The pandemic has altered every aspect of our lives. Even those who’ve been lucky enough not to be directly affected by the virus have had to make adjustments to their daily routines. Movie buffs, for example, have seen their favorite theaters shuttered for months. With most major film releases relegated to streaming services for the time being, it’s time to get creative. Here’s how to make the most of your next movie night at home.

Lights, Camera, Action

You can start by spiffing up the viewing area. Hollywood-themed decorations, this creative balloon set from Amazon, are a great start. You can also advertise which movies are on the schedule with a marquee-themed blackboard.

To complete the ensemble, look for an inexpensive length of red fabric to serve as your own personal “red carpet.” This is an elegant way to draw viewers into the makeshift theater. The fabric can also be used to spruce up the area beneath next year’s Christmas tree.

Plump it Up

If movie theaters have one major drawback, it’s the fact that the seats are often downright uncomfortable. When you move the party to your house, however, you can make things as cozy as you’d like.

Set up comfy lounging areas around the room’s perimeter using spare pillows and blankets. If it suits your budget, splurge on a couple of beanbag chairs or “cuddle seats.” Try to select colors that line up with the rest of your decor.

Stretch Out Your Screen

If you already have a big-screen TV, then you’re probably all set in this department. Those of you who have smaller TV sets should think about buying a real movie projector to make your selections larger than life. This offering from QKK is smartphone-compatible and comes with its own flexible screen. Better yet, it’s set at a price point that won’t break the bank.

Pop Some Corn

What would movie night be without a batch of golden, fragrant popcorn? While you could always just whip up a batch on the stovetop, the goal here is to imitate the theatrical experience. Consider investing in an old-fashioned popcorn machine instead. Not only will it turn out batches large enough to feed a crowd, it will make you the envy of the neighborhood.

If you don’t have the space or can’t afford a large purchase at the moment, there are other ways to spice up your popcorn offerings. Because it’s such a simple ingredient, it serves as a stellar backdrop to all kinds of flavors. Try experimenting with recipes for garlic butter and cheese popcorn, or sweeten things up with a Mexican chocolate-flavored batch.

For a hassle-free alternative, you can purchase pre-popped and flavored corn from an online retailer. The Popcorn Factory offers customized tins containing this classic theater treat in butter, cheese, and caramel flavors.

For an added flourish, serve the popcorn in traditional paper buckets. These are both affordable and eye-catching, and they make the whole experience feel more authentic. They can also be used to serve potato chips, peanuts in the shell, or chocolate candies like M&Ms.

Make a Stand

A concession stand, that is. Popcorn is wonderful, but it shouldn’t be your only offering. Showcase the rest of the food in your lineup with fancy signage, like these nifty neon cutouts. If you have the room and you want to get really fancy, keep a supply of candy selections and other goodies in a glass display case just outside the “theater” door.

Create Your Menu

Hamburgers and hot dogs are good entrees for movie night. Make it look like they were purchased from a real concession stand by serving them in these fun retro wrappers. To kick things up a notch, make a batch of corn bread batter and turn your hot dogs into corn dogs. Serve your creations with a “fixin’s bar” of ketchup, various mustards, relish, and grilled onions.

Mini pizzas are another great option. Start with English muffins or small rounds of pizza dough and allow everyone to create their own. If there are any gluten-intolerant guests on your list, use rice cakes as the base instead. Make sure there are plenty of vegetable toppings available to accommodate any non-meat-eaters or otherwise health-conscious diners.

Speaking of which, it’s a good idea to set out a veggie platter as well. Strips of bell pepper, carrot, cucumber, and broccoli go great with ranch dressing. For a heartier side, try stuffing some celery sticks with peanut butter and/or cream cheese.

Other go-to movie snacks include chicken tenders, which are easy enough to make at home. Cut some chicken breasts or tenderloins into thin strips, dip them in beaten egg and bread crumbs, and set them aside in the refrigerator until just before showtime. When it’s time to eat, fry them in a neutral oil (such as canola) and serve hot. These stainless steel condiment cups can be used to hold everyone’s favorite dipping sauces.

Looking for something even simpler? Toss a few handfuls of tortilla chips in these neat plastic trays, which are equipped with separate compartments for the cheese. Velveeta melts nicely in the microwave or on the stovetop, but you can experiment with whatever cheeses or toppings you prefer.

If you’re really in a hurry, buy a few boxes of soft pretzels from the freezer section of the supermarket and warm them up in batches. These can also be served with melted cheese, but spicy mustard is the ideal accompaniment.

Lastly, don’t forget to add something sweet to the lineup. To keep things interesting, purchase an assortment of classics like Snickers, Starburst, and the aforementioned M&Ms. It’s best to have a mixture of chocolate, gummy, and tart candies. That way, there will be something to appeal to every taste.

The Final Act

If you plan to host movie nights at home on a regular basis, these small investments will be well worth it. This should help to tide you over until you can visit the local theater again—and who knows? After battling the crowds and waiting in lines, you might find that you prefer your cozy home theater setup after all.