Beyond the festive blooms, Cheung places special emphasis on tablescapes featuring hand-beaded placemats and pagoda napkin holders. Cheung selects auspicious patterns from her family’s extensive collection of antique Japanese obis to complement her chosen colour palate.
In preparation for the new year festivities, Cheung pays an essential visit to the flower market, while her mum scours the city to find Hong Kong’s best pumpkin seeds, fried taro and the like, each individually bought from her preferred vendors. Chinese New Year meals, says Cheung, are a true family affair. “My siblings get in the kitchen serving us whatever their newest creation is. I’m crazy about the interiors and decor, so I play a very specific role in making the dinners beautiful. You really see how each and every person’s contribution creates something so special, and it’s our way of sharing our gratitude to our parents,” she says.