There is something so nostalgic and delightful about watching a movie under the stars. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity with your kids, planning a laid-back get-together with friends, or just want to soak in the joys of summer in a new way, host a backyard movie night – it’s easier (and more magical) than you might think. We’ve got the checklist and tips you need to host the perfect backyard movie night! At Shookhill Secret, we love events that feel special but aren’t fussy. Hosting a backyard movie night checks all those boxes: it’s cozy, casual, kid-approved, and surprisingly easy to set up. All you need is a projector, a portable screen (or a white sheet), and a good movie. Add blankets, pillows, a few string lights or lanterns, bug spray and you’re already halfway there. One of our favorite ways to make it extra fun is by using inflatable kiddie pools. Line them with soft blankets and oversized pillows so to create cozy little nests to curl up in. For guests who prefer not to climb into an inflatable pool, arrange folding chairs, loungers, or deck chairs behind the ground level pool seating. Make sure that everyone can see the screen. If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard pool, or know someone with a pool who is willing to host, inflate large floating rings and add waterproof candles to the pool. It will set the stage for a very splashy movie experience. Snacks are a must, of course. We keep it easy and crowd-pleasing: big bowls of classic popcorn, a tray of homemade muddy buddies (a hit with both kids and adults), and a cooler packed with colorful store-bought popsicles. These no-fuss options mean you won’t spend all evening in the kitchen. Add a large dispenser of lemonade and a stack of paper cups, then let your guests refill at their leisure. We recommend setting up a table for the refreshment station close to the group and lighting it with a lantern or battery-operated light. Keep the vibe relaxed and simple. Choose a movie everyone can enjoy—something lighthearted and fun. If you have little ones in the crowd, go for a classic animated feature or a feel-good family film. Older crowds might enjoy a nostalgic throwback, a summer blockbuster or a collection of short documentary films. The key to how to host the perfect backyard movie night is keeping it easy. Let guests bring their own blankets or chairs if they like. Add citronella candles or a bug spray station to keep everyone comfortable. And remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable. There’s something inherently charming about outdoor movie nights—the flicker of the screen, the laughter in the air, and the simple joy of sharing a summer night under the stars. Here is our Movie Night Checklist: Epson Projector (connected to a laptop) Extension Cord Portable screen or white sheet attached to a house wall Battery operated lights Inflatable pools or inflatable rings for the pool Blankets & pillows Citronella candles Movie night napkins, cups and small bowls Drink dispenser for lemonade (from our Entertaining Essentials list) Cooler for popsicles Snacks (Muddy Buddies, popcorn & popsicles) So roll out the screen, gather your people, and let the good times roll. With just a little prep, you’ll be the go-to host for the perfect backyard movie night.
Entertaining
Celebrating the Fourth of July…
Community, Connection, and the Simple Joys of Summer! There’s something about celebrating the Fourth of July that always brings us back to the heart of summer—the scent of something sizzling on the grill, the joy of sparklers in our hands, and the unmistakable sound of laughter drifting through the warm evening air. While the holiday marks our nation’s independence, it’s also a perfect moment to slow down and celebrate the people and places that make life feel full. In today’s climate, it feels more important than ever to focus on togetherness. Whether it’s gathering in the backyard with neighbors, spending a few extra hours with family, or just soaking up the joy of your own traditions, Independence Day is the perfect excuse to reconnect—with each other and with our communities. Here at Shookhill Secret, we’re leaning into what matters: Simple traditions, thoughtful hosting, and celebrating the freedoms we enjoy through the lens of gratitude, not grandeur. Local Traditions We Love Every town has its own unique Fourth of July rhythm. In your community, that might mean a charming small-town parade where kids ride bikes decorated with streamers and families gather along sidewalks with folding chairs and iced coffees. Or maybe it’s a local baseball game with fireworks at dusk, where the community comes together under one sky. Not into big crowds? Set up a picnic in the backyard with red-and-white blankets and mason jars filled with lemonade and local flowers. It’s less about how you celebrate and more about who you celebrate with. Hosting with Heart If you’re planning to host, keep it relaxed and welcoming. Offer a menu that highlights local seasonal produce—think grilled corn, farmers market watermelon, and a pitcher of strawberry-basil iced tea. Need help pulling it together, check out our list of Hosting Essentials to help you stay ahead of the prep (and still enjoy the party). Set up simple outdoor activities like cornhole, badmitten, or bubbles and chalk for kids, and don’t forget an easy-to-reach cooler stocked with sparkling waters and cold drinks. A homemade dessert like peach cobbler, or a DIY ice cream bar or s’mores tray never fails. A Celebration for Everyone We love Eleanor Roosevelt’s reminder that “True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on Earth.” This year, we’re holding space for all the ways people experience and express what this day means—while making room for joy, connection, and gratitude. So celebrate the Fourth of July. Let’s light the sparklers, slice the pie, and toast to the good stuff: community, love, and the beauty of slowing down and celebrating life—together.