Home entertainment has always been fun, of course – we just forgot that when everyone had enough cash to splash on nights out, meals out, weekends away and all that long forgotten jazz. Now the Age of Austerity is upon us (and let’s not forget it’s due to land properly on the back of the neck, hobnailed boots and all, once the new Government have let us enjoy our summer), the night in is going to take pride of place in the social calendar. A good thing, all in all – giving friends the chance to catch up properly, enjoy a nice bottle or two (buy rioja wine particularly for Mediterranean style meats, or a light Spanish type lunch) and get into some affordably nice food. Why not theme a few nights around types of food and drink – you could even go so far as to throw in a movie that matches everything else. A good rioja, as we’ve mentioned, goes pretty well with all dark meats – gamy food, rich lasagnes and stews; pasta with meatballs – so why not get something like this together: a couple of bottles of the finest Rioja you can afford (buy rioja wine in case quantities and you’ll get some surprising discounts); a hefty portion of meatballs and spaghetti; and a crowd in to watch a classic Mafia movie. You could even go the whole way and play the theme tune from The Godfather while you eat…
Seriously, though – the opportunities for good, affordable fun and laughter available when you start making your house, and your friends’ houses, the place to be on a Friday night, are endless. And probably more entertaining than watching the neighbour’s 18 year old twins throw up all over a bus stop in town. Join the wine and movies revolution – buy rioja wine at a good old Internet rate, get one of those companies to send you out a few DVDs, and get down with the beauty of a cheap night in.
