Now Playing: The Backyard Movie Theatre

Backyard movie night! Would you do one in your yard? We bought this projector and screen off my brother in law a couple years ago when he got a fancy new rig. But until recently, we'd just been turning the fireside Adirondacks toward the screen or grabbing bag chairs. Not cute. Here's how I stepped up our outdoor theatre— only one NEW item was purchased. I hope you’ll be inspired to make your own!

Lighting

The string of plastic lights, I tried to sell them on Marketplace ages ago and got zero bites, thank goodness! They usually live in Paris' room. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣

Curtains

These were a thrift store spend of $8. Wrought iron chairs hold our screen up and look so ridiculous-- the curtains not only disguise that, they also add a theatre touch. ⁣⁣

Rug⁣⁣

This outdoor rug gives a sense of place, adds some structure, and can be easily wiped afterward. I'll use this for picnics, too. It was $60. ⁣ ⁣

Kid table

This low, long table is just two plant stands my dad built, topped with a big piece of leftover wood I found in the furnace room. That scrap was even sanded and whitewashed! What luck! Stable and cute, I'll also be using this table for children's get togethers. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣

Cozy touches

Baskets full of blankets were mixed & matched from around my house. I bought (and washed) one cozy thrift store blanket as an extra. ⁣Summer nights can really cool off so it's handy to have these around.⁣ ⁣⁣

Seating

I dragged pieces of our sectional from under the pergola over to the lawn. With a sectional apart, it's surprising how much seating it offers. My friends' family of 4 ended up snuggling up on one piece! ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣

Pillow seating was from my house and second hand from the buy & sell. I found a couple of beautiful boho shams at the thrift shop as well.

Layering

I did end up turning an Adirondack chair toward the screen but by stealing a pillow from the sectional and tossing a blanket overtop, it looked like part of the scene.

⁣⁣ ⁣⁣All together, I maaaaybe spent a hundred dollars on this makeover and kept my textile footprint way down, which is always a goal for me. I was just peeking online to check projector and screen prices for you and I bet you could snag a pair for under $300. My best advice: have it by a tree or fence so you can tie the top of the stand to something. And I'd love to hear your feedback: is there anything you'd add to this little theatre-scape? I’m thinking about a chalkboard sandwich board :)

xo M