210: backyard movie night

Nope.  I don't do anything small.  Can't help it.

I got in my head to do an outdoor movie night to celebrate the start of summer.  First I thought I'd rent the equipment, but then decided I was going to do it more than once (we've already used it 3 times) so it was best to invest in our own.  

Then I had to go for a specific look for the night.  I blame Pinterest.  Truth be told, that's the part I love and I always do details anyway. But I was inspired to do the whole thing by some pictures I found on Pinterest.

Anyway, the look was supposed to be a sort of chic retro on the farm.  Or vineyard.  Or something like that.  I got a bunch of vintage sheets from thrift stores.

This is one of my favs.

And I tried to use a lot of antique looking wood, like the crates and board we used as little tables for drinks etc.  I also put out some flowers and candles.  There were some twinkle lights up on the deck by the food for dim lighting and more ambiance.

My mom has a bunch of nap mats from her preschool days that I sewed pockets in the sheets for, so it was more comfortable.  And I borrowed chairs because in my mind the adults weren't going to be thrilled to lay on the ground.  And there were many, MANY pillows.  Also, my parents have 2 papasan chairs so basically it was like a living room outside.

As for the actual equipment, I bought a projector on Ebay and a receiver/speakers at a yard sale.  The screen I built out of PVC.  Not too difficult.  To give you an idea of scale, the screen is about 14' wide.  The actual material is blackout material meant to line curtains (because it doesn't let light through).  It has a seam down the middle but you can't tell when the movie is playing.  It's attached to the frame by velcro.  

It's somewhat weather proof. It can stay out in the rain but the wind did knock it down.  I can leave up the frame but take down the material, but I am a bit worried the homeowner's association will have a conniption.  If you want more info on how to built your own movie screen, check out backyardtheater.com.  These people are crazy hardcore and it was an awesome resource to help pull it all together.

And of course I had to do snacks.  3 types of popcorn and some classic sweets.  There were bags for the popcorn (regular brown paper bags I printed "fresh popcorn" on myself) and separate one for the GOODIES (so cute!).

Drinks were soda (in glass bottles), beer, water, and orange juice/lemonade served in mason jars.  And boy did we need ice cold drinks that night.  It was HOT!  It was the first night of summer (also the first night after school got out) and I thought we would all melt.  The kids didn't care one bit and ran around before it started.  

Thankfully, it cooled enough after the sun was down that we were reasonably comfortable.  We had a lot of people (mostly families of the kids' friends) and had a blast. Here's how we looked enjoying the show.  We watched Over the Hedge because I thought it particularly appropriate in suburbia. :)  We've also watched How to Train Your Dragon, and one of my all time favorites, Princess Bride.

I used to love going to the Drive-In as a kid so this was great throw-back.  And even though it's not HD or surround sound or anything, there's something that just feels so "real" about the big screen and being outdoors.  It gives me the warm fuzzies.

So what else should I show?  It mostly has to be family movies but maybe we'll do an adult only r-rated night.  I'm thinking classics like Goonies, ET, and of course, Harry Potter.

JT

 

Comments

[Kukki]

Your parties are always amazing. I wish I could throw parties half as well as you do!

[angel]

WOW! Amazing planning and party! You seriously thought of everything. I think you've found your calling (besides all the other really cool talents you have), maybe you should look into party planning too? I'd say I'd like you to move into my neighborhood so we can attend but I'd never wish the Phoenix heat on you...it would be tough to figure out A/C for an outdoor party :) Again, totally impressed and nice job!

[Kate]

What an awesome idea! Love that you pulled it off.

[michele]

Wow, what a fun time! I agree--there's nothing quite like the outdoor movie experience, whether it be a screen with lawn chairs or a drive-in♥

[Tamie]

What a fun time!! I love all the details.

[Kelly]

Ok, I need to move over there so I can get invited to these fabulous parties. ;-)

[Kim]

LOVE! Just shared with my readers on FB

hugs! Kim @ Party Frosting!

[Lisa]

when is the next showing? such a great idea. Seating looks so comfy.

[Sandy]

Sandlot and Hook are good ones for the kids but moderately entertaining for the adults!

[chaussures de football]

hello, i am new here and glad to be here, thank you for your sharing!

[rachael]

Sometimes, if I go to pinterest (which I avoid like the plague because of how overwhelming my hot mess life is and it just gives me new project ideas) I say outloud, "These people can't be serious. Who does this stuff for real? This is fake."

But it's you.

You are those people.

You are real.

I wish I lived in your neighborhood, because I can't throw parties like this at present time but that doesn't mean I wouldn't come help you set it up and enjoy it very much. LOL

[Jessica Levitt]

Hi Rachael.

:) Yes, Im real, but Im willing to bet my life is more of a hot mess than yours. I just go off on these little tangents and do them up right, but meanwhile it takes me 4 weeks just to paint one piece of furniture and my studio is so messy Im now sewing in the dining room.

I wish you were in my neighborhood too! Im pretty sure most of my neighbors drove by and turned their nose up at my movie screen... but no one called the police or anything so its all good.

Jess

Jessica Levitt

my blog: www.juicy-bits.typepad.com
my book, Modern Mix: http://amzn.to/jfT2XP

[lunette de soleil pas cher]

Great post! Je vais vous abonner bon maintenant wth ma logiciels feedreader!

[Doris S]

Love the outdoor movie theatre! I am so trying to download your tutorial for your awesome owl ornaments. We are having a baby shower for my daughter and she is wanting to go with owls so I thought these would be so cute to include at the shower. Every time I pull up the link to the tutorial, I get a gray, blank screen. I am not computer savvy so any help would be so appreciated. Thanks for all your inspiring ideas. Doris

[Née]

Awesome!! I want to start doing this with my family!
Where do I start searching for the player/projector and screen?