Lemondrop

It's official: we've reached the dog days of summer. Now even with the frostiest of beer in your hand outdoors, it still feels like you're standing on the surface of the sun. It's the perfect time to put together a delightfully indoor, delightfully air-conditioned retro-movie night.

Pick Your Poison
The first step is picking a theme. A John Hughes retrospective? French new wave? Get at least three movies in one genre. (You might not watch them all, but then guests can lobby for their picks.)

Click here to keep reading ...

Get the Word Out
Send an invite that looks like a low-rent flier for an art-house screening, or email them a faux Moviefone email, letting them know they have a fee-free ticket to see a film on what night. (Attach a picture from your choice to get them amped.) Encourage guests to come in costume. (Jets and Sharks for a '60s teen-angst night, for example.)

Location
If you happen to be one of the lucky folks with a projector (or know a lucky person, or office, that would generously lend you one), hook it up. The bigger the screen, the more impressive your evening at the cinema will be (and then if it isn't miserable out you can take the action outside). But a plain TV/DVD scenario can work just as well. The main thing to work out is cozy seating for all your cinephiles. Pull in additional chairs, blankets, cushions, pillows, etc., to make sure everyone has a place to park it until the credits roll. (There's nothing worse than uncomfortably shifting in your seat and missing the plot.)

Snacks
While classic matinee snacks are fine as is, why not give them an update? Pop some quality kernels and jazz them up with something besides basic butter (try Old Bay Seasoning, brewer's yeast or even chocolate powder). Then stock up on some classic cinema confections: Sno Caps, Whoppers, Sour Patch Kids, all in bulk sizes so pals don't have to share.

Cocktails
Nothing makes a movie like a fountain soda, so offer folks appropriate mixers for some classic Coke and cocktails. For serious authenticity, nab a few paper cups from your local movie theater or corner store and, of course, some jumbo straws. Then allow guests to mix their own beverages without the usual prying eye of the ushers.