One of our favourite things to do on a nice summer night is to host our friends for an outdoor movie and last night, we did just that. Disclaimer: This year I added tea lights to the snack table and mid-way through the movie, a bag of chips and my tablecloth caught on fire. I will be skipping the candles next time!  Here are some pictures and all you need to know to host one yourself…

PICK A MOVIE EVERYONE CAN ENJOY

We decided years ago, at our very first backyard movie, that we only wanted to show movies from the 80s or early 90s. It is a fun way to connect with our past and show the kids some movies that they might never otherwise see. This weekend we watched A League of Their Own. Here is a list of the movies we have shown so far: Back to the Future, The Princess Bride, Goonies, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Weird Science and The Karate Kid. Next up: Big and Top Gun.

A MOVIE SCREEN

We simply use a white bed sheet that we hang either from our clothes line or volleyball net. It could also be tacked to a fence. We roll up a piece of wood at the bottom of ours to keep it from blowing away. 

A PROJECTOR AND COMPUTER

We bring out a computer and download the movies through a streaming service. We have access to a data projector – which is probably the toughest thing to get access to if you do not have one. You can borrow from a friend who has one through work or rent one from a local electronics store like Long & McQuade in Stratford for around $60.

SPEAKERS

Make sure you have some external speakers so everyone can comfortably hear the movie. 

COMFY SEATING and BLANKETS

We use a variety of chairs and air mattresses for our guests to have some choice. The kids always go for the air mattresses. Make sure there are enough blankets for everyone – you can ask guests to bring their own, too. 

SNACKS

Everyone loves popcorn and candy and chocolate for a movie. I like to pop my own popcorn and have individual bags for people to fill up as often as they want.  We also have a bucket of pop for the kids, wine and beer for the adults and water on hand. 

OTHER TIPS AND SUPPLIES

Tiki Torches contribute to a cozy atmosphere and help to keep the bugs away. 

The movie can’t begin until dusk or just after. Think about that when setting your guests arrival time. We usually invite people over for anytime after 8pm. That way, there is time to socialize before settling in to watch the movie. 

What are your favourite things to do with friends for summer?