SPECIAL SECTION: OUTDOOR & GARDEN
CINEMA UNDER THE STARS
Now is a perfect time to get cosy and catch a flick outdoors with friends and family.
BY KIRA VERMOND
SVETIKD / GETTYIMAGES. COM. AU
Costco member Dave Durbin set up a digital movie projector in autumn 2021. He borrowed a neighbour’ s screen, lit two propane heaters to ward off the night’ s chill and welcomed his teenage daughter’ s friends into their backyard. The girls, with sleeping bags and mugs of hot chocolate, settled in to watch the original Ghostbusters outside.“ It was almost like a drive-in in our backyard,” Durbin says.“ And the nice thing about when it’ s freezing cold: no bugs.”
A lack of pesky mosquitoes isn’ t the only upside to hosting a backyard movie this time of year. Outdoor get-togethers are a safer way to connect with others during cold and flu season. Besides, it gets dark early, so the party can wrap up before your booming movie soundtrack drives neighbours bonkers.
“ It’ s important to have events where people can just engage again, have a good time and create memories,” says Cristie Rosling, owner of Umbrella Events, an event planning company.“ You just have to go heavy on the blankets.”
From movie projectors to external speakers, blankets, mood lighting and snacks( lots of snacks), here’ s what will make your backyard movie bash a night to remember, no matter the budget.
Set the stage
When it comes to throwing a memorable, starry cinema night, ambience is everything. Hang twinkly lights to give the night some glamour while providing enough illumination to avoid tripping on the way to the snack table. Or light the way with LED flameless candles that can be controlled remotely.
You’ ll want your guests to be warm and comfortable. Providing cosy plush blankets is a good start. Have stacks of hand warmers at the ready, extra beanies and mittens, and propane heaters for extra comfort. If dew or drizzling is expected, an event canopy to keep guests dry is a good idea. >
COSTCO CONNECTION MAY / JUN 2023 | 33