Outdoor Family Movie Night

(Warning: Picture heavy post!)
I thought about having friends over for an outdoor movie night in our backyard all summer long. Last weekend, we crossed it off our to do list...

And I have to say...it was a wonderful evening. It worked out even better than I had envisioned. I love it when that happens.
I didn't capture nearly as many pictures as I had hoped. And the ones I took weren't spectacular. But when you're the hostess, you have to go with the flow and entertain, too. So I'm happy I got the shots I did get. And the best part? I enjoyed myself.

Two teacher-friends of mine brought props. How perfect, huh? A light-up movie camera covered in stars and a director's clap board. The letters on the board were foam and magnetic. They were so cool!! I love the fact that I have over-the-top friends who appreciate that kind of thing. Thank you, Dan and Deanna!

For the screen itself, I found this article from Pottery Barn on how to make an outdoor movie screen. We ended up using our fence as the screen, but I wanted to share, in case you didn't have a fence of your own.
We used a projector and a laptop (and by "we" I mean my BIL and neighbor), and selected "Rio" as the movie. We grilled out and ate, and afterwards, the children enjoyed a big tent we set up in the yard. We also had corn hole and ladder ball, but the big game for the kiddos was the Concession Stand Game (that is for another blog post, but I promise, it is coming.)
After reading about Smores on a Stick here, I knew this would be the perfect snack for Movie Night. With the smores pre-made (using the marshmallow fluff that comes in the toasted version--dreamy!), there was no need to interrupt movie viewing.
For great inspiration, I found this Pinterest site to be exceptional. While her stuff is more related to a birthday theme, the links and ideas found there were extremely helpful and inspiring.

Many of the older kids ended up playing hide and seek while running off their sugar buzzes.
Speaking of sugar, this machine will be mine. Our friends brought it over (because the snow cone machine and the popcorn maker weren't enough for one party--LOL), and I became obsessed. The best part? You use lifesavers to make the cotton candy!! SOLD.


I seriously love this man. He is a saint to put up with me and my crazy ideas. He was such a good sport, and worked like a mad-man to help me get this together. Best Husband Award goes to Chris Turay. :)

And my friends can cook. Seriously. I really enjoyed all the cool stuff they shared. Thank you for introducing me to my newest favorite...Caprese Salad, Cathy.

I read about Push Up Cake Pops on Pinterest. I made these the night before the event, using brownies and frosting, then topped them with mini m&m's. For more inspiration on these, check here and here. I found the reusable push up parts on Etsy here.
The Candy Bar Game (aka the "Concession Stand Game" for the evening.) Yes, they each ended up with a bag of candy. Someone call the dentist.
Special thanks to my sister in crime, Chrissy. She makes a mean Mojito, let me tell ya. She also gave me a head's up to Sweet Tea Vodka and Citrus Vodka (which, when added to Sweet Tea and lemonade respectively itself, is barely noticeable. Yikes!) Great summertime adult beverages. And I finally got to use the mint I grew in the garden!
It was a late night. But such a fun one, too...
These 7 Layer Bars were a wonderful treat. You may find the recipe here.
As favors for coming, I made that Cinnamon Honey Butter and put them in wide-mouth jars for guests.
And if the concept of Movie Night appeals to you, read this amazing article and oogle over the beautiful pictures on their outdoor cinema night. Swoon...

I hope you give this a try and invite friends and family over for a movie night of your own soon!!