Entertaining

How Vancouver’s Amélie Nguyen of Anh and Chi Hosts Lunar New Year at Home

Three easy hosting tips for a warm Lunar New Year.

By Kristi Alexandra /
Mark Gibbon

1. Prepare a Welcome Drink

“Have a glass of wine, juice or another beverage ready as soon as guests arrive. Pair it with simple snacks like cheese or small bites to help them relax and feel instantly at home.”

2. Plan Your Plating and Setup Ahead

“Find the ceramics or the bowl before you start cooking  so that you know where you’ll be plating. Having a vision of where you’re going (when you’re cooking, or in any aspect of your life) is really nice.”

3. Set the Mood

“Light a candle, add fresh flowers or create a centrepiece that matches the occasion, like something festive for Lunar New Year. Small touches make gatherings feel special.”

All in the family
Ly, Amelie and Vincent Nguyen (above) share their family recipes and raise a glass to their Lunar New Year guests (below). Shallow bowls are from Vancouver’s Bird Ceramics. Photo by Mark Gibbon

READ MORE:A Lunar New Year 2026 Feast Menu From Anh and Chi’s Nguyen Family

Photo by Mark Gibbon

READ MORE: Recipe: Hopcott Farms Beef Short Ribs with Black Pepper and Sweet Soy (Sườn Bò Nướng)

Kristi Alexandra

Kristi Alexandra

Kristi Alexandra is the managing editor, food and culture, at Canada Wide Media. She loves food, travel, film and wine (but most of all, writing about them for Vancouver Magazine, Western Living and BCBusiness). Send any food and culture-related pitches to her at [email protected].