Peony Flowers for Chinese New Year Decorations

Using peony flowers for Chinese New Year decorations is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to incorporate beautiful plants into their holiday celebration.

Peonies and the Chinese New Year

According to the British Chinese website Dimsum, peonies are a traditional flowering plant kept in homes during the New Year because they bring good luck. Additionally, peonies are considered a Chinese symbol for love.

Choose peonies in shades of red to place in your home during the Chinese New Year since many Chinese New Year celebration decorations incorporate red in their design. Look for peonies that will be in full bloom for the day of your party or throughout most of the 15-day celebration.

Peony Flowers for Chinese New Year Decorations

Growing your own peonies requires some gardening skills and time for them to be ready for the Chinese New Year. Since these plants are summer bloomers, growing them in temperate climates requires using a greenhouse or another method of indoor cultivation. If you want live peony flowers for Chinese New Year decorations, it may be necessary to visit a florist to purchase cut blooms.

Luckily, plenty of decorating options are also available using peony graphics on party supplies or by substituting silk or faux flowers for the real thing.

Decorating with Live Peonies

Live peonies require water and attention, so consider purchasing them just before you host the party. Place the order in advance, but pick up the flowers the day before or the morning of your party. Decorate with live blooms in the following ways:

Place them in vases throughout the party areas.
Arrange them within a larger floral arrangement near the doors or on the table or mantelpiece.
Cut off the blooms and place them in bowls of water with floating candles.
Create corsages or boutonnieres to use as party favors for your guests.

Decorating with Faux or Graphic Peonies

Decorations do not have to be made using live peonies. In fact, the first place to use the peony decoration could be on the party invitations themselves. Consider adding a small red peony stamp or embossed design. Other faux peonies and peony Chinese New Year graphics can be used to decorate in the following ways:

As a pattern on paper lanterns used to light the party area
Within the pattern on an umbrella or parasol placed throughout the party
In the graphics on tablecloths, paper plates and other disposable decorations
As part of artful wall hangings, paintings and shadow boxes
In the bathroom as peony-shaped soaps or as an embroidered design on hand towels
Within a cake design, either topping the cake or airbrushed onto the cake itself
As a bloom glued to the top of a napkin ring

Origami, or the art of paper folding, also allows you to create peonies and other flowers with paper. This is an economical way to decorate during the Chinese New Year. String together several peony figures and hang them from the ceiling. At an outdoor party, tie origami peonies to branches.

Complete the peony decorating theme at a Chinese New Year party by topping a favor box with a peony. Cut the top of a faux peony bloom and glue it on top of a favor box to send home with guests. Place peony seeds or other traditional Chinese New Year trinkets inside the box.

Peony Decorations Add Ambiance

Decorating with peony flowers for the Chinese New Year creates a beautiful and natural look in your home or party space. Find varieties in shades of red and use them or their image throughout your party area to immerse guests in the flower's beauty.