´óÏó´«Ã½

We all enjoy going out with friends and X-Ray viewers Kieran, Kerry and James are no exception. They love going to bars and restaurants, but it can be expensive.

So we challenged them to change their usual habits and stay in and host three different parties. And judging their efforts were three guests, Sarah, Nick and Rob, who scored each party on its fun, originality and cost.

Up first was Kieran, who opted for a retro games night, which included games such as Twister, Happy Families and Snap.

The guests were impressed by the range of games on offer and also tucked into the sweets, snacks and cherryade which complemented the retro theme. Kieran said: "It's nice and easy to organise. It gets everyone involved and it's a bit of nostalgia."

And what about the cost? If the six of them had gone bowling and had a snack, it would have cost around sixty pounds in total - four times as much as the retro games party, which cost around £15.

The guests seemed suitably impressed. "I liked the social interaction and everyone joining in together," said Sarah. Rob added: "It's kind of reliving my youth, which was quite fun in its own right."

The host of the second party was Kerry. She rolled out the red carpet and hosted a classic film night for the guests. On the bill were films like King Kong, Citizen Kane and Bringing Up Baby.

Kerry recreated the cinema atmosphere by drawing the curtains, organising extra seating and even made popcorn in the microwave.

Again there was a saving to be made by swapping the silver screen for the living room. Cinema tickets and refreshments for six people add up to more than seventy pounds.

Kerry's film night cost just thirteen pounds for film rental, drinks and popcorn. As many of us now have large film collections there is always the option of raiding your friends' DVDs, which would make the film night in even cheaper.

So did the guests think it was a night worthy of an Oscar? Sarah enjoyed the informal atmosphere: "I do like watching films in the home because it's more comfortable."

And there was a clear advantage for Nick who commented: "There are no adverts and you've got a pause button!"

Finally with the guests ready for more food it was James' turn to host a dinner party with pizza, dips and garlic bread. James said: "It's an Italian themed dinner party, with moderately priced food. Not very exotic but it's very cheap and easy to prepare!"

James also planned a game to get the conversation flowing: "I've organised a game where my guests have to pick a conversation and pick a topic like pets or holidays out of a hat and talk about it for a few minutes."

There was a good cost saving by dining at home. A meal for six at an Italian restaurant with two bottles of wine could cost more than £70. But James only spent a thrifty £22.

As the guests polished off the pizza and wine it became evident that the Italian theme had been a very popular choice. Nick said: "Great food, very well organised and a very authentic Italian feel."

And Kieran felt it was good value for money, saying: "The best bit is you don't get presented with a bill at the end of it!"

As the meal came to an end the guests discussed their favourite party. Sarah announced the scores on behalf of her fellow guests.

"Myself Rob and Nick have come to the conclusion that the retro games party scores an eight. Kerry's classic film night a six and James's dinner party a seven."

So after three parties, Kieran's retro games party was deemed the winner. It just goes to show that with a bit of effort and imagination a night in can be as much fun as a night out, at a fraction of the cost.