7 ways to make your next outdoor movie night magical!

What’s up fam! Last year I threw an epic outdoor movie night for all my friends and family. For some reason, I haven’t shared all of the amazing tips with you. SO… here are 7 ways to make your next outdoor movie night magical!!!!

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Here are 7 ways to make your next outdoor movie night magical!

First and foremost, is the way you will be viewing your movie. Times are really hard right now so if you can’t afford this set up by ALL MEANS just move your TV outside for the evening (weather permitting of course.)

I had been wanting a projector specifically for outdoor movie nights for years and this set up was relatively cheap and it had amazing picture quality. Check out the picture below from this projector!!

Although the projector came with a screen I purchased a better one separately along with a stand.

Secondly would be the sound. The projector unit that I am recommending comes with built-in speakers. For an outdoor setting, you need a little better sound. We have used both of these speakers with great success. Don’t let the little JBL speaker size fool you, it packs a punch in a tiny package. Whatever speaker you are planning on using just make sure it has an auxiliary line port (headphone jack.)

Number three is vital to your success. BUG MANAGEMENT! I have a basket full of organic and chemical bug sprays. I also treat the grass and shrubs the day before to keep the bugs at bay. While tiki torches are cute and somewhat effective I find that the light from is often distracting.

For the fourth item, it may seem a little silly, but it does make a difference if your party is a big one. Signage for the trash, recycling, and beverages is super helpful. I’ve made some free printable 8.5×11 signs for you to download and print at home.

Number five is proper seating. I do not mean providing an actual chair for each person. For my party, I asked all my friends to bring their own chairs. I also made sure to have plenty of picnic-like clothes to layout directly on the lawn in the “front rows” for anyone who wanted to lie in the grass. Depending on the weather you may also want to provide blankets to keep everyone warm.

And then the fun parts!

FOOD is good ol’ number six. Of course, this is going to depend entirely on your guest’s and family’s dietary needs. I had a plethora of snacks, candies, and food to choose from. Because most of my guests were Asian and Islander I made sure to have a few dishes they could eat with white rice. I made THE BEST mac salade with Kalua pork, kalbi ribs 2 ways, and had a hot dog(slow cooker style) and nacho bar for those who wanted something a bit more drive-in-movie traditional. If anyone would like the recipe for the mac salad or Kaula pork comment below or email directly.

For the candy, I got a huge selection of my favorites. And then there is the popcorn. You could do the traditional butter flavor but I wanted something a bit more fun. I opted for white cheddar smart food and kettle corn. I made the cutest popcorn tubs that everyone used to eat popcorn during the movie and take some treats home after. And make sure to brush and floss after!

I saved the best for last. The seventh and final item is the choice of movie. So simple, and super complicated!! When I sent out my Paperless Post invitations, I asked everyone to vote, and saved the chosen movie for the night of my party; they chose Rise of the Guardians. For a smaller party with my family, we watched The Goonies. Be mindful of your audience when picking your movie.

Hopefully, this post finds you and yours happy and healthy. If you have any questions about a specific item I’m happy to answer them. Even before this current situation, an outdoor movie night is a magical way to spend time with friends and family!

You can make the cake topper, popcorn buckets, and paper Rosset background yourself! I have the post up for the rosettes now, subscribe to be alerted when I post the others.