Whether it’s date night at the theater or a cozy family night on the couch, movies have a way of bringing us together. When it’s warm in South Dakota, it can be fun to take the movie magic outdoors and gather under the stars. Here are our tips for planning a night that’s sure to please family and friends.

Easy Essentials

A projector, audio speakers and computer are essential technology. A free projector might be tough to track down, but they are available at most rental companies and easy to purchase. Need a portable screen? No worries. Just hang a white sheet or painter’s drop cloth. You could also skip it and project onto the side of a building if it’s clean and light colored. Don’t forget extension cords.

Sunset Savvy

Pay attention to sunset and plan your festivities accordingly. You want to start the movie when it’s dark, so this could be 9 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., depending on the time of year. Starting later gives you time to host dinner and play yard games. Starting early may mean you can squeeze in two movies; family-friendly first for the kiddos and then one for the adults after they go to bed.

Comfy and Cozy

Keep your audience comfy by providing blankets and pillows for lounging or ask them to bring their own. Hang bistro lights to set the mood, segment food from the theater seating and make sure your guests can see where they’re going. Set out mosquito repellent spray and fire up citronella candles to protect your guests against bugs and other pests.

Snack Stylishly  

The best part of any movie night is the food. Snack stylishly by creating a buffet table out of pallets or cement blocks and plywood. Cover with a cute tablecloth and add a flower centerpiece for a touch of greenery.

When it comes to the menu, keep it simple. Finger foods like kabobs or meats and cheeses paired with crackers work well for flexible dining. A popcorn bar with butter and assorted toppings transforms the traditional snack into a bold, salty or tangy mix. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, a selection of classic movie candies or toasty s’mores are two of our favorites. In fact, we have the perfect recipe for campfire ice cream s’mores.

No matter what’s on the menu, South Dakota soybean farmers have you covered. Pigs, cows, chickens and turkeys love to eat protein-packed soybeans as part of a balanced diet. Healthy animals mean you’re serving up quality milk, eggs, cheese and meats for your guests.

Movie Magic

Select your movie based on your guest list. The classics or a comedy are always a great bet. Depending on who’s there, it might be “Grease,” “8 Seconds” or “The Goonies.” When it comes to kids, you can’t go wrong with anything Pixar or Disney. “Jurassic Park” or “Jaws” might be fun if you’re feeling adventurous, but watch out. Your backyard may never feel the same again.

Now that you have the basics for hosting an outdoor movie night, it’s time to get the invites out and start planning the menu. Here’s a recipe for Green Chicken Souvlaki Kabobs that’s sure to please. See our recipes for more ideas.

Print Recipe

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Kabobs

Course

Main Dish

Servings

Ingredients

The kabobs

• 4 large chicken breasts
• 1 Red Onion chopped into large pieces
• 10 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes
• kabob skewers

The marinade

• 3 lemons
• 1/3 cup Olive Oil
• 4 tbsp fresh dill
• 2 tbsp dried oregano
• fresh ground pepper to taste

Course Main Dish Servings Ingredients The kabobs 4 large chicken breasts 1 Red Onion chopped into large pieces 10 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes kabob skewers The marinade 3 lemons 1/3 cup Olive Oil 4 tbsp fresh dill 2 tbsp dried oregano fresh ground pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cut lemons in half and squeeze juice into medium-sized container.
2. Mix in olive oil, fresh dill, oregano and pepper. Set aside.
3. Cube chicken breasts into large chunks for kabobs.
4. Marinate chicken in lemon and olive oil mixture overnight or for 6-8 hours prior to serving.
5. If using wooden kabob sticks, soak in water for about one hour prior to assembling kabobs.
6. Assemble kabobs alternating between chicken, onion and tomatoes.
7. Grill on medium heat until internal temperature of chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
8. Flip kabobs halfway through grilling. Roughly 4-6 minutes per side. Enjoy!