When the weather finally warms up, it’s tempting to do everything outdoors. From pool parties and picnics to family reunions, your backyard is the perfect spot for summer entertaining. When the sun goes down, though, the party doesn’t have to stop; it’s an opportunity for a backyard movie night! We’ll show you how to throw together an outdoor movie night that’s so easy, it’ll be up and running before your popcorn is done. (Speaking of popcorn, here are some gourmet popcorn recipes you have to try.)
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Chewy Caramel-Coated Popcorn
When I was a kid, my mom made this recipe often. I've adapted it to make it more chewy and gooey than her crunchy, nut-loaded version. I get requests to make this for every event that I host, and have never had a single leftover! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Easy White Chocolate Party Mix
I get rave reviews every time I prepare this crispy combo of cereal, popcorn, pretzels, nuts and candies. Coated in white chocolate, this mix is great for meetings, parties and gift giving. —Rose Wentzel, St. Louis, Missouri
Courtside Caramel Corn
My guests say they can't stop eating my caramel corn! For our basketball party I fix enough to fill a big red tin with our team's logo. The delectable syrup coats the popcorn well but isn't sticky. —Sharon Landeen, Tucson, Arizona
Parmesan Ranch Popcorn
Whether you need a quick gift idea or yummy munchies for movie night, we've got you covered with this cheesy twist on regular popped popcorn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Striped Chocolate Popcorn
For a bake sale last year, I wanted to try something different. I’d seen chocolate popcorn in a candy shop and thought I’d try making it. This recipe was a great success. —Mary Schmittinger, Colgate, Wisconsin
Gingerbread Caramel Crunch
If you love gingerbread, you won't be able to resist this crispy, crunchy 'corn. Munch it yourself or share it as a tasty gift! —Lynne Weigle-Snow, Alexandria, Virginia
Nacho Popcorn
My husband and I like to munch on this while watching TV. The nacho flavoring is a zesty alternative to butter and salt. —Linda Boehme, Fairmont, Minnesota
Ranch Popcorn
What’s movie night at home without some popcorn to munch? Try a big tub of this buttery, showstopping blend. It’s easy, cheesy and finger-lickin’ good. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Marshmallow-Peanut Popcorn
My brother calls this combo of popcorn, marshmallows, peanuts and pretzels the “perfect popcorn." The taste is reminiscent of a Big Hunk candy bar. —Julie Perez, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Peppermint Popcorn
Crisp and minty, this simple popcorn snack is a hit with all 10 of our children. For variety, use whatever kind of candy you like. —Shirley Mars, Kent, Ohio
Chocolate-Mint Popcorn
I wrote a book called “20 New Ways to Enjoy Popcorn.” When I poll friends, they favor this recipe, a delicious treat for after-dinner coffee. — Polly Brunning, Thaxton, Virginia
Buffalo Ranch Popcorn
This zippy buffalo chicken flavored blend is sure to spice up your favorite snack. It's perfect for game time, movie time, or as a special after-school snack. —Jenny McCarthy, Sussex, Wisconsin
Halloween Snack Mix
Here is a simple snack mix I created on the spur of the moment. It's easy to toss together for a Halloween party or to package in individual bags for a fall bake sale. —Barbara Roberts, Middleton, Wisconsin
Rosemary-Parmesan Popcorn
Fresh herbs and real cheese make this popcorn a homemade favorite that will make you forget about store-bought seasoning mixes. —Dan Kelmenson, West Bloomfield, Michigan
Peanut Caramel Corn
A sweet, crunchy, lighter alternative to traditional caramel corn, this can't-stop-eatin'-it treat won't stick to fingers or teeth! Wonderful for gifts, too. —Lois Ward, Puslinch, Ontario
Sweet-Tooth Popcorn
I like to be creative with this popcorn recipe and add different things to make it festive for the holidays. Everyone says the sweet and salty taste is addicting. —Daynna Puckett, Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Movie Night Munchie Mix
Why not enjoy concession-style snacks at home? I took some of my favorites and combined them to make a sweet and savory mix. —Dawn Moore, Warren, Pennsylvania
Maple Crunch Popcorn
For a snack that's sure to bring smiles, try this medley of popcorn and pecans covered in a sweet and buttery coating.—Elmira Trombetti, Paducah, Kentucky
Candy Corn & Peanut Popcorn Balls
My daughter and I enjoy baking and cooking together, and this recipe is one my daughter can help make and then share at school.—Kim Shireman, Searcy, Arkansas
Choose a movie
Before planning anything else, you should decide what movie to put up on the big screen. Not only will this help with planning snacks and decorations, but it’ll also prevent any last-minute squabbles between siblings who want to watch something different.
