Whether you love to sit down and watch a movie with your family, throw a big party and air the current (or past) great flick, or entertain the kids while you enjoy some adult conversation with your friends, outdoor movie nights are a great way to put a new twist on a classic evening activity.  With social distancing guidelines in place, this is one great activity that families or small groups can still enjoy together. Start by renting an outdoor movie bundle complete with a screen, projector and sound system. Then grab your lawn chairs and picnic blankets, space them at an appropriate social distance, and have your guests BYO everything else!

Here are some of my other favorite ideas to go the extra mile for your next outdoor movie night:

If you are throwing an outdoor movie night because it’s a special occasion or if you just love to make everything into a “party”, why not send out some cute invites ahead of the event?  While Pinterest has a million ideas, here are some of my favorites:

If you’re feeling crafty, I think this Popcorn Invite is adorable.  Or, for something a little easier, try this Movie Night Printable and print your own tickets.  Or, you can always outsource and order some really cute Movie Ticket Invitations here. And if they need an afternoon activity, it would be fun to send the kids through the neighborhood on their bikes delivering these invitations to guests!

You can’t have movies without food right?  In my house you can’t do anything without food, but we need to be careful to keep things safe for everyone, so here are some easy cute food ideas:

1. Classic pizza night. Each family or group member can order their own personal size for delivery to the host’s address. Some of our favorites in Austin are MOD pizza, Austin Terrier, and Via 313.

2. Family picnic style. Pack up your own basket/lunchbox filled with simple picnic foods to like sandwiches, raw veggies and cut fruit. This spread looks amazing!

3. Don’t forget the popcorn! Keep it super simple and pick up some individually packaged Skinny Pop so everyone has just a small snack to enjoy after eating dinner at their own homes.

Be sure to provide hand sanitizer or access to soap and water to be sure everyone has clean hands for eating!

Soda is a movie classic! Check out these cute personalized coke bottles.

 

For adult beverages, a margarita machine would make the perfect addition to an outdoor movie! Just asked guests to BYO glass and keep some disinfectant wipes near the machine for a quick wipe-down of the handle between uses.

When you combine a movie with some yard games you end up with a perfect party. Try  cornhole, ladder golf or croquet for affordable options that allow guests to keep appropriate social distance and touch only their own game equipment.

What other ideas have you seen for entertaining your family and friends while maintaining safe, social distancing guidelines? Tag us on Facebook or Instagram with your pics so we can pass along the great ideas!