with red and gold accents that stand ready to toast to prosperity. Lush green bamboo in the background creates a natural, vibrant atmosphere. To enhance the cultural experience, adding chopsticks alongside the existing cutlery would provide a harmonious balance of tradition and modern elegance.

NON-ALCOHOLIC SMOKEY CITRUS PUNCH (100 Servings)

Ingredients:

  • 10 lemons, plus more for juicing as needed
  • 10 oranges
  • 750 grams of granulated sugar
  • 20 bags Lapsang souchong or black tea (or 20 teaspoons loose-leaf)
  • 1.5-litre soda water 
  • 1.5-litre tonic water 
  • Lemon and orange slices for serving.

 

Preparation Steps:

Step 1: Citrus Peel and Sugar Mixture

  • The day before serving, peel the lemons and oranges. Place the peels in a large bowl or jar and reserve the fruit.
  • Add the sugar to the peels. Use a muddler or the end of a rolling pin to work the sugar into the peels until they start to turn slightly translucent, about 2 minutes.
  • Set aside at room temperature for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Cold-Brewed Tea

  • In a large container, add 15 tea bags or 15 teaspoons loose-leaf tea.
  • Pour in 15 cups of water, cover, and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.
  • Remove and discard the tea bags or strain out and discard the tea leaves.

Step 3: Hot-Brewed Tea

  • Bring 5 cups of water to a boil.
  • Add 5 tea bags or 5 teaspoons of loose-leaf tea. Steep for 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove the tea bags or strain out the loose-leaf tea.
  • Add the hot tea to the citrus-sugar mixture and stir to dissolve the sugar.
  • Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing on the solids. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 4: Final Punch Preparation

  • Juice the reserved lemons and oranges to get about 5 cups of juice (juice additional lemons or oranges if needed).
  • In a beverage server add ice to the chamber.
  • Add the lemon and orange juice, citrus-sugar-tea mixture, and the cold-brewed tea.
  • Pour in the soda water and tonic water, and stir gently to combine.
  • Pour into Catalina Wine glasses or Calvin Champagne Flutes and serve each with a lemon and orange slice.