A Homeowner’s Guide to Creating an Outdoor Movie Area
If you’ve ever wanted to watch the latest release of a new movie in all its breathtaking scenery on a large screen yet longed to watch it under the stars in the comfort of your own backyard, then creating your an outdoor movie area is the way to go.
An outdoor movie area is a fun, immersive experience imbued with the good feelings of the fresh outdoors with open air all around you. Here are some of the things you will need to set up your very own outdoor movie theater.
A Screen
Every theater needs a screen. At the bare minimum, you could project your movie onto the side of your house or hang up a white sheet. However, these have drawbacks in the quality of the image. The siding material of your home will shine through and any breeze could disturb the viewing experience. For a more enjoyable experience, consider buying a dedicated screen for your theater. There are also do-it-yourself options available for building your own screen.
A Projector
Next, you’ll need a projector. There are a wide variety of available projectors with differences in brightness and resolution. Some are portable, while others will need to have a power or cable outlet nearby. You will also need a media/streaming device. Sometimes these are built into projectors. Many projectors also have built-in speakers, but for better quality sound, external speakers are your best bet. Make sure that the speakers you choose are waterproof and resistant to the elements.
Comfortable Seating
With all the technology squared away, you still need somewhere for people to sit. At the most basic, pillows or blankets thrown on the ground could do in a pinch. However, for a more comfortable experience, as well as less direct contact with creepy crawlies, outdoor furniture like patio chairs and love seats will be greatly appreciated by your guests. Find furniture that stands up well to weather conditions and is water resistant. To get an idea of what kinds of outdoor furniture you might need, look at what your friends and family have and research all of your options online. An outdoor movie area could also benefit from small tables to put food and drinks on. For added coziness, you can also set up candles or outdoor fairy lights for ambiance.
Refreshments
You’ll want to provide refreshments. Typical movie fare like popcorn, candy, and soda will set the stage for a true theater experience. Finger foods that are easy to eat by hand without making a mess work well. Outdoors, it’s best to use non-breakable silverware and plates. This could also be the time to include another favorite backyard activity and barbeque something delicious for your guests.
For an outdoor movie night, consider offering a variety of treats to cater to different preferences. Set up a concession-style table with an array of options, such as nachos with cheese, pretzels, and assorted chips. For sweets, offer an assortment of classic candies or baked goods like cookies and brownies. If grilling, prepare an array of barbecue classics like hot dogs, hamburgers, or veggie patties, along with toppings and condiments for easy customization. For drinks, provide bottled water, cans of soda, or even a cooler with assorted beverages for convenience.
Bug Repellents
Don’t forget to be prepared for biting insects like mosquitos. Have some form of bug repellent on hand. Some portable things like citronella candles work well, and there are also more advanced systems like carbon dioxide mosquito traps.
Once free from bug bites, now you can enjoy your amazing movie night at home under the stars. Cheers to an amazing outdoor movie experience. Let’s hope Dune is all it’s cracked up to be.
