Hosting the yusheng toss properly

The lo hei takes only a few minutes, which is exactly why it is so often left to chance. Platters arrive, someone calls out that it is time to toss, and half the room is still finding a seat. With a little hosting, those few minutes become the moment people remember from the whole Lunar New Year season.

Give it a clear sequence

1. Gather: tell guests which table or station is theirs and when the toss begins.
2. Welcome: the host explains, briefly, how everyone will take part.
3. Ingredients and wishes: each ingredient is added with its matching auspicious phrase.
4. Toss: everyone lifts together on one cue.
5. Photographs: one picture per table before plates are cleared.
6. Move on: into lunch, a game or back to desks.

For a fuller version with notes on timing inside a lunch hour, see a host's sequence for the lo hei toss, which also covers where to place leadership remarks.

Choose the right host

For a large or mixed audience, a professional emcee keeps the room together. For a small team, a confident colleague can lead. Either way, the host should practise the phrases, explain them simply for colleagues who are new to the custom and keep the tone welcoming. Nobody should be pushed to shout or perform.

Size the tables for reaching

Every guest should be able to reach the platter without stretching across a neighbour. If a table looks crowded, add another setting rather than squeezing people in.

Plan around the lunch break

Colleagues often have different break windows, so work backwards from the time they must return. Put the toss early, before the main dishes arrive and attention drifts to the food.

Keep it lively and tidy

Ask guests to toss upwards rather than outwards and keep chairs tucked in. Agree who clears up straight afterwards, and protect carpeted floors if the pantry is not the venue.