Nowruz Haft-Sin Party Planning: Table, Meal and Seating

Nowruz means "new day." It is a spring holiday celebrated by Persian families and by many people from Afghanistan, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Kurdish communities and other regions. In Chicago, families gather in homes, community halls and banquet rooms, often in neighborhoods like Albany Park and across the suburbs. Traditions vary from family to family, so use this guide as a starting point and follow your own.

The date and the moment

Nowruz begins at the exact moment of the spring equinox, which falls on March 20 or 21. The minute changes each year, so check this year's time on a Persian calendar. Many families gather before that time, sit at the haft-sin table and wait for the moment, called the tahvil. Then they exchange greetings, gifts and money (often as new bills) and eat.

The haft-sin table

The seven S items usually are:

• Sabzeh: wheat or lentil sprouts, grown in a dish for about two weeks before Nowruz, for rebirth.
• Samanu: a sweet pudding made from wheat germ.
• Senjed: dried oleaster fruit.
• Sir: garlic.
• Sib: apple.
• Somaq: sumac berries.
• Serkeh: vinegar.

Other items often sit beside them, such as a mirror, candles, painted eggs, hyacinth, coins (sekkeh) and a book such as the Quran or poetry by Hafez or the Shahnameh. Families differ on what they include, so follow your family's way.

Where the table goes

The haft-sin table is a display, not a place to eat. Put it where guests will see it as they enter, such as a living room wall or a console table. Cover it in a cloth and leave room around it for photos. A rented banquet table works well if you do not have one. See our tablecloth size chart to match a cloth to the table. If you use candles, keep them clear of the sabzeh and any fabric, and check any building rules. See candle rules and fire safety.

The family meal

Many families serve sabzi polo ba mahi on the evening of Nowruz or the next day. It is rice mixed with fresh herbs, served with fried white fish. Other dishes may include kuku sabzi (an herb frittata), reshteh polo (noodle rice), dolma and sweets like baklava or cookies. Menus vary by region and by family.

For a crowd, plan serving space and heat. Rice and fish need to stay hot, so consider chafing dishes and a long buffet table. See how many chafing dishes you need.

Seating a family gathering

Persian parties often include older relatives, so plan comfortable chairs and easy access. See comfortable chairs for older guests. For a related Persian setup, see our guide to a sofreh aghd, which uses a similar spread on the floor.

Sizdah Bedar: the picnic on day 13

On the 13th day of the new year, in early April, many families go outdoors for Sizdah Bedar. They picnic in a park, play games and toss the sabzeh into running water to let go of bad luck. Single people may tie knots in grass blades as a wish. In Chicago, the weather in early April is unpredictable.

See outdoor events in Chicago in April for weather notes, and picnic tables for casual events.

What most hosts find out too late

• Start the sabzeh early. It takes about two weeks to sprout. This is not a rental tip, but it is the one thing hosts forget until too late.
• Book early for the equinox weekend. Late March is busy, and rental companies may fill up on weekends. Check the date as soon as you know it.
• Plan the table for photos. Guests will want to take pictures at the haft-sin table, so leave space and light.
• Measure doors and stairs. Banquet tables and chair carts need room.

Plan your Nowruz gathering with us

Tell us the date, the guest count and the room, and we will help you pick tables, chairs, linens and serving gear. Get a quote or book a free 15-minute planning call. One call covers the whole rental list.