Bedknobs and Broomsticks

Last summer my mother gifted us an outdoor television. It was incredibly generous of her and felt very extravagant. Our good friend Jeremy, who just happens to be an AV guy, mounted it on a moveable stand so that we could wheel the T.V down to the pool for truly indulgent summer days. Though the thought was there, we never actually followed through and hadn’t used the T.V once. We moved it inside during the winter months where it sat idly by waiting for it’s day in the sun. When the weather finally turned sunny and warm I decided to put our gift to good use and arranged our first ever outdoor family and friends movie night.

I had seen plenty of fun outdoor movie night ideas on Pinterest and had been longing to host one of my own. The sad fact that we had yet to use our super fancy outdoor T.V was all the motivation I needed to start planning. The kids loved the idea of it and were the most impressed so I geared the whole night towards them.

I chose the old classic movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks, one of my childhood favorites, as our entertainment for the evening. I loved the idea of introducing my kids and their friends to a Disney classic and was excited to watch it myself seeing as it had been years since I last saw it.

A classic kid movie, delicious food, and a candy cart for dessert. What a life these kids have!

I found a bunch of great finger food recipes on Pinterest that I knew would be perfect for eating off plates held in little laps. Next time I host movie night I’ll skip serving dinner and just go straight for the popcorn and candy, but for the first one I wanted to really go for it. I loved the idea of these mac and cheese bites for their kid friendliness and ease of preparation. I doubled the recipe and did them in regular sized muffin tins. They were so good everybody had at least two!

I used my ice cream scooper to make quick work of dolling out the mac and cheese.
They may not have been mini but they were still perfect.

The next recipe I decided to try were these incredibly delicious mini corn dogs. They looked so good on Jo Cooks blog and they did not disappoint. I was also able to prep these bad boys a day in advance which was incredibly useful. In fact, I did everything the day before and then only had to turn the oven on, heat up the oil and get everything baked, fried or cooked moments before my guests arrived. The corn dogs took only moments to prepare and fried up in no time at all. They were a big hit with everyone and went quick.

Crispy, corny deliciousness.
I purchased the fly cover from World Market. Super smart buy on my part.
Suitable for big kids as well.

The last tasty treat on the menu were these super simple pizza pinwheels. Josh was a huge help with this one and whipped them up in about 10 minutes. Again we did them the day before and stuck them in the freezer overnight. I took them out the next morning and let them thaw a bit in the fridge before slicing and baking. I forgot to pick up ranch dressing which would have made these even more perfect but everyone seemed pretty pleased with having just the marinara sauce to dip them in. My niece Madison ate nine of them. That’s right nine. I wouldn’t recommend it though, she felt pretty sick afterwards.

A plate of pinwheels. What could be better than that?
Perfect finger food for kids (or adults) eating off their laps.

One of my favorite things about going to the movies is the plethora of candy choices. My go-to candies are junior mints and milk duds. I usually indulge in both so I have enough sustenance to get me through a two hour movie. I decided that a candy cart would be the perfect dessert for movie night and went all out in stocking up on choices. Honestly I went a little too far and have so much candy left over it’ll last me through the rest of the summer and probably well into the fall. Which is a problem since I can’t seem to stop myself from grabbing a handful every time I pass by it. The baby growing inside me is a big M&M’s fan, however momma needs to be careful about putting on too much pregnancy weight. Not only for my upcoming T.V show, but more importantly, for mine and the babies health. I’ll be honest though, it is DAMN HARD to resist!

I also made homemade sparkling lemonade and used vinegar shrubs for added flavoring. They were the perfect summer evening refresher and the kids loved that they could choose their own flavors.

We had M&M's, Whoppers, Junior Mints, Milk Duds, Raisinets, and Twizzlers. Too much?
Easy homemade lemonade.
Like kids in a candy store!

