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Making family movie night fun not only saves you money compared to heading out to the movie theater, but it lets you make the experience your own. With the average home television set well over 32″ and many home theater systems now in the affordable category, it’s easier than ever to get the gang together for a movie and snacks. Plus you control the room temperature, who sits next to you, and you can pause the movie when you need a refreshment break! Plus, you can laugh, cry, or scream to your heart’s content and no one can shush you or tell you to turn off your cellphone.
But to lure your spouse and kids away from the bright lights of the expensive multiplex, you’re going to have to get creative. Make movie night at home as special as the expensive alternative by having great snacks and little extras that make it more like a party. It doesn’t have to be expensive, decorations can be homemade and snacks created with a themed twist. For instance, the film I chose for our movie night is “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” It’s a chance to use bright colors like orange, lime green, and teal, all colors that are found throughout the film (Google your film’s name plus “movie stills” if you need inspiration).
Movie Snacks
I could have made an Indian-inspired snack, but I know my family and watching a movie means there must be popcorn! So I chose Gold Emblem Abound Heavenly Light Popcorn, Bacon Ranch Popcorn, Kettle Corn, and Spicy Sriracha.
Perfect Popcorn Mix-ins
Perfect Popcorn Mix-ins
But plain popcorn won’t do! We need some sweet for the salty and salty for the sweet!
There was also supposed to be a bag of CVS Gold Emblem Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds. But they are truly decadent and so good that they didn’t make it to movie night! I made the mistake of taste testing them….several nights in a row …until they were gone. They will definitely be invited to our next movie night.
Easy Movie Night Decor
I looked around the house and pulled things that had a little Indian flair or that was in the color scheme of teal, turquoise, and lime. I found a round mirrored tile I placed under a simple galvanized lantern I use for lots of parties. I served the popcorn and mix-ins in colorful metal plant pots I picked up at my local grocery store’s floral section for $2-$5. Not only were they the perfect colors, but they had embossed patterns that were the inspiration for my treat bag DIY craft project (see below). I also did a quick DIY canvas using masking tape, three colors of paint, and my electronic cutter to create the lettering. I also picked up the striped table runner, lime napkins, and the bird chalkboard makers (my most expensive item at $12).
I pulled spools of ribbon out of my scrap-booking stash and found several lime green with white polka dots and checks and I tied them around my glass milk bottles – I love these bottles and use them all the time. I also found some corker ribbon I purchase for a project but never competed. It worked great for adding color to the pitcher.
The plastic and metal scoops for the popcorn and mix-ins were an online purchase. They’re very inexpensive and can be used around the house in so many ways after movie night, and I used a Weck canning jar to show off the green and blue polka dot paper straws.
The large metal serving tray is another favorite serving item you’ve probably seen me use many times. It’s so versatile. This time, I cut the table runner to fit the tray to give it color and to protect it from any cranberry juice spills.
Using what you have around the house can save you so much money! I spent less than $50 on snacks, drinks, and decor for six people. That is much less than the cost of movie tickets and popcorn at the theater for sure! Plus, who doesn’t love snuggling up on the couch and watching together!
Easy Sparkling Cranberry Lemonade
To sip while we watch the movie, I’ve made a simple but delicious Sparkling Cranberry Lemonade with no-cook homemade lemon syrup, CVS Gold Emblem Abound Organic Cranberry Juice, and lemon-lime soda.
- 3 lemons, divided
- 4 Tbls granulated sugar
- 1 33.8oz Gold Emblem Abound Organic Cranberry Juice
- 16 oz seltzer water or lemon lime soda
- frozen whole cranberries
- Lemon syrup:: At least 3 hours before serving (or up to a week ahead and keep refrigerated), wash the lemons thoroughly. Set one aside for garnish.
- Cut two lemons into small chunks, about ¼" square. Place in a small bowl or cup* and add the sugar. Stir to incorporate. (*always use non-reactive tools when working with citrus - stainless steel, ceramic, or glass is best).
- Cover and allow the sugar and lemon mixture to sit at room temperature for at least 3 hours or until the sugar is completely dissolved. Stir it every 30 minutes or so making sure the sugar coating the sides gets mixed in.
- When the sugar is completely dissolved, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer. Squeeze the chunks of lemon to get as much liquid as possible. The yield should be about 8 tablespoons Discard the solids or use them as garnish. I used a few in the ice chamber of my pitcher with frozen cranberries. If you don't have an ice chamber, add the cranberries to the pitcher with the sliced lemons.
- Just before serving: In a large pitcher, pour the CVS Abound Organic Cranberry Juice and 4
tbls lemon syrup. Taste and add more lemon (I use 6 Tbls). Add 16 oz seltzer water or lemon lime soda (I use dietlemon lime ). Taste again and serve ice cold. Garnish with sliced lemons. - Store any leftover lemon syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Use it in your iced tea or add water or sparkling soda for delicious lemonade.
DIY Crafts: Make Your Own Popcorn or Party Bags
I decorated my own popcorn bags with the same colors and a geometric stencil that evokes a feel of India. My cost or this project was ZERO – I had everything on hand, and you probably have too! If you don’t have paint, you may have yarn or ribbon that you can use instead.
Save on CVS Gold Emblem Products
You’ll find Gold Emblem abound Snack, Grocery, and Beverage Coupons on the CVS Pharmacy Free Printable Coupon Page. Clip and print the coupons along with others that can save you hundreds of dollars on products at CVS.
This sounds like so much fun and I think we’re going to have to try this really soon as a family!
We are big fans of family movie night, especially on the weekends! Love the popcorn mix in ideas
Yes, these are definitely some great ideas. I’m going to do this, this weekend with the boychild.
Such great ideas! I love having family movie nights and we could use some new ideas! I think these are great!
You did such a good job with the eats and drinks. Everyting looks great!
We love having family movie night. Popcorn is always required. I’d like to add the cranberry lemonade for myself. 😉
My family is really into family movie nights as a way to spend time together & have some fun. I hadn’t really considered how much you save versus going to a movie theatre. These snacks are super yummy inspiration!
Movie night is always a fun time at our house. I am always looking for new snacks to try.
I’ve always thought I got it all going with my own movie nights but you certainly made me want to make that Cranberry Lemonade! This will be perfect for my Netflix and/or Hulu.
I just got a Circle unit yesterday, so movie night now means I can pause all the internet in the house so we can focus together. No more distractions!
Oh! We love family movie night too and of course, popcorn never missed out the party! I’m so glad that you show great ideas and I can’t wait to try all of them tonight!
Family movie nights were some of the best times at our house. There is so much you can do to make them special and unique.
What a great way to have family movie night, I am all about our weekly Family Friday Nights, going to try to make this one of those nights!
Those are some really cute, creative ways to really make movie night special. I will have to step up my game next family movie night.
These are some great movie night ideas. I will have to stop at CVS for snacks for our next movie night.
I like your mix-ins idea. I’d love to have a family movie night soon. We’ll definitely need some snacks.
Thanks so much for sharing these great snack ideas. Movie night is always better when you’re stuffing your face! =D
I love all your ideas for making popcorn THAT much better. I already love popcorn but add chocolate and it’s the best.
These are great snack ideas. I would probably mix the trial mix with the popcorn. Nom nom nom.
We are all about the snacks in our house. We love flavored popcorn especially!