Spring has officially begun, but many of us just aren't feeling it yet. The trees are bare, the grass brown and crusty, and right now it seems like Spring is just another date on the calendar.

Hiding indoors need not be a drag, so we rounded up a few fun party ideas to make time fly.

Lazy Days Wine & Cheese Mixer
We're slow coming out of hibernation, so keeping an event low-key is a must. Make it simple with a wine and cheese mixer or 'Battle of the Bands' Rock Band sing-off; your menu is easy if you ask everyone to "BYO-something". Finger foods and dips plus flatbread pizzas are simple yet guaranteed crowd pleasers.

Themed Parties
Up for more? A themed party is perfect for a little escapism. Banish the cold with a beach theme, from Hawaiian inspired invitations to decor. Have your guests show up in beach or tropical attire and plan your menu to match. Drinks and cocktails are crucial elements; we suggest fresh fruit punch, Mojitos, Blue Hawaiis, Mai Tais and Sex on the Beach(es). Pair it with savory spicy appies and entrees, then follow with mango sorbet for dessert.

For a twist, try a Murder Mystery party. To get you started, Host-Party.com and Murder Mystery Canada have great websites for purchasing kits and props or attending a Murder Mystery dinner at an outside venue. If your budget is lean (blame it on the recession), organize your own. Get creative with your props and scenarios, or base it on a Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie story. Keep the evening authentic by matching your menu to the theme! Fancy a Sherry, my good man?


'Sex and the City: the Movie' / IMDb

Girl Time
Sleepovers are making a big-time comeback. This underappreciated activity is not just for preteens - a little girly gossip is just what's needed for a gray day. Recreate Carrie and co's Sex and the City Movie fashion show with your old bridesmaid dresses and 80s fashion faux pas, Cosmopolitan martinis in hand. If you're not up for hosting a sleepover at your home, share a suite at an upscale hotel in town!

Time for Two
Planning something for your special someone? An indoor picnic or camping trip is a fun way to spend time with your significant other, while remaining safely away from bad weather. Set up a tent in the middle of your living room and don't forget your props. Make smores over candlelight and set a no-electronics-rule for the night so you two remain uninterrupted.

The most important thing to remember is that bad weather doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the same activities; you just have to think outside of the box. Err, make that inside!

Have a great idea for a rainy day? Share your tips with us!

by Cynthia Qian