Make Your Own Moonlight Cinema

DIY moonlight cinema

Butter up the popcorn and pick a flick! It’s movie night and we’ve got an easy step-by-step guide to creating a DIY outdoor cinema, along with a scrumptious snack by chef Laura Sharrad. Yum!

Make your own moonlight cinema — backyard cinema

Make your own moonlight cinema — movie night ideas

Step 1: Decide on a location

Pick out the best place to set up your cinema, such as the garden or deck. You’ll want a comfortable space away from traffic noise and street lights, and make sure it’s dry and rock-free if you plan to sit on the grass.

Step 2: Add some ambient lighting

Decorate your space with fairy lights and lanterns. Ensure there’s enough light to safely walk to the house for toilet breaks (and don’t forget the insect repellent to keep the bugs away!).

Step 3: Invest in a projector

There are a lot of portable projector on the market and we’ve got a great recommendation: the Laser 2-in-1 Multimedia Projector with Built-In DVD Player ($199). Small and portable, it’s a good investment — you can use it indoors, outdoors and on camping trips over the years. (Please note, we don’t sell projectors: use google to find a great deal near you!)

Step 4: Connect your video source

You can use DVDs or stream directly from your laptop. Keep your electrical devices off the ground with a little side table. Our projector suggestion has Bluetooth, so simply connect to a speaker. Or you could pop on headphones for a silent cinema experience.

Make Your Own Moonlight Cinema — step 4 video

Step 5: Hang your screen

A quick and easy ‘movie screen’ option is to peg a white sheet to the fence or clothesline. Attach tablecloth weights to the bottom so it doesn’t flutter in the breeze.

Make Your Own Moonlight Cinema — step 5 screen

Step 6: Get comfy

Position your outdoor furniture to face the screen. Don’t forget plenty of soft cushions and warm throws to get snuggly. A picnic blanket, pillows and beanbags on the grass or deck are perfect for the kids.

Step 7: Print tickets

Make the night extra special and fun with some movie tickets! Just click on our downloadable template and print them at home.

PRINT TICKETS

Step 8: Snack attack!

Yeah baby! It’s not movie night without popcorn, chocolate and cool drinks (or a glass of bubbles for the Gold Class experience). We’ve got a delicious Raw Salted Caramel Slice recipe the whole family will love.