Movie night at our house involves a divide and conquer method. There are usually two ‘viewing rooms’ and a customizable meal. Movie night at home is all about getting comfy and cozy and having great food. These are two aspects of going to the movies that you can’t quite get at the theatre. Although, I have to admit that the seats are getting pretty swanky and there are theatres where you can order food and drinks these days. I would feel pretty weird walking into the theatre with my pillows and cozy blankets though. Plus there is no parking, driving, sticky floors, and ticket fee when you stay home.
On any regular day, the kids have full reign of the den, but come movie night, the grownups take over and the kids get set up in the living room. We have a tv that sits in the kitchen but can be moved anywhere and has access to Netflix.
Popcorn with butter is a movie night essential for after dinner or before dinner is ready the kids can have it as an ‘appetizer’. A tray of fresh cut veggies served alongside some buttered and salted popcorn keeps everyone happy. Plan ahead and buy some mini cupcakes, or bake a batch of cookies and put them out on a tray and leave them in the kitchen for dessert. Once the movie is over, everyone can go choose a little treat before pitching in to clean up.
Pizza with custom toppings and a glass of wine is the ideal movie night dinner. You can even have the kids help make the dough earlier in the day or week and prep the toppings. The graters with prep bowls attached are a great (no pun intended) way for the kids to help out (just be sure they know how to use sharp objects safely.)
Since we are not dining at the table, drinks in cups that won’t spill is a good idea and not just for kids A tray or tray table makes the whole dinner and a movie experience much more relaxing. We keep movie night casual and use melamine plates (I love the designs from French Bull) so no one has to worry about knocking over the occasional plate.
Once the dinner part is over, it is time to pause the movie, clear the dishes or just put the tray tables aside. Then, grab your cozy blanket and become one with the couch.
