The famous and celebratory Chinese New Year is January 25 – with the iconic animal this year being the rat. We like to celebrate this fun holiday with a dinner party and our dear friends, but; honestly, I have been most challenged in creating a menu with that iconic animal. Voila! Cheese and other creativity! This year’s menu begins with an exciting selection of cheeses paired with wine shots. As for the dining, again, there was a theme challenge for increasing one’s appetite.  Then, I thought of the interesting and inspirational Chinese abacus! It is perfect as a centerpiece and historically dates back to 1300 BC, as a Chinese invention. Also, planned are mini math quizzes with an abacus to be passed around during dessert (and this will be timed after, chuckle, chuckle, dining wine has been served). OK, I’ll check the humor – with a prize for the winner and some designer chop sticks for all the guests. This is so exciting to create fun conversation and memorable moments amongst dear friends. Never let your creativity be stifled by approaching rats! Even Tchaikovsky knew that about mice in 1892 with the creation of the ballet “The Nutcracker Suite.” Let’s celebrate 2020 as our year! © Kelly McBride Loft