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Dinner and a Movie—In the Backyard
By Jennifer Matthews
Ask anyone over the age of 30 about their favourite summer pastimes, and on most top 10 lists you’ll likely find the drive-in movie. The sad truth for today’s techno-savvy youth is that many of them have never experienced the simple pleasure of enjoying a movie under the stars on a warm summer night.
The good news is that it’s fairly easy to replicate the novelty of the drive-in, right in your own backyard. And as the saying goes, if you build it, they will come: All you need is some basic equipment and refreshments, and you’ll have would-be moviegoers peering over the fence, hoping for an invitation.
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Useful linksand Outdoor-movies.com Projectorpeople.com |
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The atmosphere
To set up a backyard theatre, you need four basic elements:
1. A video source
This can be as simple as a laptop computer or portable DVD player. Anything that will play the DVD movie of your choice will fit the bill.
2. A video projector
This will most likely be the most expensive part of your movie setup. When it comes to projectors, there are a range of choices and prices, however. What you choose will depend on the size of your backyard and screen, and how much you’re willing to spend. A basic projector can cost $500, while higher quality models can run upwards of $3,000.
3. A screen
Your screen can be as simple as a white king-sized bed sheet stretched between poles, or a sophisticated permanent structure devoted to your outdoor movie nights.
4. A sound system
You know that old set of speakers you have tucked away in the back of the garage? They might just find a second life as your backyard sound system. Remember – there wasn’t anything fancy about the tiny speakers used at drive-ins when we were young, and it didn’t take away anything from the experience. Surround sound isn’t necessary (or even desirable, depending on how close your neighbors are). If you do want to have a more permanent outdoor sound system, however, there are a range of outdoor speakers available, some even disguised as rocks to blend into your backyard landscape.
When you’re deciding just how much time and money to invest in your setup, consider how often you expect to make use of it. If you plan to make your outdoor movie nights a weekly event, and maybe even host sports viewing parties into the fall (complete with cozy blankets and hot drinks), then a more elaborate or permanent setup might make sense for you. If this is going to be a once-a-year experience, there are companies that rent all of the equipment you’ll need. Search online or in the Yellow Pages under “cinema rental.” The Web is also a great source of inspiration and ideas when it comes to backyard theater (see sidebar for links).
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Bug Off! Whether you want them or not, mosquitoes and other insects will likely be part of your evening under the stars. Your guests may or may not remember to bring insect repellent, so be sure to have plenty on hand to keep bugs at bay. There are a number of other “bug off” tactics you can employ as well, from citronella plants, candles and torches to mosquito inhibitors and ultrasonic repellers. Check out mosquitoes 101 for more on a wide range of control options. |
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Invitations
The beauty of a backyard movie night is that it’s a great family event, and depending on your movie choice, can be fun for all age groups. Send invitations in the form of “admit one” movie ticket stubs, printed with the date, start time for the pre-party and for the movie, along with any special instructions (for example, “bring your favourite lawn chair or blanket” or “wear your comfiest PJs).
Seating
Your seating setup depends on your guests. Kids are happiest with blankets to stretch out on, while many adults will prefer lawn chairs. Obviously the blankets-and-pillows crowd should be up front, and don’t be afraid to ask your guests to bring their favorite lawn chair to ensure their comfort. Do have extra pillows and blankets on hand to keep everyone cozy.
Lighting
Leave the porch light off, and light plenty of candles (try citronella for their bug-fighting boost), or string white lights in key areas (away from the movie screen). What you’re aiming for is just enough light so that your guests can get to and from the bathroom and refreshment area, but not so much light that it interferes with your movie viewing. Provide small flashlights for guests as they arrive, or have a designated “usher” to light the way in tricky or darker areas.
The food
There are two good reasons to keep the dinner portion of the evening (if in fact you choose to include dinner) simple:
- You don’t want everyone too stuffed for popcorn and Goobers; and
- You’ll want to focus on the smooth running of the movie, not food preparation and cleanup afterward.
What to serve, then? Think standard drive-in fare, like hot dogs and pizza. If you want to step things up a notch, make your own grilled pizzas on the barbecue, and serve them with a good red wine.
Our suggestion for a crowd-pleaser (for everyone over the age of 12, that is): Bob Blumer’s all-time favourite grilled pizza (get the recipe here). Skip dessert (see point #1 above).
Equally (if not more) important is what you serve for movie snacks. Popcorn is a must, and please, don’t microwave it! You can go all-out and rent a popcorn machine, or invest $20 in a hot-air popper and churn out a fresh bowl in seconds. Have plenty of melted butter on hand, and in addition to salt, fill a few shakers with popcorn seasoning in a variety of flavours. For the must-have sweet snacks, buy a selection of chocolate bars and candy and offer them display-style in a box or case. Try visiting a novelty candy shop for some of the more retro items (like Popeye Candy Sticks, FunDip, Sweet Tarts, Tootsie Pops and Pop Rocks). Encourage guests to clean up after themselves by providing centrally located garbage and recycling bins.
The drinks
Soda pop and beer, served from ice-filled drink tubs, will fill the bill and fit with your movie theme.
If you want to take things up a notch on the novelty scale, though, try serving homemade slushies, in both adult and kid versions. If things cool down a bit after dark, offer coffee and hot chocolate (don’t forget the adult versions, either).
The entertainment
When selecting a movie to watch, consider carefully who will be watching. If you’re hosting an all-ages event, then screen an appropriate family-oriented film (use the ratings as your guide). Skip the tear-jerkers or high drama, though, in favour of crowd-pleasing comedies, action features, or classics like E.T. or Star Wars, which can only look better when viewed under a night sky.
