The O-town Scene

What to do if it rains on your party When hosting a party, hosts know there are many variables beyond their control. For those throwing a party in the great outdoors, no element is more uncontrollable than the weather. When Mother Nature cooperates, the result can be some memorable fun in the sun. However, if rain rears its ugly head, the party could be memorable for all the wrong reasons. Instead of continuing with a soggy affair, hosts should have a contingency plan in place should the day of the festivities be marred by rain. The following ideas can help save a party and ensure guests and hosts alike have a great time. Bring the games indoors. Particularly for children's parties, many of the more popular games, including Pin the Tail on the Donkey or even scavenger hunts, can be just as fun indoors as outdoors. Instead of littering the yard with prizes for a scavenger hunt, clear out the basement to hide prizes. If adults were looking forward to a spirited round of badminton or bocce, those games can also be moved indoors. Savvy hosts can purchase a Nintendo Wii and encourage guests to play digital versions of their favorite backyard games. Hosts can even bring bocce indoors and just play in the basement. Just be sure to protect the walls from errant rolls. Consider a Hollywood theme. Hosts should monitor the forecast for the day of the party for at least a few days in advance. If the forecast is calling for steady rains, change the theme of the party from an outdoor get- together to a Hollywood costume party. Film fans can choose a popular movie and encourage guests to dress up as their favorite characters. Play the movie when guests arrive and choose the film's soundtrack as the soundtrack to the party. When looking for a film, select one that is part of a trilogy (i.e., Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, etc.) or at least has a sequel so guests can enjoy a movie marathon while in costume. Move the "barbecue" indoors. While it's not safe to fire up a grill indoors, it is easy to enjoy some favorite backyard barbecue Party hosts should rest assured that their get-together does not have to suffer if rain becomes an univted guest. Cost-cutting entertainment tips Cost-cutting measures are being taken in nearly every aspect of life. Thanks to the still-struggling economy, people are routinely looking for and finding ways to save money. And host- ing a party for friends and family is no exception. There are some simple, cost-cutting measures hosts and guests alike can take to ensure everyone has a fun and affordable time. 8 O-Town Scene Aug. 18, 2011 fare even if the weather is not cooperating. Steaks, hamburgers and hot dogs can be cooked in- doors using a conventional oven. There's also the option of an electric grill. Hosts can marinate steaks, hamburgers and chicken in barbecue sauce for a few hours prior to cooking to help make up for any missing flavor. — Metro Creative Take the party home. For hosts who want to invite friends and family out to dinner at a nearby restaurant, consider having guests over to your home instead. A favorite restaurant likely offers takeout, which will save hosts the cost of gratuities and can save substantial amounts of money on things like cocktails and desserts. Hosts who want to go the takeout route should inquire about which foods their guests prefer and plan the menu accordingly. Forgo traditional invitations. Thanks to email and popular social networking Web sites, hosts can now invite guests over in a matter of seconds without spending a dime. Printed invitations can be expensive and likely aren't necessary for most get-togethers. Steer clear of decorations. Decorations might help create a festive atmosphere, but such accessories can be sacrificed for the sake of saving money without ruining the mood. Guests likely aren't coming to the party to be dazzled by the decor, so hosts can avoid the cost of decorations and instead make the home as clean and welcoming as possible. If it's an informal gathering, plates, cups and napkins commemorating a particular holiday provide some decor and are typically inexpensive. Stay simple. When hosting a more laid back gather- ing, such as a backyard barbecue, keep the menu as simple as possible. Hot dogs, ham- burgers and sandwiches will likely suffice for such parties, and none of them are bound to break the bank. If it's a formal affair that calls for a more elaborate menu, ask guests to share some of the cost by bringing a bottle of wine and possibly a dish to serve for dessert.

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