There are many audio video products for home theaters these days. Plasma and LCD TVs, projectors, receivers, amplifiers, satellite dishes, all sorts of screens, switchers and equipment. Some houses even have custom home theater seating with matching snack trays. But for those of us who are not lucky enough to have the expensive package, any room with a television and furniture will do as a “home theater.” These days going out as a family to the movies can be a burden on the tight budget and so staying home and relaxing in a slothful, mindless manner in front of the friendly  telly may just be the right thing to do on some nights to promote family togetherness. No humongous, state-of-the-art plasma or LCD? Fret not. It’s all about the movie. Go to Blockbuster’s and rent a new release. Set the stage by serving delightful finger food such as mini pizzas, pretzels,  triangle sandwiches, buttered popcorn, candy bars and lots of cold drinks. Hang some movie posters for ambiance. Throw in some fluffy pillows for maximum comfort. Dim the lights and quiet down. Watch the movie as you would at a real movie house. This means no side conversations, trips to the computer or any other stupid distractions. When the film showing is over, turn on the lights and have a lively discussion about how moving, funny or plainly ridiculous it was. This may lead further to gossip about the actors’ lives or talk of costume design and other frivolous stuff. Family night even at a makeshift home theater can be so much fun as long as everyone remembers that it’s an important way of fostering warm fellowship amongst everyone.

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