How To Host The Ultimate Outdoor Movie Night At Home
As summer comes to an end, indulge in popcorn, roast marshmallows, and watch your favourite films under the stars. From fairy lights to blankets, here’s all you need for that perfect eve.
There is something magical about soaking up the great outdoors (aka your garden, patio or balcony), while watching a movie. With a sense of escapism, embrace the gentle move into autumn, with classic rom-coms on a propped-up screen or the latest blockbuster billowing across a giant sheet strung between two trees. Later, as the temperatures drop, picture an evening of Halloween horrors while sipping on pumpkin spice lattes. Pretty perfect, right?
Your outdoor cinema experience essentials:
A projector
This is obviously key to your outdoor movie night at home. John Lewis and Amazon offer multiple options, but it is definitely worth spending a little more for better quality. Brightness is paramount. Consider 1000+ lumens if you plan to watch before sunset and 700 ANSI lumens for dusk. Also, look for ones with inbuilt sound or make sure you can Bluetooth to a particularly good speaker.
A screen
In truth, a professional screen isn’t totally necessary. A bare wall or an old white sheet and a couple of pegs will do the trick. However, if you want to go all out, I’d be tempted by an inflatable one.
Lighting
This is key to the cinematic atmosphere. Soft, twinkly lights will enhance the setting, creating that quintessential outdoor cinema feel. Festoon lights are incredible, but opt for portable lamps for more focused pops of light – especially near the popcorn.
A fire pit
Warm your toes and make some s’mores with a small outdoor fire. Just keep it safe and don’t burn the marshmallows.
Comfy seating
Outdoor cushions, sofas, and daybeds will work a treat, but I’d be inclined to bring the indoors out just for the evening. If you’re concerned about your fluffy bean bag getting dirty, throw down a rug or layer up some blankets on the ground.
Cosy must-haves
Who could possibly enjoy an outdoor movie night at home without piles of cushions, layers of blankets, and snuggly throws? Thankfully, the stores are brimming with lots of toasty newness just in time for autumn.
Final touches
Stock up on plenty of snacks. No one wants to miss the crucial part of the movie to top up their popcorn.
You can’t have a movie without popcorn, snacks or perhaps a cheeky wine in a mug.
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