This 2021, CNY might look different with the uninvited guest: Covid — which leaves us all questioning: How will our yearly reunion dinner be like with social distancing rules? Gatherings this year will definitely be on a smaller scale, which on the bright side – means that you can afford to spend a little less on your CNY preparations!
In this all-in-one guide, we’re going to show you different alternatives to get your goodies, reunion dinner ingredients and even CNY clothes from – let’s go!
1. An Affordable Reunion Dinner
Having a reunion dinner does not necessarily have to burn a big hole in your wallet.
While some restaurants are offering relatively cheaper options for CNY menus, these options might still be expensive as compared to opting for a stay-home celebration which can be equally satisfying with delicious catering choices or a hearty steamboat.
Personally, I have the good fortune of having a grandma at home who knows how to cook every Chinese dish imaginable. Alongside her homemade steamboat broth, shallot-fragrant rice and ngoh hiangs, we also relish on a full spread of shabu shabu meats and fresh seafood.
Sounds like it could possibly be your thing during this 2021 CNY reunion dinner? Thanks to prosperity packages, there are many hotpot catering deliveries such as Mr Steamboat, The Steamboat Specialist or Steamboat Delivery SG. A la carte dishes are also available, or you can also choose Amazon Prime, Shopee Mall and Redmart SG for last-minute deliveries at everyday prices.
2. 2021 CNY Cookies and Goodies: From Sheng Shiong to Award-Winners
CNY cookies and goodies are definitely the silent killers for both our calorie intake, as well as our wallets – especially since we always want a variety!
However, NTUC, Sheng Shiong and Giant all boast a range of CNY goodies at the lowest prices – love letters, kueh bangkit, lotus crisps, hae bee hiam rolls and of course, the classic pineapple tarts.
Alternatively, if you’re not a fan of mass-manufactured CNY goodies, there are also many niche online bakeries you can order from – but of course, not without a heavier price tag.
Think award-winning, melt-in-your-mouth Halal pineapple tarts from Ding Bakery, keropok goodies and floss samosas from Auntie Hong. Other unique snacks such as salted egg yolk cookies and gula melaka tarts can also be found at OnlyKai, as well as ondeh tarts or honey cornflakes at Wonders Bakery.
As much as we want to impress our guests with variety, sometimes less is more – these bangin’ classics will be sure to leave their taste buds fulfilled.
3. Spruce Up Your 2021 CNY Home with Cheap Décor
Since CNY is still a month away, this is the perfect time to order your 2021 CNY décor from Ezbuy or Shopee, just in time to be delivered for the big day.
The best part? Many of these home decor costs less than a plate of chicken rice!
Here are some of our best picks:
Looking for something a little more quirky? Choose from over 10 designs of these $4 hanging string flags. There’s even one with hanging golden ingots – confirm huat.
To stand out from all the other ang baos this 2021 CNY, leave a memorable impression by giving out these cartoon ones which are going for only $1.39 per 6 pieces now!
Of course, if you wish to z’ng up your house a little more, novel décor such as a mini angbao tree are also available for purchase at $28.
Otherwise, you can always recycle décor from last year. After all, nobody will ever remember whether your CNY couplets last year had “恭喜发财” or “心想事成” printed on them. As long as your house is decked in red, you’re pretty much good to go!
There you have it – this Chinese New Year, you don’t have to splurge after all!
With CNY happening under odd Covid circumstances, it is understandable if many have a tighter budget and time to work around this year. Whether you are having a reunion dinner at an atas restaurant or in the comforts of your own home, what truly matters is being able to spend time with some of your loved ones.
Hopefully with limits to the number of guests, you won’t have to answer repeated questions of whether you have a S/O, or when you are going to BTO!
