There are a few dishes that you need on your table and good reasons to include them too. For example a noodle dish signifies a long life and a whole chicken means unity (traditionally the head and feet are left on but this might be a bit of stretch for most of us).

Include some oranges for good luck, try Entertaining with Beth’s Orange Chicken and a whole fish to bring abundance.

If you’re planning to start a family in 2018 throw in a bowl of sunflower seeds, they are believed to encourage fertility.

Plan to strike it rich this year? Put some spring rolls on the menu, thought to resemble gold bars. Also really delicious.

Finish off your meal with Chinese New Year Cake, it brings good luck.

Also take a look at these great videos from Trevor James of The Food Ranger. The first one is Trevor sharing an amazing meal in Sichuan and the second shows a rural celebration in Southern China. They give wonderful insight into authentic Chinese New Year celebrations.