How to Host a Winter Outdoor Movie Night

As I write this, I have a holiday movie playing in the background. It is the nineteenth holiday movie I have watched so far this season, and that does not count the ones I watched for Christmas in July or just randomly throughout the year. I love holiday movies. If you are wondering how I know this is the nineteenth one I have watched this year, it is because I keep a spreadsheet with notes so that I can check off which movies I watch each year and can determine which movies are worth watching again in the future. I mean, who doesn’t do that? 

This year, my month-long movie marathon got me thinking about how much fun it would be to host a themed movie night in my backyard complete with a screen, projector, comfy seating, and party favors. Because, as some of you know, I love to host a themed gathering just as much as I love holiday movies and spreadsheets. 

So, I thought I would share my winter backyard movie night party plans with you in case you might also want to create a fun, cozy get-together this winter. 

1. Set up an outdoor movie theater. 

The first step is to set up your backyard movie theater. My setup includes a pull-down movie screen on my covered porch and a portable projector that I bring out for movie nights and store in the garage when not in use. There are lots of options for both screens and projectors, so you could also install a drop-down projector on the ceiling or have a permanent screen that is always ready to go. Test your system before your guests arrive to make sure it is set up correctly and that you know how to use it. Most projectors are easy to use, but some can be a little tricky.

2. Consider seating. 

Next up will be considering seating. If it is a small group, which most of the best get-togethers are, then you might have enough comfortable patio furniture to accommodate your guests. If not, you can bring out furniture from inside, dust off your camping chairs, or invest in comfy, outdoor floor cushions. If you plan on hosting your movie night on your lawn, be sure to turn off your irrigation system that day and check the forecast to make sure it is not going to rain, since mud and wet grass are not going to improve your party. 

3. Keep your guests warm. 

Outdoor movie nights need to take place after dark, which means it will likely be cold. Prepare to keep your guests warm with baskets of throw blankets, portable or permanent patio heaters, and setting up seating near fire features. To treat your guests even more, you might consider also setting out cozy slippers and mittens, which could even be party favors. 

4. Set up a hot beverage bar. 

My ideal hot beverage bar for a movie night would be a hot chocolate bar with cinnamon sticks, whipped cream, chocolate chips, marshmallows, toffee bits, peppermint chips, and chopped nuts. 

Of course, you could also set up a hot adult beverage bar with hot toddies, mulled wine, mulled cider, or coffee and hot chocolate that can be spiked with vodka, tequila, whiskey, or kahlua. You can set out an assortment of ceramic mugs, travel mugs, or thermoses for your guests to use or to use during the party, and then take home with them, which is my top choice for party favors for this soiree. 

5. Set up a popcorn and candy bar. 

Nothing says movie night like popcorn and movie theater candy. You can either buy the small boxes of candy like those sold at theaters or fill bowls and baskets so that your guests can create their own movie candy mix. Depending on just how committed you are to being the most amazing party host ever, you can buy bags of pre-popped popcorn, pop and bag homemade popcorn before the party, or rent or buy a popcorn machine. 

Winter home maintenance reminder: If you have not yet changed your HVAC filters and cleaned your gutters, now is the time. We can expect lower temperatures and more rain in the coming months. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it is also a good idea to have your chimney cleaned and inspected before you start using it this winter.  

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AimeeJo Davis-Varela is a member of The Davis Group and a freelance writer specializing in real estate, sustainable home improvement, eco-friendly landscaping, and green living. She is also the owner of Mind Your Manors, which provides second home management services.