Over the past couple of years, we have grown accustomed to spending more time indoors, and as a result, have lost a lot of the motivation to participate in customary leisure activities, such as going to the movies. Fortunately, some alternatives can be even more fun and can give you the same cinematic experience within the comfort of your home.
From projection setups to snacks, candy, and drinks, find everything you need to go to the movies without venturing to your local theatre.
The Where
The first thing to decide when planning your ultimate outdoor movie screening is where you will be gathering to watch. Depending on the size of your space and the viewing logistics, you can host it on the patio, deck, driveway, or backyard. Factors to keep in mind are the number of guests and the weather. It is the winter season, and you will want to provide umbrellas and possibly a canopy in case of storm clouds.
For a large crowd, the backyard or the front driveway is probably your best bet depending on the amount of yard space. For more intimate groups, you can choose any of the above options based on your preferences.
The How
To create the proper cinematic experience, you will need to use a projector as your viewing system. A projector allows the screen to be displayed on a large surface, so that everyone can view the movie properly. There are many projection systems available on the market at various price points.
As for the viewing surface, you can use anything from a wall to an inflatable movie screen. Get creative with your resources and see what works best. You could even take a custom tarp and string it up to act as a screen backdrop; one of the many ways you can utilize this covering.
The Audio
Poor audio can quickly turn an epic movie night into a disappointment. Many projectors have built-in speakers, but more often than not, the output is low quality. Make sure to use a proper Bluetooth speaker system that can produce crisp audio for your guests.
If you are worried about upsetting the neighbours, consider providing personal Bluetooth headphones for everyone. This option can get a little pricey if there are a lot of guests attending, but if you are enjoying a family movie or romantic date night under the stars, this would work best.
The Atmosphere
To take your outdoor movie night to the next level, you will need to put some thought into creating an immersive atmosphere for your guests. This could mean themed decor and food or mood lighting from bistro lights or tiki torches to create a gentle warm ambiance while scaring away buzzing nuisances.
If you are planning on hosting this at-home cinema experience in your patio sunroom, you can take advantage of solar shades to create a more intimate experience that closely resembles the feel of an authentic movie theatre.
The Comfort
Don’t forget to provide proper seating for your outdoor theatre. You can use a variety of items like picnic blankets, lawn chairs, pillows, or sectionals. The seating choice depends on the number of people, the location, and available resources. Make sure you have plenty of cozy blankets in case it gets too cold.
It does not have to be as fancy as a typical movie theatre as long as there is a barrier between your guests and the ground. Be sure to protect your pillows from the dirt with outdoor cushions & pillow covers.
The Concessions
No cinematic event is complete without some movie snacks and drinks. You can go traditional with popcorn and candy as your main delights or get creative with some delicious finger food like mozzarella sticks, mini hot dogs, chicken salad sandwiches, and nachos.
As for drinks, there are both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options depending on the attendees. For kids, you can stick with the classic lemonade, soda, or juice boxes. For adults, you can get creative with some tasty cocktails that will amp up the action on screen.
The Guests
Once you decide what kind of event this is, you can make a proper guest list. Is this a monthly get-together for your friends and neighbours? Are you bringing the whole family together with extended members you rarely get to see?
Is this a romantic date night for your partner? Perhaps you are gathering for a movie marathon with your best pals. Whatever the case, an outdoor cinematic experience is perfect for any occasion.
The Movie
Last, but definitely not least, you need the perfect movie. Guests will most likely give you an idea of the movie they would prefer, but as the host, you have the final say. Have the film decided beforehand to avoid any debate among the crowd. If kids are attending, be sure to pick a family-friendly option. There are endless masterpieces to choose from, and you can never go wrong with a classic.
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