Organise a monsoon party at home

Someone once said the best things in life are free. Maybe that’s why when it rains, it doesn’t pour price tags! But if the monsoons have been costing you your party plans, don’t let it cloud your spirit. Call the party home and make a splash. Don’t know how? Well, here’s the CT guide to home rain parties. Read on…
Rule 1: Fix a date Settle on a suitable day when most of your pals are available.
Rule 2: don’t wait for rain Just make sure that rain or no rain, your party rocks. And how do you go about that? Here’s how…
Décor List all the elements that you associate with a rainy day — clouds, rainbows, droplets, umbrellas, boots, raincoats… Now work around these to give your party a distinct ambience. Start by placing a boot on the entrance to double for an umbrella stand. Next, the colour scheme — it can either be blue and white or rainbow-themed. Use raincoats to cover your chairs. Not only will it look cool, but also protect your precious furniture in case some of the guests decide to relax.
Music Monsoon spells magic and romance, and what better way to celebrate this than some evergreen songs such as Pyaar hua ikraar hua, Ek ladki bheegi bhaagi si, Garaj baras saawan ghir ayo, Bheegi bheegi raaton mein, Rimjhim gire saawan, Ab ke saawan aise barse, Khwab dekhe (sexy lady), Barso re megha megha, On the roof in the rain and the recent, Sun raha hai na tu. So, turn on the sound system, and let the music do the talking.
Food Either go desi with kulhad chai and pakodas or try ordering, or baking a cake with rainbow icing and pair it up with drop-shaped gujiyas. Even a rainbow fruit platter can be kept at hand for the health conscious. You can also make your own umbrella cupcakes but inserting bent straws into the top of the cakes. The same can be done with round cheese by inserting straws into cut halves. Put some colourful candy in a glass jar to add panache to the décor and keep the kids busy. To give your drinks a rainy twist, make ice of various colours and pour soda on it. Garnish with a cocktail umbrella.
Games Rain and football go hand in hand, and given the World Cup hangover, it’s a great way to make the best of the rain. Turn your garden into a football zone and let the Messis and Ronaldos take charge. Those who prefer to stay indoors can indulge in a game of antakshari, preferably with songs having an element of rain in it. If it still doesn’t excite you, run out and get wet in the rain. Nothing can compare to that feeling!
Other arrangements Keep some towels handy so that the guests can dry themselves post revelry. Also keep some flip flops at hand so that no one runs out into the rain bare feet and then soil your carpets! Keeping a few pairs of clothes ready for guests to change into also isn’t a bad idea. To add to the fun, think water balloons.
Giveaways You can gift umbrellas to the little ones as memorabilia.