How to Plan A "Movie Night-In".
Hey #SEBfamily!
Over here at Spoonie Essentials Box, we have been talking about ways to practice "Self-Care Staying-In" and we thought what a cool D.I.Y #DateNightIn Activity it would be to change it up a bit and plan a "Movie Night-in" with friends or family? That would be so fun, right?We know, you're like "wait what plan? energy use? people over? what?". But don't freak out, we've got you covered. We know how much energy it can take to do things you have to do, let a lone extras. So for this one we suggest either getting a "planning partner", start planning early enough to do a little at a time each day", or none of the above and just shoot out a text saying "Movie Night-In my house. Date, Time, What to bring if it applies" and you're done. '
Now if you're not with the winging it plan, we want to make sure you've got all your bases covered, so we put together a quick reference guide to help make your next "Movie Night-in" epic!
First things first, "Movie Night-in" is supposed to be a fun at home social gathering. Meaning low energy, minimal planning and using as little spoons on your part as possible. So to be clear you do not need fancy invites, costumes, or themed decorations. You do not need to spend all day in the kitchen cooking. Nope, you don't need a hashtag either but you can use #SEBMyDate18 if you want lol.
What you do need are four things: friends or family, a movie, a place to watch the movie with some kind of movie-watching device, and snacks. Well, five things, really, because you also need drinks.
The point is, it is a very low-effort, high-satisfaction at home activity. (If you did want to roast a duck, though, I'm sure it would be appreciated. lol)
But a little pre-planning (days or weeks in advance if you need to stretch out the planning just to save your own energy) will help make the ultimate result more fun, and also people will have a great time without burning up too many spoons.
1. Pick a movie.
This is basic but kind of import, Pick a movie. Just pick one. Any one. Whatever it is, it will be better than sitting around in a group and scrolling through Netflix until everyone can agree.
The problem, in my experience, is that if you don't pick something in advance, you will end up watching no movies at all (which is fine, but then it is not a movie night). But new experiences are great, though. We heartily endorse them. There is a whole world of cinema out there! There are reviews of most of it! Take a chance. Live on the edge. And pick a movie.
Pro-Tip: If you're using Netflix try looking through the trending movies and new releases lists to find a movie most have not seen yet. That way you all experience the movie together for the first time!
2. Research The Movie.
After you decide on the movie you want to have at your "Movie Night-in", just to be safe, do a google search. Make sure there aren't any topics, scenes, or potentially really offensive moments in your movie. We aren't advocating censorship, but we are suggesting you be thoughtful of your friends and family in attendance.
Pro-Tip: In researching this article we did read a few articles that suggested you should enhance your movie nights by inventing games, or writing intense movie-themed trivia. We suppose you could do these things if you wanted. Maybe it would be great! The future is unpredictable. In general, though, we aren't trying to create a forced fun vibe though. So just another idea if you're into that sort of thing. :)
3. Details in Seating.
It should not be a surprise that people are coming over, because you invited them too. But here's the thing, you know your friends and family better than anyone, so if you know that someone needs more room for their assistive device or health accommodation you should make sure to have a plan to make sure they do. Bring in some chairs, or floor pillows, or decorative ottomans. Whatever you can to make comfort key. Cuddles should be a choice — not a necessary result of space limits. Lol.
Pro-Tip: Also have blankets, many of us with chronic illness are always a bit chilly. Being warm and comfortable are the perfect combination at "Movie Night-in"!
4. Take Snacks Seriously.
If you are going to go all out on anything, go all out on snacks.
You can make a meal like the Bean Soup we included in the #SEBDateNightIn Spoonie Essentials Box or you can have just little nibbles.
Should you have a theme? Maybe! Movie-related foods can be a lot of fun — I mean, if you are going to watch Mystic Pizza, it seems like it would be fun to make some sort of pizza— but if your film of choice does not lend itself to thematic snacks that is fine too. Ideally you want to find something that the most people are able to enjoy. Many of us with chronic illness have dietary restrictions and aren't able to do many of the more traditional movie theatre snacks.
Another option to avoid not having a dish that everyone can enjoy is too allow people to bring their own snacks they can enjoy that go along with the theme of the movie or just their "favorite movie snack".
Try thinking about foods that can safely be eaten off a plate in someone's lap. Homemade snacks raise the bar, but there is no shame in takeout if you know of a place that would be perfect for your "Movie Night-in" so that you do not have to use up any energy creating snacks.
Pro-Tip: Napkins are critical, especially if you like your couch lol.
5. Drinks.
w/ & w/out Alcohol.
Drinks have so many possibilities. Wine goes well with pretty much all movies right? Lol. Although it is good to have at least one fun non-alcoholic option, for non-drinkers, drivers, thirsty people, and people who get sleepy. The key is having options just to help make sure the most people are happy.
Pro-Tip: bottled water! Most people can have water, so no matter what else you have, have water!
Xo SEB
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