Dining In For Prom

It's time to start your own tradition. For this year's prom or special occasion, avoid the same old overpriced spaghetti and long wait lines for your party of twelve. Instead of eating out, try dining in--at home, that is.

Start by making sure not going to a restaurant is okay with the group. Now choose someone's house--particularly one with the biggest dining area. Get the mothers all on board. Most likely, they'll be pumped to prepare a fabulous dinner for their darlings. Take requests from everyone and create your prom night menu.

You can create handmade menus or invitations to the dinner, even give your restaurant a name. Now send out the invites, and you're on your way.

Time to get creative. Feel like dining in a chic metropolitan café? Use tall champagne flutes for your sparkling grape juice. Drape a sheer fabric from your local fabric store over blinds and furniture. Decorate with candles and mirrors. Toss a little silver confetti on and around the table. Don't forget mood music. Create a playlist that will last through dinner and hide your computer or radio in a discreet place.

Bribe little brothers to be butlers for a night (hey, it's worth a shot). If the parents are up for it, let them play waitress at dinner. This will spice up the night and add a little flavor to your one-night-only dining extravaganza.

With the cash you'll save, have the limo pick up the group right at the driveway. Don't keep your table waiting on this one-night-only dining in experience!