Movies Under the Stars

Now that fall is officially here, there are seriously less and less events we can host outdoors. Pool parties? Too cold. Picnics? Not enough ants (hahaha). But a backyard cinema night (with lots of blankets and popcorn)? Now THAT'S got great possibilities -- and sounds like tons of fun, doesn't it?!

All photos: Laura Dent

1  The very first thing you have to do is find/beg/borrow/buy a projector. (There's even a reasonably priced one at Brookstone that's actually pocket sized! Click here for more details.) Have a power source -- and plenty of extension cords -- nearby.

 

2 The next thing you have to do is set up a screen. A plain white sheet on a clothesline or against a fence (or garage wall) will work just as well. Hook everything up and test it before your guests arrive.

 3 Now you gotta pick a movie. And as anyone knows, it all depends on your audience. Kids? Be sure to stick with a G-rated one to be on the safe side. (Believe me, there are plenty of great ones. Think The Secret Garden and The Red Balloon -- the last one being one of my kids' all-time favorites.) Tweens? Go for PG. (Think The Parent Trap and The Goonies.) Teenagers? Keep them captivated with a popular PG-13 plotline. (Think Dazed and Confused.) And adults? Try a popular, all-time classic. (Think Life Is Beautiful or James Bond or even Downton Abbey for a multi-series.)

4 Be sure to provide plenty of seating, warm blankets, pillows, and drinks (hot toddies, hot cider, or hot chocolate to name just a few). A couple candles wouldn't hurt either.

 

5 Last, but certainly, not least is the popcorn. In fact, what would a movie be without popcorn? And your choices here are many, my friends. Go for the classic plain or buttered (FYI, Orville Redenbacher can't be beat). But then there are also many gourmet options. Just for you, here are three awesome recipes (all adapted from Julie Pointer and Jen Vitale):

Recipe #1: Maple Rosemary Popcorn

Ingredients

Scant cup of popcorn kernels

Olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Fine sea salt, to taste
Nutritional yeast, to taste
Chopped fresh rosemary, to taste
Generous drizzle-full of real maple syrup

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Recipe #2: Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn

Ingredients
Scant cup of popcorn kernels
Olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (Additional butter if desired for a more decadent treat)
Several generous heapings of cinnamon
Sugar to taste 

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Recipe #3: Smoky Paprika Popcorn

Ingredients
Scant cup of popcorn kernels
Olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Paprika, to taste
Fine sea salt, to taste
Nutritional yeast, to taste

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Method for all three

1. In a large pot, add enough high-heat oil to cover the entire bottom in a thin layer. Add the two tablespoons of butter. Add popcorn kernels and give the pot a little shake to coat the kernels.
2. Place lid on pot. Allow kernels to pop, giving the pot a shake periodically to ensure that the popcorn does not burn.
3. Once the popping has slowed down to an almost stop, remove pot from heat.
4. Pour popcorn into serving bowl; immediately add other ingredients to taste (in Jen’s opinion, the more nutritional yeast, the better). Taste again. If it needs a little more spice or salt, add it.
5. Mix well before serving. Enjoy!

Serves 4

6 Now just sit back and enjoy the movie, folks!