I knew I had plenty of sweets with the candy cart but I couldn’t resist making these easy and divine oven baked s’mores. Again I used my regular sized muffin tin and made the graham cracker crust the day before. They are a cinch to assemble and baked up in about 8 minutes. By the time I brought them out everyone was pretty stuffed on candy and sweets but no one could resist trying one.

These s'mores treats are simple and beyond delicious.
Naleigh perfectly presenting her s'mores for photographing.

Our outdoor movie night was a huge success and I’m already planning the next one. Like I said I may skip the dinner options and just stick with candy and popcorn. Though I’m guessing I’ll find a bunch more recipes on Pinterest I’m dying to try so who knows, I may just go all out all over again!

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25 Comments

  • Vanessa Johnson

    That is so fun Katherine! I love to do “Movie Party Nights” with my niece (7) and nephew (5); if I can, I try to have the food/dessert match what the movie is (Lilo & Stitch, I did Hawaiian – Luau). I think my favorite has been Lady & the Tramp – Spaghetti (buttered noodles actually) – table dressed like the scene from Bella Notte (checkered table, battery operated candles) and for dessert, I made cupcakes that looked like Spaghetti & Meatballs.

    July 21, 2016 at 6:43 pm Reply
  • Heidi

    It looks magical! I wish for an outdoor theater, someday. Awesome family memories…

    July 21, 2016 at 6:53 pm Reply
  • Tiffany

    A night made in movie watching heaven, how fun!

    July 21, 2016 at 9:59 pm Reply
  • Linda Guiffreda- Baker

    I grew up with the drive-ins and Mom’s wonderful homemade treats we kids gobbled up in the back seat. Katherine, you’ve created the NOW version of the drive-in and your kids will have these wonderful memories for years to come. Why, it IS the yellow frosting on the cake!!!

    July 21, 2016 at 10:15 pm Reply
  • Lisa

    They make outdoor TV’s? That’s awesome!! Your place looks so lovely.

    July 21, 2016 at 11:59 pm Reply
  • Chrissy

    Can’t beat those Disney classics! Makes me want to tuck in and watch it myself!

    July 22, 2016 at 2:03 am Reply
  • Elizabeth

    Just found your blog and I LOVE it! Thanks for keeping it real and for your great ideas. My kids would love the mac and cheese cups. 🙂

    July 22, 2016 at 2:12 am Reply
  • Cami

    Hi Katherine!

    We’ve been hosting ‘Movie Night’ – drive in style for years. We live in an area where most everyone have a riding lawnmower. We use our large garage/barn door draped with a sheet screen. It’s been a huge hit and something we all look forward to. Also, our last movie of the season is around Halloween. Thankfully there are so many good kid movies to make this fun for adults as well. (Monster House is my favorite) Thanks for sharing your movie night with us. Love your blog, recipes and tips. You’re amazing! Xo

    July 22, 2016 at 2:42 am Reply
  • Kat

    Hi Katherine
    I just came across your blog. Great timing on my part, as I just happened to go to a drive in movie theatre last weekend. I’m 51 and just happened to be driving past the theatre when “The Secret Life of Pets” was playing. I have trained dogs as a hobby for more than 25 years and just couldn’t help myself. I guess we’re all just kids inside our head.
    Thanks for the wonderful read. I’m a new fan of your blog. Keep writing, you’re good at it.

    July 22, 2016 at 4:20 am Reply
  • Giselle

    Looks like the best time! Love that Naleigh girl and can’t wait to catch up when school rolls around. Tell her Rajko says hi!

    July 22, 2016 at 5:32 am Reply
  • Tiphaine

    An outside living-room…..so perfect. I didnt know that outdoor TV existed, incredible.
    As well the food seems appetizing ^^

    July 22, 2016 at 12:37 pm Reply
  • Debora Brown

    Katherine, I recently discovered your blog through your husband’s site-love his music!!! My 17 and 14 year old girls did a marathon Netflex last summer of Grey’s Anatomy-they are huge fans! I’m the parent(recently widowed) of six beautiful children-2 by the old fashioned way and 4 by adoption( China, domestic foster baby, Ethiopia sibs). My first grand baby(Weston) will enter this crazy life in 4-6 weeks! I’m still amazed that you are writing this blog with all you are doing!! Your children are precious and the view from the outside area is breathtaking! Thank you for sharing with us!

