How to host the ultimate themed movie party for your family or COVID pod
Movie nights have become the norm in these unique times. With theaters closed and our social bubbles kept small, gathering around some flicks is a fun and socially distant way to spend time with your family or COVID-pod.
Realistically, we’re all itching for a little excitement. Sometimes the best things to celebrate are simply the ones that make us happy—and nothing says happy like a movie marathon party.
Your home theater might be the envy of the block, but imagine it decked out in slick decoration, themed food and family or close friends.
We have a few ideas to get the wheel turning. Your weekend plans are just about to get a whole lot more festive.
Host a themed Harry Potter movie marathon
Don your wizard robes and whisk the family’s imagination straight to Hogwarts. Harry Potter is beloved by everyone from the young to the young-at-heart. The theming of these movies is cohesive and rich, which makes pulling elements for your party all the more fun.
Get your hands on some hand-held battery-powered candles and hang them from the ceiling to create the ultimate wizardry ambiance. Decorate with the crests of each Hogwarts house on the walls and themed coloring with streamers or door tinsel.
If you’d like to get even more hands-on, have fun crafting wands from chopsticks, hot glue, and paint with the kids, so everyone can have a turn trying to conjure up their Patronus.
Before the movie begins, whip out a large hat to “sort” everyone into their respective houses and dish out store-bought or homemade butterbeer, made with cream soda mixed with caramel and butter extract, for refreshments.
For added fun between movies, sprinkle in some Harry Potter trivia or a costume contest to make a night that can’t be beat.
Ultimate Galentine’s or Lady’s Night Movie Party
When it comes to lady’s night, three ingredients come to mind: aesthetics, self-care, and only the finest of rom-com. Don your comfiest robes and settle in for a night of pampering and laughs with your life’s favorite gals.
Have fun with decorating your home theater to maximum levels of Instagram-worthy looks and treats. Buy colorful popcorn boxes and fill them with delectable custom-flavored popcorn and break out the mason jars with coordinated straws, filled to the brim with fruity cocktails. Deck out your space with metallic letter balloons, flower garland, and fuzzy blankets for a cozy and fun atmosphere.
Make the evening even better by mixing in a little self-care. Disposable face masks can add a young and healthy glow to your skin while kicking back and relaxing. Grab a manicure kit and have fun painting and decorating your nails while chatting the night away.
Of course, this night isn’t complete without a selection of modern and classic rom-com. We recommend:
- Always Be My Maybe (2019)
- When Harry met Sally (1989)
- Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
- Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
- The Big Sick (2017)
- 50 First Dates (2004)
The Heroic Marvel Movie Marathon
First of all, when we’re talking about Marvel movies, it’s best not to attempt to watch them all. Otherwise, you’re looking at a 50-hour marathon! It’s best to pick a theme, like all of the Iron Man movies or all of a particular phase of movies. That part is up to you!
Your space can quickly turn into a heroic hideaway with movie posters and toy weapons donning the walls. Paint paper lanterns to resemble movie iconographies, like Iron Man’s mask or the Avengers’ logo. If you’re feeling particularly spicy and want to horrify your favorite nerd, fill apothecary jars with fine grey sand and cheekily label them with certain character’s names. (Those who get it will get it.)
A marathon of heroes deserves heroic snacks. If shawarma is available in your area, that’s a deliciously not-so-subtle nod to the first Avengers movie. If not, gyros will be a fine substitute.
If you’re feeling creative, use cheese or Rice Krispies to craft treats in the shape of Thor’s hammer Mjolner or lovingly arrange a charcuterie tray into Cap’s shield.
The possibilities, much like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, are pretty much endless.
Disney Princess Movie Party
Hear ye, hear ye, you are cordially invited to a princess party. All members of the royal family must don their fanciest of wear—we’re talking poofy dresses and princely suits. Break out the tiaras and costume jewelry or dedicate a portion of the evening to playing with acrylic stones and craft foam to make your own.
A princess party needs a décor fit for a queen (I mean, there will certainly be at least one Elsa in the bunch), so decorate in rich reds and pinks and throw in a cardboard stand-up princess for good measure.
This kind of party is a great way to not only bond with the sweet kiddos in your life but engage in some learning along the way. Disney princesses hail from far-off kingdoms not only in Europe but around the world. Use this as an opportunity to teach cultural awareness and learn about other countries’ foods. For example, order Chinese dumplings or traditional Chinese dishes while watching Mulan; try a Kringle, popular in Scandinavia if you partake in Frozen; or order in some spicy cajun food complete with pillowy beignets for the Princess and the Frog.
Your home theater is more than just a place to watch movies, it’s a gathering place to make lasting memories. Connect with your friends, family, and loved ones in your home or COVID pod to make your time indoors a total blast.
If you’re dreaming of a home theater system fit for royalty, SCS Entertainment can make it happen. Our team of experts will custom design the perfect entertainment or smart home solution to fit your family’s needs.