Movie night is something that we do weekly at home.  We are always excited to show our kids the movies that we loved as children (many time disappointed to see them as adults).  We also love to host movie night with friends and family.  

Location 

When it comes to movie night we are very lucky to live in Southern California.  Six months out of the year we can host movie night in the backyard.  We actually built a movie screen and bought an inexpensive projector so we could do it a few times a year.  I have included instructions on how to build your own movie screen or you can buy an inflatable one on Amazon (really cool if your not into DIY). If weather is not permissible you can also use a garage, living room or bonus room as your viewing area. 

Themes 

Depending on your company, you can select some fun themes. Every movie night needs an appropriate movie for your audience, food, drinks, popcorn and candy. Yes, you absolutely need all of those things!  Do not host a movie night without them, I repeat do not host a movie night without all of them. I have included a few ideas to help you create your own movie night.

Galactic Geeky Glam (Star Wars)

Whether you prefer the original trilogy or current movies, you have a lot to choose from. This is a pretty versatile theme. You can have kids, your folks and even that geeky neighbor over, and it is definitely a crowd pleaser. This theme can be really fun. If you decide to serve cocktails any bright colored cocktail will do, or you can try this Kylo-Rentini. You can also make some some fun Star Wars themed popcorn with marshmallow and Pretzel M&M’s to meet both you sweet and savory cravings.

Romantic Date Night (Dirty Dancing)

Now when having a date night movie night, this is the one movie night that I think should just be for two. I definitely think you can set this up on the living room floor (or your bedroom wink wink) with blankets and pillows. You can add some candles or holiday lights for ambiance, and turn on Dirty Dancing. Open a bottle of wine, order take out and share a pint of ice cream for dessert.

Girls Night In (Bridesmaids)

We all have that night where we just want to hang out and laugh with our girlfriends, but prefer the comforts of home instead of going out. Girls night in, requires a ton of munchies like pizza, chips and dip, cheese crackers and or course some cookies for dessert. Don’t forget the traditional buttered popcorn. This is your night off, so no sense in make fancy food, everyone needs to just relax. Open some wine, champagne or a hard seltzer put your feet up and enjoy the movie.

Holiday Cinema (Christmas Vacation)

I love Christmas and you can tell by the amount of Hallmark Movies I watch in November and December. If I want my husband to watch a holiday movie we have a very short list to choose from. Christmas Vacation is one we can always agree on, and makes everyone laugh. This is also a party that I think you need to get everyone into. Make everyone where a ugly holiday sweater or matching Christmas pajamas. (This is definitely not approved by my husband). I also think it is fun to do a white elephant gift exchange or do a gift exchange game. I don’t care for eggnog but it would work well with the theme, I prefer a spiked hot chocolate.

A Cinnamon Christmas Popcorn would be the perfect pairing to go with this holiday theme.

Movie Magic (Harry Potter )

This is a theme with unlimited possibilities or unlimited Butterbeer. I found Butterbeer Popcorn , Butterbeer Fudge, Butterbeer Macarons, Butterbeer Rice Krispies Treats , and so much more. It can also be a party where everyone can come dressed up as well. This is clearly a movie night that you can mix both adults and kids and everyone will enjoy talking about which house they are from and who has the best costume.

You can also include a signature Butterbeer cocktail for the adults .