If your movie night is going to be a family affair, try to choose a movie that everyone will enjoy, regardless if they’re six or sixty. We suggestion these:
- Disney. One of the recent live-action movies, like Beauty and the Beast, The Jungle Book or Maleficent, will entertain kids and parents alike.
- Star Wars. Introduce your kids to “a galaxy far, far away” while sitting under the stars! If your children are still pretty young, you might want to start off with The Force Awakens, as the 1977 effects of A New Hope might not hold their interest.
- A classic. Bring back a favorite movie from your own childhood like The Wizard of Oz, The Goonies, E.T. or The Muppet Movie.
If you’re extending the invitation to friends or neighbors, pick one of these iconic summer movies or a food-inspired film, like one of these:
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Eat, Pray, Love
Eat, Pray, Love is a story of self-discovery as a newly minted divorcee travels through Italy, India and Bali. But for self-proclaimed foodies, this movie is two hours and twenty glorious minutes spent ogling over the mountains of pasta and gelato Julia Roberts eats. Now that's amore. Don't miss our 100 favorite Italian recipes. Mangiamo!
Julie & Julia
The 2009 dramedy proves there's one thing in the world that can upstage Academy Award winner Meryl Streep: Julia Child's famously delicious—and yes, famously complex—beef bourguignon (One of our own editors even challenged herself to cooking like Julia for a week. See how she did.). Can't master the beef? Here are 25 tasty appetizers, entrees and desserts—all inspired by the larger-than-life chef. Bon appetit!
Mrs. Doubtfire
Amateur and professional chefs will agree: That infamous kitchen scene is so cringe-worthy, all we want to do is jump through the screen and teach Mrs. Doubtfire a thing or two about cooking. But, hey, we have to give the undercover housekeeper credit for making takeout look just as scrumptious as a home-cooked meal. Psst! Here are the top food etiquette mistakes everybody makes.
The Hundred-Foot Journey
Why settle on one cuisine when you can enjoy two at the same time? The Hundred-Foot Journey seamlessly marries French food with Indian dishes, making us simultaneously crave chicken tikka masala and a croque madame. If you ask us, it basically gives fusion food a whole new meaning!
Ratatouille
Anyone can be a chef—even an adorable, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed rat named Remy. Not only is Ratatouille fun for the whole family, it'll get your kids' foodie senses tingling in no time. As for what to make after the movie, this slow-cooked ratatouille is a no-brainer!
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
We could go on and go about gyros, baklava and tzatziki sauce, but carnivores will agree the best part of My Big Fat Greek Wedding is when Aunt Voula abruptly asks, "What do you mean he don't eat no meat? Oh, that's okay. I make lamb!" And Toula, we think moussaka is infinitely tastier than a mere Wonder Bread sandwich. Find more of our favorite Greek-inspired recipes.
Waitress
From "Strawberry Chocolate Oasis Pie," to "Spaghetti Pie" to the, erm, unconventional "I Can't Have No Affair Because It's Wrong and I Don't Want Earl to Kill Me Pie," Waitress will give you plenty of inspiration to up your dessert game. Or dare we say give you a big helping of "Kick in the Pants Pie?" Need some pie, inspo? Try these.
Burnt
Boasting a 29 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, Burnt is by no means a blockbuster smash, but who's watching this movie for its plot or dialogue? We have our eyes glued on Adam Jones, played by Bradley Cooper, and his meticulously modern, Michelin star-worthy dishes.
Chocolat
Unleash your inner chocoholic by curling up with Chocolat. From chili-infused hot chocolate to bite-sized nibs, this movie is chock-full of recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth. And thanks to our list of sweet, chocolaty confections, you can turn your home into a patisserie.
Something's Gotta Give
If you have any doubts Something's Gotta Give is a bonafide foodie film, it's worth noting the Nancy Meyer's movie was shot at two major gourmand getaways: Ina Garten's former East Hampton hangout, Barefoot Contessa, and Paris' famed Le Grand Colbert. Check out Ina Garten's best cooking tips.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi
Sushi isn't something you'd normally make at home—but totally can, thanks to this yummy California roll recipe—which is what makes Jiro Dreams of Sushi a must-see. Plus, the level of precision chef Jiro Ono brings to each sushi, sashimi and maki roll is awe-inspiring.
Babette's Feast
Anyone who's hosting a dinner party needs to watch Babette's Feast, stat. Set in a 19th century Danish village, the 1987 flick reminds us of the power of a good meal. From the classic tablescapes to the flowing food and wine, consider it a comprehensive guide to throwing the party of the year. Throwing a dinner party of your own? Try some of these impressive (and affordable!) recipes.
