words / Miami Vibes Magazine
The thrill of backyard movie nights are quite the trend this summer in 2020. It's a great idea for a romantic night with your loved one or a delightful activity to enjoy with family and friends of all ages. The best thing yet...you can plan for it again and again!
The are a few essentials you are going to need to create the ultimate movie night. Consider these key steps and you will be in for a treat and some much needed theater fun!
Step 1: The screen
This may be the most crucial step. For everyone to enjoy the view, the screen has got to be the centerpiece. Now, there are options for those bigs spenders and those low ballers; regardless, it will be epic. For a cheaper option, you can opt to buy white blackout fabric from your local craft store (i.e., Joann Fabrics, Michaels, Rosa's etc). If you have the means for it and you really want to go all out, you may want to invest in an outdoor projection screen that rolls up and can be stored after each event.
Step 2: A projector
If you are going with the projector option, heads ups....they are not all created equal. It's always best to invest in a good quality one for not only the best experience but because it will last you for years and years to come. For instance, the LG PH30N features a portable, lightweight design at 5-by-5-by-1.5-inches and weighs just 1.1 pounds. For something small with a large impact, you get an impressive home theater experience with a rich picture in 1280 by 720 HD resolution up to 100 inches (measured diagonally), and brightness of 250 ANSI lumens. The powerful LED light source displays bright images with a lamp lasting up to 30,000 hours (up to 10 years based on a usage of 8 hours a day). Learn more at www.lg.com.
Step 3: Seating
When it comes to seating, it would be best to arrange it from high to low to enable everyone to enjoy the theatre experience. If you have some kiddos, blankets and some pillows are perfect for up front. For the adults, lawn furniture and folding chairs will be ideal or others who like to sit up without blocking other people's view. You'll want to have some munchies and drinks around so stagger seating as necessary to accommodate for the treats. You may want to add bins of blankets and pillows for extra comfort so people can grab them if desired.
Step 4: Snacks and refreshments
You can't have the "ultimate movie experience" without your favorite treats. Grabbing some popcorn, placing them in individual bowls will be perfect for snacking. You may want to pick up some boxes of movie-styles candy (i.e., Milk Duds, M&Ms, Raisinets etc) at your local store to give the experience an authentic feel. If you plan on having a larger crowd, it'll be nice to set up a snack buffet with jars of candy such as licorice and gummies, plus coolers full of drinks and even create a popcorn bar where people can scoop their desired amount into bowls and top with a variety of savory, sweet and salty toppings.
Step 5: Lighting
The best time for an outdoor movie is after sunset. However, you might want to add some light for safety and convenience. String lights are an affordable way to light pathways back to the house or around landscaping. Additionally, small flashlights for guests are a great option. You can get some at your local dollar store and they make a great party favor to take home after the event. You may even plan a pre-movie activity where kids can decorate their flashlight with stickers, gems and markers.
Step 6: Alert neighbors
You want your movie night to be a positive experience for everyone. With these steps you have the makings of a fun evening for guests, but as a courtesy, you should alert your neighbors of your plans. That way they know there may be more activity outdoors than usual. You should also keep sound at a reasonable level and select PG films to ensure appropriate language and content for everyone.
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