6 easy ways to instantly dress up your new home this Chinese New Year

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1. Focus on the entrance

If you’ve got no time to dress up your entire home with decorations, focus your energy on places where your guests will most likely congregate, like the entrance to your home, and the living room. For instance, hang auspicious greetings or place pussy willow branches on an accent table or shelf near the main door. Remember: it’s all about making that great first impression.

See also: auspicious things to do during Chinese New Year!

2. Dress up the table

Another area of the home your guests will most likely linger in, is the dining area. So add some decorative elements to spruce up your table and space. Even a simple red table runner can add significant impact to the decor!

 3. Lay out the good(ie)s

Break out the scrumptious Chinese New Year treats and display them prominently on the coffee or dining table in beautiful containers (you can get them from IKEA or Daiso, which won’t cost too much!). You can order an assortment of goodies online from sites like RedMart, HonestBee and NTUC Fairprice. Otherwise, pick up the pineapple tarts and bak kwa on your way home from work – Guardian stocks an adorable Tsum Tsum collection in its stores, including fun fortune cookies, which will entertain your guests.

See also: our review of the most delicious Chinese New Year snacks for 2017.

4. Seek outside help

Even if you have a domestic helper, it’s sometimes more handy to hire external help for your festive needs. Whether it’s spring-cleaning your home, removing bulky furniture items, or ordering a steamboat delivery, these efficient services can make your life ten times easier.

5. Repurpose Christmas decor

In case you haven’t thrown them out, consider recycling decor from last year’s Christmas festivities for CNY. For instance, upgrade a wreath by removing the Christmassy aspects and including a couple of ang pows, cherry blossoms and so on to match the season. Red tinsel also works – you can drape them along shelves or hang them up on the wall.

See also: home decor you can repurpose for weddings, plus Christmas decor to dress up your reception venue!

6. Refresh the bathroom

Even if you haven’t time to clean your home from top to bottom, have your bathroom clean and fresh-smelling at least, as this can leave a deep impression on guests (frankly, the opposite applies too). Simply refill or purchase bathroom scents or scented diffuser before visitors arrive. Replace the handtowels and stock up on toilet paper and soap while you’re at it!

The original story was first published on www.womensweekly.com.sg.

See also: things to note during your first Chinese New Year as a Mrs, and how much ang pow to give if you're a first-timer.