There’s something magical about watching a movie under the stars. A backyard movie night can be memorable and cozy for adults and children. Whether it’s a family night, a girls’ rom-com night or a neighborhood kids’ round-up, here’s how to elevate the backyard movie experience so it feels as special as a night out without leaving home.
Create a cinematic setting
Your backyard or outdoor living space is a blank canvas for the dream at-home movie night. Select a flat, open area with minimal ambient lighting, such as lighting from street lamps or neighbors’ homes. For the seating, take a comfort-first approach, depending on the audience. For a cozy, organic feeling, lay down rugs, picnic blankets, bean bags, outdoor poufs, floor cushions, comfy throws and outdoor pillows for a layered, soft, and plush feeling. Or, stagger reclining lawn chairs for additional support. If your outdoor screen is near your outdoor living space, set out plenty of outdoor throw blankets and pillows to curl up on the outdoor sectional and chairs.
Incorporate small tables of trays into the setting, so guests can place drinks and snacks in hands-reach. And, add soft lighting, such as string lights, outdoor lanterns or LED candles, to create additional ambiance that doesn’t overpower the screen.
Invest in the right home technology
The screen and sound systems are a vital part of any movie experience. High-quality visuals and sound can transform your backyard and make it feel like a private theater. You can use a portable projector screen or hang a white sheet tightly for a DIY version that works well for kids. Use a high-lumen (which is the brightness) projector for a crisp screen display. Pairing the projector with Bluetooth speakers will result in a high-quality sound experience. Test the screen and sound connections before the movie begins to avoid tech delays. As with any technology, use extension cords and surge protectors to protect your equipment.
Curate a snack bar
Create an elevated snack experience for your guests. A popcorn bar with flavored salts, truffle oil, caramel drizzle or chili lime seasoning will create a sensory snack experience for all taste buds. For heavier cuisine, serve favorite finger foods, such as sliders, flatbreads, caprese skewers or sushi rolls in individual boxes. Every snack bar needs a drink station. Have enough drinks, such as sparkling water, juice boxes, mocktails or a full bar, to help offset the salty popcorn.
Surprise and delight through thoughtful touches
The thoughtful details that surprise and delight transform any occasion from casual to captivating. These small touches show you care and can elevate the entire experience.
Here are some ways to surprise and delight:
- Create movie tickets: Get creative and create tickets or a program highlighting the movie’s name, the menu and the schedule for the evening.
- Create a blanket basket: Offer guests a neatly folded stack of extra blankets to grab.
- Create a citronella candles display or Bug Spray Station: Keep bugs at bay while keeping things chic.
Hosting a luxe backyard movie night is all about blending comfort, style and creativity.
