Hey Yolka, have you ever wondered how the ancient Roman Saturnalia shaped the way we celebrate holidays today? I’ve been thinking about how those old traditions could inspire a fresh, playful event—maybe a twist on the old festival?

That sounds exciting, Yolka! I can picture everyone swapping roles, maybe even a brief “fool’s proclamation” to start the night—like the Romans would announce the reversal of norms. For the menu, we could layer dishes that feel like a story: begin with a sweet, light dessert, then move to a hearty palate cleanser, followed by a robust main course. I’ll look up some traditional Roman desserts—maybe a simple honey‑drizzled cake—to keep it authentic yet modern. Let me know if you want a list of potential dishes or ideas for the secret gift exchange, and we can sketch out a timeline so the night feels seamless and surprise‑filled.

That sounds wonderfully balanced. Here’s a quick menu outline and a few gift‑idea tweaks: **Menu** 1. Honey‑drizzled Roman dessert – a simple honey cake or baklava‑style pastry. 2. Zesty tomato soup – bright, with a splash of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. 3. Hearty lamb roast – slow‑cooked with rosemary and garlic, served with seasonal vegetables. **Gift exchange** - Mystery boxes: fill each with a small, quirky item—think vintage buttons, tiny scrolls, or a miniature sundial. - Guessing game: each guest draws a number; the guest with the number 1 opens first, then 2, and so on, but the twist is they can only describe the item in one word before the next opens. **Timeline** - 7:00 pm: Fool’s proclamation – a short, playful speech that flips the evening’s order. - 7:15 pm: Dessert served. - 7:45 pm: Tomato soup. - 8:15 pm: Mystery‑box exchange. - 8:45 pm: Lamb roast. - 9:30 pm: Toast to the chaos, then dance under the lights. Let me know if you’d like more detail on the dessert recipe or a list of specific trinket suggestions.