Paris Can Wait
Between munching on prosciutto and melon and enjoying an impromptu picnic with grapes, cheese and wine, Paris Can Wait makes us want to pack our bags and jet off to the French Riviera. But since that's easier said than done, we'll settle for a perfectly curated cheese board and charcuterie. If the sumptuous shots don't tug at your taste buds, the foodie-friendly one-liners will. "Food is good for the soul," Jacques muses. We couldn't have said it better ourselves.
The Five-Year Engagement
Technically, The Five-Year Engagement falls into rom-com territory, but any love story that ends with a taco truck sounds like happily ever after to us. As a bonus, the movie offers an insider look at Zingerman's, one of the most popular college sandwich joints in all of Ann Arbor—if not, the country.
Chef
Speaking of food trucks, there's no way we could leave out Chef. Between its dreamy recipes and up-close shots of ooey,gooey grilled cheese and savory skillets, this movie has food goals written all over it. And with Jon Favreau, Scarlett Johansson and Sofia Vergara, the cast isn't half bad either. Here are the best food trucks in every state. [skyword_tracking]Once you’ve picked out a movie, make sure you have a way to watch it. That might mean purchasing or renting a hard copy or streaming it on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu or another service.
Set up your theater
Bringing the movie theater-experience outdoors requires some equipment. Here are some things you’ll want to make sure you have on hand:
- A projector. When it comes to outdoor movie nights, a projector is a must. We like this model from Wsky’s since its LED lens provides a bright, clear picture and can be controlled remotely. Plus, it’s compatible with laptops, Roku and Amazon Fire sticks, SD cards and gaming systems, so you can watch your movie no matter how it’s stored or streamed.
- A screen. Depending on how your yard is organized, you can project the movie onto the side of your house or garage. If those structures are made of something too textured, like siding or brick, a portable screen might be a better bet. This free-standing screen from PERLESMITH comes with its own tripod, has a 160° viewing angle and is height adjustable. If you want an IMAX-like movie experience, go with this huge 144″ portable screen from Visual Apex.
- Speakers. Unless your projector has multiple built-in speakers, you’ll probably want to hook up an external speaker so all your guests can hear the movie. AOMAIS’ GO portable speaker is a great option as it can connect with devices via Bluetooth or an audio jack and is battery operated, so you don’t have to worry about plugging it in.
- Extension cords. If your speakers or projector aren’t battery operated, make sure you have a few extension cords handy to reach from your closest outlet to the devices. Digital Energy offers a 6-outlet, 50-foot long power strip that would work well.
Make it comfortable
Ensure that you and your guests can kick back in comfort with these items:
- Grab lots of pillows and blankets to create a picnic-like environment on your lawn.
- If you’re setting your movie night up on a driveway, blankets might not be plush enough to soften the ground. Instead, put out patio or folding camping chairs. You can also ask your guests to bring their own camping chairs if you don’t have enough to seat everyone.
- Keep mosquitos and other bugs from buzzing in your ear with citronella candles and bug spray. You can even set out a pot of bug-repelling plants like lavender, basil, rosemary and mint.
- Light the way to the snack table or bathroom with walkway lights or inexpensive flashlights. This will help prevent anyone from accidentally stepping on a fellow guest or tripping over any equipment. Cover all your bases with these essential products for your outdoor movie night.
Serve movie theater classics
Make it easy on yourself and set up a self-serve snack and beverage bar. That way, your guests can grab the treats they like and easily help themselves to seconds or thirds! Here’s how to stock the bar:
- Is it even a movie night if you don’t have popcorn? Pop a bunch of snack-sized popcorn bags and provide mix-ins like clarified butter, salt, caramel sauce, powdered ranch, grated Parmesan cheese or cinnamon-sugar.
- Satisfy sweet-tooths with theater candies like Twizzlers, Sno Caps, Swedish Fish, Junior Mints and more.
- If you’re looking to serve something more substantial than popcorn and candy, turn to one of these easy appetizers that are made with 5-ingredients or fewer.
- Serve bottled water and soft drinks out of a cooler that’s at least 25% full of ice to be sure they stay cold even after the movie has ended. Serve beer and other adult beverages in a separate cooler to ensure there are no accidental mix-ups with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Stick to disposable plates and napkins to make your clean up a breeze.
More fun ideas
Even though the movie is the main event, you can add to the fun of the night with some of these activities:
- While your guests are still trickling in, play a game of movie-related trivia or charades to get the fun started.
- Hand out glow sticks to light up the night. The kids can even use them after the movie has ended to play glow tag. Here are more ways to take your outdoor movie night to the next level.
- If you have a fire pit, roast s’mores for a late-night treat.
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The post How to Host an Outdoor Movie Night in Your Backyard appeared first on Taste of Home.
Caroline Stanko