A few years ago, we started our very own movie nights in our backyard. We recently purchased a projector for work and I soon envisioned family and friends gathered to watch outdoor movies. We set the projector and a computer up in the backyard, and put up our screen - a king size sheet, tacked to the side of the garage. We added some large "Neat Sheets" on the ground and topped it off with pillows and blankets and added some chairs. Throw in a popular DVD, family, friends, popcorn and you have your own outdoor theater!
One summer, we planned Friday Night Movie Nights. Every Friday, we would show a movie in the backyard, order pizzas and pop some popcorn. We picked out family friendly movies that ranged from classics to newly released DVD's. We made out a schedule of what movies we would be showing and sent out by email to family and neighborhood friends. We usually ended up with around 8 to 15 friends stopping by. Most of our friends knew that if Friday came around and you didn't have plans, stop by and see if the "theater" is set up.
Since we live in Texas, we can do it year round! In the summers, we set up a couple of fans and spray the yard a few hours before the movie starts. In the winter, we add extra blankets. We have also used this for our kids birthday parties. It was perfect for our son's Star Wars birthday party and our daughter's High School Musical birthday party. If a popular family DVD is released, check our house that Friday night, we might have the theater open.
Did I mention that in two weeks, we are planning a Girls Night In at the theater? We will be showing Twilight, the DVD is scheduled for release March 21st. The girls (Moms) are looking forward to seeing Edward!
Cammie Moise