    July 22, 2016 at 2:03 pm Reply
  • Sana Abrar

    Waao..lovely…seems real fun..keep it up!

    July 23, 2016 at 5:41 am Reply
  • Dawn

    Lovely all the way around!! Especially love the mountain views..spectacular!

    July 24, 2016 at 12:53 am Reply
  • Mary

    I just have to say that the scenery behind the TV would totally distract me from watching a Disney movie or any other movie!! It is breathtaking!! The food looks and sounds incredible and the kids look like they are having an amazing time. It does my heart good to realize that you are just a “normal” person with an incredible talent for many things! Thank you for letting me have a glimpse into your life.

    July 27, 2016 at 5:43 pm Reply
  • Paolla Victoria

    Katherine! all so perfect incredible looks great time as a family. I loved all the candy and pizza I did not know maffins mac and cheese. kisses from Brazil

    July 31, 2016 at 8:10 am Reply
  • Rose

    I love this outdoors movie night, it look like so much fun for both adults and kids. If also seems like the perfect activity for kids.

    July 31, 2016 at 5:32 pm Reply
  • Tiffany

    This looks so fun! I love movie nights. Thanks for sharing the recipes. I like to try the ones you post. I’m wondering if you buy your candy in bulk and from where? Though we eat healthy and organically, my Husband likes to munch on candy. I like to keep a jar around with some but I haven’t found a good place to get a big bag of the ones you mentioned. Any suggestions? Thanks so much.

    August 9, 2016 at 10:55 am Reply
  • Ally forish

    Hi Katherine!
    I just found your blog and I love it!!

    August 10, 2016 at 12:03 am Reply
  • Betty

    Hi, this is so incredibly nice, OMG! My doughter would love this too. Seems like you make a really good mom, your kids can be really happy.
    Sending best whishes for you, your tummysmurf and your family from Vienna, Austria.

    August 19, 2016 at 5:45 am Reply
  • Tammy

    I just found your blog and I LOVEEE it!! My newest addiction. Isn’t Pinterest awesome? Thanks for being so down to earth. Makes reading that much more enjoyable.

    August 19, 2016 at 7:37 pm Reply
  • Zady

    Hi Katherine thanks for sharing to the world and your fans your beautiful life and your creative and instructive posts. Is funny because I love movies and I choosed a movie from Netflix and there you are amazing so young “My father the hero”. So when the movie finished I looked for you in google and starting following at Instagram where I found your blog. And well I completelly loved the setup of your Movie Night accompained by the wonderfull view you have in your backyard. But the best of all is your beautiful family that’s the most important thing of a movie night. Thanks!!

    September 17, 2016 at 3:16 am Reply
  • Abby

    You dig up the best recipes! I love all of the ideas in this post and have jotted all these recipes down for future get-togethers. Keep ’em coming!

    September 23, 2016 at 8:05 pm Reply
  • Michele Citrin

    I just discovered your blog the other day and subscribed.. I love this post. Imagine the long time memories these movie nights are going to be for your family and friends. I’m much older than you (53) and my mother came from a huge family just outside Montreal. I remember in the late 60’s when we would visit and my aunts would play family movies on the outside wall on the house and our extended family would gather on chairs on the lawn. Just knowing that a young mom like yourself is creating memories like these for your family actually makes me tear up!

    September 24, 2016 at 2:22 pm Reply
  • Susan Kang

    It’s so beautiful! You’re a very lucky woman! Wishing you all the best for years to come! What a beautiful and great country we live in! I go to the Shrine here when I can and the music makes me think of heaven–another lovely place! It’ll be so exciting when we all meet up there! God bless you!

    July 27, 2017 at 4:51 am Reply
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