Entertaining: How to Host a Fabulous Film Night
There is more to the perfect film night than just pressing the play button. Think sound, lighting, comfort levels and snacks, too!
Nothing beats gathering a group of close friends or family together for a communal film watching session. But once you have decided which movie to enjoy, how can you upscale the experience and make it a night to remember? Begin by working in all those treats that you would find at a cinema, and then combine them with a few home comforts, too, from freshly mixed drinks to cosy blankets. Here’s how…
Tidy your space
Most of us are capable of seeing beyond some mess to enjoy a movie, but for a special film night with friends, tidy up. Making your room a bit neater will definitely add to the relaxing ambience and help friends concentrate on the on-screen action. Stash odds and ends in storage, dump old newspapers in the recycling bin and mop or vacuum the floors, too, to create a calm and inviting atmosphere.
Most of us are capable of seeing beyond some mess to enjoy a movie, but for a special film night with friends, tidy up. Making your room a bit neater will definitely add to the relaxing ambience and help friends concentrate on the on-screen action. Stash odds and ends in storage, dump old newspapers in the recycling bin and mop or vacuum the floors, too, to create a calm and inviting atmosphere.
Burn a candle
Low lighting is ideal for viewing a film by, but why not create a soft glow and a gentle fragrance by lighting a scented candle before guests arrive?
Low lighting is ideal for viewing a film by, but why not create a soft glow and a gentle fragrance by lighting a scented candle before guests arrive?
Gather up some blankets
Snuggling under a blanket while watching a film is one of life’s great indulgences. Fill a basket with blankets and keep it to hand, ready for guests to dip into when they want to cosy-up while watching the film.
Snuggling under a blanket while watching a film is one of life’s great indulgences. Fill a basket with blankets and keep it to hand, ready for guests to dip into when they want to cosy-up while watching the film.
Light the fire
Create a cosy atmosphere by lighting the fire. Obviously, the more friends gathered together to watch the film, the more the room will heat up, so keep the blaze modest to prevent the space feeling too warm.
Create a cosy atmosphere by lighting the fire. Obviously, the more friends gathered together to watch the film, the more the room will heat up, so keep the blaze modest to prevent the space feeling too warm.
Boost the volume
Turning up the volume will mean you don’t miss a scrap of the action, even when the chatting and snacking continues. If your budget allows, install built-in speakers, for surround sound, or keep things simple and plug your TV into your stereo for that cinema at home feeling.
Turning up the volume will mean you don’t miss a scrap of the action, even when the chatting and snacking continues. If your budget allows, install built-in speakers, for surround sound, or keep things simple and plug your TV into your stereo for that cinema at home feeling.
Plump the cushions
So simple, but so effective, too. Create a sofa that guests are dying to sink into by plumping up the cushions. If you are feeling very organised, you might even wash and press the cushion covers in advance, so that they look extra crisp and inviting. Then just press play…
So simple, but so effective, too. Create a sofa that guests are dying to sink into by plumping up the cushions. If you are feeling very organised, you might even wash and press the cushion covers in advance, so that they look extra crisp and inviting. Then just press play…
Let in some air
A film night planned during the height of summer, when the days are at their longest, may take place in the daylight. So rather than trying to darken the room, make the most of the mild weather and evening glow and throw open the doors or windows. It’s a simple way to keep the space fresh, and if the film is poor, there’s always the view…
A film night planned during the height of summer, when the days are at their longest, may take place in the daylight. So rather than trying to darken the room, make the most of the mild weather and evening glow and throw open the doors or windows. It’s a simple way to keep the space fresh, and if the film is poor, there’s always the view…
Create a bar area
Make it easy for guests to top up their drinks by leaving garnished glasses, spirits and mixers out and ready. If it’s a family gathering, make sure the bar area is out of reach of little hands.
Be inspired by these creative home bars
Make it easy for guests to top up their drinks by leaving garnished glasses, spirits and mixers out and ready. If it’s a family gathering, make sure the bar area is out of reach of little hands.
Be inspired by these creative home bars
Plan the seating
Make the most of your TV room by working in seating that can accommodate a crowd without swallowing up all the space. In a narrow room like this, a long slim sofa with a short corner section, orientated towards the TV, is a good option, but in a wider room, combine a sofa with anything from floor cushions to armchairs.
Make the most of your TV room by working in seating that can accommodate a crowd without swallowing up all the space. In a narrow room like this, a long slim sofa with a short corner section, orientated towards the TV, is a good option, but in a wider room, combine a sofa with anything from floor cushions to armchairs.
Lay out food and drink
To avoid endless trips to the kitchen, lay out nibbles, napkins and plates on a nearby table, ready for top ups. In an open-plan space, this may be the dining table, as here, or cluster smaller coffee tables around the seating to serve the same handy purpose.
To avoid endless trips to the kitchen, lay out nibbles, napkins and plates on a nearby table, ready for top ups. In an open-plan space, this may be the dining table, as here, or cluster smaller coffee tables around the seating to serve the same handy purpose.
Dim the lights
If your wall and ceiling lights are on dimmer switches, now is the time to use them. Just hit play, dim the lights and sit back and relax.
What is your favourite way to make a movie night memorable? Share your tips in the Comments.
If your wall and ceiling lights are on dimmer switches, now is the time to use them. Just hit play, dim the lights and sit back and relax.
What is your favourite way to make a movie night memorable? Share your tips in the Comments.
Opt for snacks and finger food that can easily be eaten without cutlery. Popcorn is a movie time classic, but make use of your kitchen to create healthier snacks than the average multiplex hot dog or tray of nachos, too. Think crudites, mini quiches and delicious dried fruits.
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