Host a Backyard Movie Night

Although the first commercial popcorn machine debuted in Chicago in 1885, it wasn’t until the 1920s—when the snack was introduced into movie theaters—that things started to heat up. Soon after, popcorn’s affordable price during the Great Depression helped make it the nation’s go-to nibble.

In 1924, American Popcorn Company founder Cloid H. Smith created a metal can for his “Jolly Time” brand, which sealed in moisture to keep kernels fresher than cardboard packaging, and other makers soon followed.

Today, these vintage vessels make for conversation-sparking serving vessels, which may mean you'll need to do some mid-movie shhh-ing.

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Hardware store drop cloth—you know, that heavy-duty canvas that painters use to protect floors and furniture—is a secret weapon of DIYers, and it makes for a durable, and easily customizable, blanket for movie-watching. Wash and iron your desired size drop cloth, then use fabric paint to give it a fun decorative flourish, such as stripes or a red gingham checkerboard motif. (Use painter's tape to map out your pattern.) You can also consider an embellishment that plays off the movie theme—Hudson Bay stripes for a movie about summer camp, or stenciled stars for a film about outer space.

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Let the good times roll! The backyard staple makes for a clever (and mobile!) bar cart. Simply give it a good hose-down, then fill it with ice and an assortment of soda, wine, and other refreshments.

There is something about snacks served in cone form that is universally beloved, and these tater tots are no exception. (Nestle them in glass jelly jars to keep them upright in a vintage soda crate.)

Get the recipe for Parmesan Tater Tots.

How cute are these single servings of popcorn in enamelware mugs? To give your popcorn a flavor kick, author and entertaining expert Katie Jacobs suggests stirring together, 1/2 cup popped popcorn, 3 Tbsp. melted butter and 1 Tbsp. brown sugar in a bowl. You can also try tossing 1/2 cup popped popcorn, 1 tsp. each red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and a little kosher salt in a bowl.

Create your own mini version of a movie theater concessions stand, complete with an old-school popcorn maker, retro popcorn boxes, and a heaping helping of soda.

A candy bar is always a hit, but consider taking things up a notch with brownies that incorporate your favorite theater candy. Stir 1/2 cup Milk Duds (or Reese’s Pieces or Junior Mints) into a store-bought brownie mix. Sprinkle another 1/2 cup on top after baking.

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For ambient lighting that won't fight with the big screen, fill small glass jars with grass and a string of battery-operated fairy lights.

An antique three-tiered plant stand can be repurposed into a decorative snacks station stocked with ice, drinks, nibbles, and more. Vintage napkins clipped to twine make for sweet summery bunting.

Should temperatures dip after dusk, movie-watchers will appreciate a blanket station stocked with an assortment of cozy throws.

Tereasa Surratt of Wisconsin's famed Camp Wandawega swears by this snack mix of peanuts and Red Hots, which she serves in a vintage thermos lid. You can also create a snack station that encourages guests to create their own version of trail mix incorporating nuts, popcorn, and popular movie theater candy.