How to set up a movie night In the backyard – it’s an easy way to entertain and all you need is a mini projector and white sheet. You have everything else! It’s a fun thing to do with neighbors, kids, and couples, or make it a girl’s night!
Today I’m joining some friends for outdoor entertaining and having a backyard movie night was the first thing that popped into my mind.
It’s fun for everyone and easily adaptable. The food, drinks, snacks, and of course, the movie are things that you can create an entire theme around. Or you can keep it simple with pizzas, cold drinks, and a fun snack!
Make it a themed movie night!
Italy
Having Italy as your theme practically writes itself! Start with the movie. Watch Under the Tuscan Sun or Letters to Juliet and the rest will come.
What to serve at an Italian-inspired movie night: make a Burrata board, homemade pizzas on the grill (or takeout), a Caprese salad, and a gelato board for dessert! Serve chilled red Italian wines, beer, and Pellegrino.
a gelato board for an Italian themed movie night
France
Another fun theme! Start with a movie like A Good Year or the popular Netflix series, Emily in Paris.
What to serve at a French-inspired movie night: Serve box dinners with baguette ham, French butter, and cornichon sandwiches, Ina Garten’s French String Bean Salad, and potato chips. Did you know that the French consume potato chips at the same rate as Americans? Yep, 86%, followed closely by the Brits at 84%. Who knew? The French have some interesting flavored potato chips, like roast chicken or Poulet Rôti chips. Of course a nice rosé, Perrier and Orangina!
For dessert: Madeleines! But not just any Madeleines. I’d make a churro version of Madeleine’s with chocolate and salted caramel dipping sauces.
What you’ll need for a successful backyard movie night
- A projector like this one. It’s quite inexpensive and easy to set up.
- A white sheet that you can hang on a flat surface – we used bulldog clips that we attached to the sheet and that way we didn’t need to make holes in the sheet since I’m using a good white sheet from Serena & Lily..as one does…haha. Since it was a bit breezy, Brent also used clips on the bottom of the sheet and then anchored them to white rocks with jute twine. It still looked cool!
- Patio furniture, lawn chairs, beach chairs or a blanket, and several pillows on the ground.
- A stack of throws around to make sure everyone is comfortable. It always gets chilly in the evening.
- Small stools or tables for people to place their drinks
- Lots of candles in hurricanes to make it cozy.
- We bring out our South Seas Side Cart when entertaining outdoors. It’s easy to move and it is the ultimate entertaining piece indoors and out. And it’s on sale right now at Serena & Lily.
- All-natural insect repellent – This is a must for any outdoor gathering. You can read how I make it in this recent post with all the supplies listed! You’re going to want to make it!
Movies for Everyone
Add your favorites in the comments and I’ll add them to the list!
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding
- Mama Mia
- You’ve Got Mail
- Sleepless in Seattle
- Little Manhattan
Snacks
We made a very sweet Chex snack mix. My friend Sheri Silver has you covered when it comes to snacks. Sheri is my go-to for a lot of recipes.
Mary Ann Pickett says
This is so much fun. Your neighbors must be clamoring for an invitation to movie night. So creative and cool.
cindy says
Oh my gosh, this is fabulous! I had no idea it was this easy! Our friends sponsor movie nights at our tennis courts, but I think they have a fancier setup. We have to order that projector what fun!! We need to chat about this. I love all your food ideas. I am pinning this for future reference. What an absolutely fabulous idea! You are the most clever hostess in the world!
Shelley says
Your Gelato Board is brilliant and beautiful!! What a gorgeous location for a movie night. You’ve given me so much inspiration!
Jackie Hempel says
The themed movie night is such a fun idea! I feel like we always get suckered into a kid’s animated movie but waiting until bedtime and inviting over some girlfriends sounds like a blast!
mimi says
Annie, I would add Beach Blanket Bingo for some light hearted laughs or Father of the Bride or any musical to the movie list. Thanks for the great gathering ideas.
annie diamond says
yes!! perfect! How could I forget Father of the Bride? Adding it now!
Juliet says
This looks like so much fun, Annie! Good food, friends and movies under the stars. How about Grease … summer nights!!! xo
Karen B. says
Annie,
This looks like so much fun. I loved the theme idea. This set of posts for talented and creative bloggers is great. I plan to borrow some of the great ideas each site has provided.
Enjoy your summer.
Karen B.
kim says
Annie this is the cutest idea ever! Also love the gelato bar idea… and French movies. Going to see if I can manage this in our yard!