Nowruz · Persian, Kurdish, Afghan and Central Asian New Year
Welcome Spring With a Scent of Your Own
These Nowruz party ideas welcome the new year the way the season does, with green sprouts, fresh flowers and a table full of hope. Nowruz means "new day," and this spring equinox celebration begins around March 20.
Persian, Kurdish, Afghan, Azerbaijani and Central Asian families all keep the holiday, under names like Newroz, Nawruz, Novruz and Navruz. So we ask how your family celebrates first. Then we bring a perfume bar, Lip Lab or bath bar to the party.
The Haft-Sin and the Weeks Around It
At the heart of a Persian New Year party sits the haft-sin table, also written haft seen. Sabzeh (sprouted wheat or lentils) stands for rebirth. Samanu (a sweet wheat pudding) means strength, and senjed (dried oleaster fruit) means love. Then sir (garlic) is for health, sib (apple) for beauty, somagh (sumac) for sunrise and serkeh (vinegar) for patience. Many tables also hold a mirror, candles, painted eggs, coins, a goldfish and hyacinths, plus a book of poetry or a holy book.
The season starts before the new year. First, many families do khaneh tekani (shaking the house, a deep spring cleaning). Next comes Chaharshanbe Suri (the fire festival on the eve of the year's last Wednesday), when people jump over small bonfires. After the new year, younger relatives visit elders and receive eidi (new year gifts, often crisp new bills). Finally, on the thirteenth day, families head outdoors for Sizdah Bedar, a picnic that ends the holiday.
Other communities keep their own customs, too. For example, many Afghan families prepare haft mewa (a sweet soak of seven dried fruits and nuts). Kurdish families often light bonfires and dance at Newroz, and those flames inspire Nowruz party ideas of their own. Meanwhile, Central Asian families may stir sumalak (a wheat sprout pudding cooked through the night). Because so much happens at home, a party on the nearest weekend often brings everyone together.
What We Plan Around for Nowruz
The holiday moves a little each year, and every family marks it its own way. These are the details we confirm.
The exact date
The equinox can fall on March 20 or 21, at any hour. So many families hold the party on the nearest weekend, and we book that date early. That way, your Nowruz party ideas have time to come together.
A room for all ages
Nowruz parties often mix toddlers and great-grandparents. That's why we suggest bars with simple steps, plus seats near each station.
Perfume and alcohol
Our perfume bar makes an alcohol-based eau de parfum. If some guests prefer none, attars, a traditional alcohol-free perfume oil, are available upon request at booking.
Homes and halls
We come to family homes, community centers and social halls, if your venue allows outside vendors. Plus, our team arrives one hour early to set up.
Nowruz Party Ideas for Every Age
Choose two or three bars for a family gathering, then build your Nowruz party ideas around them. Each one lets grandparents, parents and kids create something side by side.
Custom Perfume Bar
At the perfume bar, guests blend a spring eau de parfum from absolutes, CO2 extracts and essential oils. The fresh and floral bases suit the season best.
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Luxury Lip Lab
Kids and teens can enjoy the Lip Lab, and there is a Kids tier for younger cousins. Meanwhile, adults can mix a Premium lip color.
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Bath and Body Bar
A Bath and Body bar fits the spirit of spring cleaning. Guests mix bath salts and scrubs made fresh for your party.
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Luxury Candy Bar
Our candy carts sit happily next to your own sweets. Just share any dietary guidelines, and we will talk through what we can source.
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Digital Photo Booth
The Digital Photo Booth captures cousins in their new clothes. Guests save photos to their phones, and you get the full gallery link.
Learn moreThree Nowruz Party Ideas Rooted in Spring
Each idea takes its cue from the season. Still, your family's own table always leads.
A green and hyacinth palette
Sabzeh green, hyacinth purple and soft gold look beautiful together. So dress our bar in those colors, then let guests blend from a fresh or floral base.
A gift beside the eidi
Elders still give the eidi. However, a small labeled bottle from the perfume bar makes a sweet keepsake for teens alongside it.
A Sizdah Bedar afternoon
If the thirteenth day lands on a mild weekend, a backyard picnic can host a bath bar. Then guests take home their scrubs with the season's good wishes.
Two studios
Celebrate at Our Mokena Studio or in Chicago Later
Starting in January 2027, families can gather at our Mokena studio, 19060 Everett Blvd, Suite 107. The party room seats up to 40 guests. Also, the kitchen lets you bring your own Nowruz dishes and sweets.
Between visits, guests can walk in or book an appointment to make perfume or lip color. Then, in late 2028, a second studio is planned for Chicago, so city families will have a home for their Nowruz party ideas too. For bigger family parties, we still come to you. See the studio page for updates.
Pricing for a Nowruz Gathering
Adult perfume bars start at $500 and are quoted per event. Kids and teen parties start at $475, which suits a gathering built around younger cousins. We send a reply within 2 business days.
See every number on our pricing page.
Planning Your Nowruz Party in Four Steps
Pick your weekend
Choose a date near the equinox, then tell us the guest count and ages.
Match bars to guests
Next, we suggest bars that fit both the kids and the elders, plus any add-ons.
Early arrival
We come one hour before guests with linens. You supply tables, or we bring them at $30 each.
Celebrate, then clear
Guests create through the party. Afterward, we pack up so your table can shine.
Nowruz Party Ideas: Your Questions
Will you touch our haft-sin?
Never. The haft-sin is your family's own. We set our bars in a separate spot so it stays the center of attention.
Can kids join the bars?
Yes. The Lip Lab has a Kids tier, and kids and teen parties start at $475.
Can we celebrate Chaharshanbe Suri with you?
That fire festival happens outdoors, so we keep our bars away from any bonfire. A gathering indoors the same week works well instead.
Can we use your studio for Nowruz?
Yes, once it opens in January 2027. The Mokena party room fits up to 40 guests, and you can bring your own food.
Is the perfume alcohol-based?
Yes. It is an eau de parfum made with perfumer's alcohol. Attars are available upon request.
Do you come to Milwaukee or Indianapolis?
Yes. We have teams in both cities, plus all of Chicagoland.
Can our Afghan or Kurdish family book too?
Of course. Tell us how your family marks the new year, and we will plan around it.
Do you also do Persian weddings?
Yes. See our Persian wedding ideas for the aroosi and the sofreh aghd. Also browse more cultural celebrations.
More cultural celebrations
Founded by Cheryl Gleason, a trained perfumer and cosmetic and skincare formulator, and the creative force behind every Glitters & Grace bar.
Make This New Day Smell Like Spring
Send us your Nowruz date and guest list. We will answer within 2 business days with ideas for your family.