Poor Economy Means Entertaining At Home is the New Trend

Let’s face it, in today’s economy, we have to cut corners and pare our budgets just to make ends meet. Studies have shown that more people are opting to stay home instead of going out in order to save money and survive this economic “crisis”.

The more people I speak with, the more I realize this was a common trend this New Year’s Eve. Many people, even the hard-core partiers I know, traded going to bars and high-priced ticket events for staying in with friends and family. What did all of these people do behind their closed doors?

Playing board games seems to be the most popular activity. Dancing divas the continent over traded shaking their junk for Scrabble, Cranium and Yahtzee. People instead tuned in to see what was going on at Nathan Phillips Square (and then quickly switched to Fergie on Dick Clark’s countdown instead) and watched others dance in 2010 via their HDTV connection.

Will this trend continue into the new decade? All indicators are pointing to “yes”. The majority of people who spent a quiet New Year’s Eve indoors report feeling relieved and having more fun with friends than when they go out. As the effects of the recession continue into 2010, people will continue to seek ways to have fun for less money, meaning staying in, getting creative and bonding with friends and family on a new level.

Mystery sales supported this theory at the end of 2009. Hosts On The Run found their soirees in high demand, and many opted to entertain their guests with a hilariously suspenseful murder mystery game, reveling in accusing one of their friends of murder at the end of the evening. So, as you venture into the new decade and plan your get-togethers for birthdays, holidays and fundraisers, consider a mystery game to thrill young and old. For a budget-friendly $19.99-38.99, it’s an investment in a memory your guests will rave about for years to come.