Backyard movie night

What it is

An outdoor cinema in your garden. A projector and screen (or a white sheet), a speaker, comfy seating and a popcorn bar. It suits any age: cartoons for kids, a classic for a family party, or a thriller for teens.

Plan ahead

• One week before: pick the film. Check the age rating suits all guests. Check sunset time; films need full darkness.
• A few days before: borrow or buy a projector (at least 2,000 lumens for outdoors) and a screen. A white bed sheet pulled tight on a washing line or fence works too.
• The day before: test the setup at night: picture size, focus and volume. Download the film so you are not relying on Wi-Fi.

Set the scene

• Hang the screen with its back against a wall or fence to block light behind it.
• Put the projector on a stable table behind the audience.
• Lay out picnic blankets, cushions, bean bags and camping chairs in rows - low seats at the front, chairs at the back.
• String festoon lights you can switch off when the film starts.
• Print paper tickets with the film title and “Row A, Seat 1”.

Activities

Popcorn bar

Make two big bowls of popcorn (sweet and salted) and put toppings in bowls: chocolate buttons, mini marshmallows, pretzels, M&Ms, grated parmesan. Guests fill striped paper bags.

Concession stand

Set a table with a menu board: popcorn, sweets, hot dogs, drinks. Kids love being given play money or tokens to “buy” snacks.

Food and drink

• Popcorn bar and pick ‘n’ mix
• Hot dogs or sliders
• Fizzy drinks in glass bottles with paper straws
• Hot chocolate when it gets chilly

Tips

• Have blankets and spare jumpers ready; it gets cold fast once the sun goes down.
• Use insect repellent or citronella candles.
• Tell your neighbours, and keep the volume reasonable after 10pm.
• For a graduation party, show a slideshow of the graduate’s school years before the film.