Mary Killen Mary Killen

Dear Mary | 24 July 2010

Your problems solved

issue 24 July 2010

Q. Next month my husband and I are taking guests for a week on a boat in Turkey. They are people we do not know very well. Since a lot of our guests are Americans they will not be drinking very much and I wonder if you can suggest any ways in which we might break the ice in these slightly claustrophobic conditions?

A.A., London NW1

A. Try an after-dinner game, The Ark, which has been a great hit this summer at house parties. Everyone takes an animal’s name out of a hat. The room is plunged into darkness and you must find your ‘partner’ animal by barking, baa-ing or roaring. The next step is to strip off all clothes down to underwear and swap clothing with your partner. The first couple fully to exchange clothes (no need to go as far as underwear) will be the winners. As soon as they shout ‘Ready!’ the lights will come on to reveal an irresistibly amusing scene showing other guests in various stages of transvestic undress.

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