Let’s face it: no summer is perfect. Chances are at least once this season your fabulous beach party or backyard BBQ has been ruined by unexpected dark clouds (especially poor rain-soaked New England this year). Suddenly, you’re stuck with a guest list and no plans. What do you do?

First off, don’t panic! Scan your DVD shelf or get thee to a Blockbuster — couch-potato movie parties are easy to throw together and easy to enjoy. Just check out the tips for a last-minute movie party after the jump! –Katie D.

Movie Party Tonight!
Make it a Double Feature: Fill up an afternoon with a marathon of several thematically intertwined movies or ones that feature a particular actor. If your beach day got rained out, make it a shark night and watch Jaws, Open Water, and the so-campy-it-hurts Deep Blue Sea. Really into camp? Watch the original John Waters-helmed Hairspray followed by the 2007 musical version. Have a Martin Scorsese night and show the director’s Goodfellas, The Departed, and Cape Fear. For the truly ambitious, watch Die Hard or Alien and their three respective sequels.

General Admission: Drag as many comfortable chairs into your makeshift theater as possible. Make sure to have blankets and pillows for the standing-room-only crowd so they can lounge on the floor.

Previews: Break the ice with a quick round of trivia. The Internet Movie Database is a fantastic resource for behind-the-scenes tidbits. Check out your feature film’s trivia and make it into a “Two Truths and a Lie” game — pick out two actual facts about your feature, make up a third, and see which of your guests can pick out the lie. If you have time, pick up a prize for your winner (perhaps the book the film was based on).

Concession Stand: Have plenty of movie theater favorites on hand like mini boxes of Junior Mints, licorice, Raisinets, and, of course, popcorn. Popcorn Popper has plenty of options for authentic cinema bags, but brown paper lunch bags with a slip of wax paper lining the inside can do in a pinch! Even if your party is last-minute, you can serve some of the delicious fare featured in your movies. A showing of The Godfather can include pasta from your favorite Italian carry-out and cannoli from your local bakery. You can order in pizza for Mystic Pizza or have plenty of champagne ready to toast Four Weddings and a Funeral. Consider serving (big) apple-based treats for a New York City-themed night (Annie Hall, The Warriors, Breakfast at Tiffany’s).

Costuming: Although not required, costumes (or at least props) can add to the atmosphere. If you have time, consider investing in props like sunglasses for movies like The Blues Brothers or funny glasses for the Marx Brothers. You could also hit your local costume shop for fangs and fake blood for The Lost Boys or Twilight.

Now, lower the lights and pass the popcorn!