Rainy-Day Baseball Bash

Pull together a baseball-theme party that will make up for the missed fun at the ballpark.

One Hour Before. On your way home from the game, swing by a grocery store for hot dogs and all the fixings. Top off your cart with classic ballpark snack -- popcorn, Cracker Jack, peanuts in the shell, and soft drinks. Remember bagged ice!

Thirty Minutes Before. Ice down drinks in a large tub or cooler, and pour munchies into serving bowls. In the kitchen, line up everything you'll need to cook and serve the hot dogs. Set out toppings and pile buns in a basket for guests to help themselves.

Keep the party casual and call on whatever is handy. Pull in a bench or console table as a buffet table and spread a drop cloth or old sheet for kids to plop down. After they scatter peanut shells, you can gather the cloth for easy cleanup.

Spur-of-the-moment energy will keep the party mood lively. Turn on a TV or radio that's broadcasting a ball game. Be ready with board games to keep kids from becoming rowdy.