10 Ways to Change Up Dinner and a Movie
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Close your eyes and list the first three date ideas that come to mind in 5 seconds. Ready, go.
Nice thinking. Does your answer look something like this?
dinner and a movie
dinner and a movie
dinner and a movie
No surprise there. You have hit on the one major source of inspiration I had to write this blog: dinner and a movie. Why? It's the date that everyone falls back on. Anyone can come up with it. It's easy. And because of that, week after week, like bees to the queen, we always return to it.
In starting this blog, I wanted to come up with creative dating ideas other than dinner and a movie to switch up the stale dating routine I had with my husband and inspire others to do the same. But lately I've been thinking, why reinvent the reel? (wink, wink.)
Let's face it - dinner and a movie is not going anywhere. So let's change it up. Follow along here, on social media, and on our newsletter to up your dating game this summer.
1. Hit the Drive-In
Historic Mel's drive-in is featured in the Classic movie American Graffiti.
Something about being in your car makes you feel free. One of my favorite things to do on hot summer nights is go to the drive-in movies. Starting weekends in June, the Blue Starlight Mini Urban Drive In sets up shop in Minturn, CO and plays film favorites, from The Shining to Back to the Future. We bring snacks (or buy them there) and recline our seats. Then we sit back and enjoy the show. Being there feels like being transported to the past. Every once in a while we like to stop at a diner beforehand and order burgers and fries. The Turntable (also in Minturn), while not a drive-in diner, is the perfect spot for us - good food and lots of history.
2. Give it a Theme
Turn your living room into a casino, wield some lightsabers, delve into another world . . . there are tons of ways to theme dinner and a movie.
A themed dinner-and-a-movie night gives you the chance to show off your creativity. I get immense satisfaction when things all fit together--like when the movie, food, and activities on a date night all coordinate. The options for this are endless. How about eating a Hawaiian pizza and watching Moana? Or eating Wookie Cookies while watching Star Wars: The Force Awakens? We will keep posting our ideas on Make a Date of It, and we are always open to suggestions. In the meantime, try our casino-themed date (Casino Royale anyone?) below.
3. Go Back in Time
the movie may be old, but it's probably new to you.
"I'm ready for my close up, Mr. Demille." Change up your Netflix routine and watch a classic movie. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy watching something different. Add a classic cocktail and you'll feel like you're there. What about dinner? We have ideas for that too. Go out for any part of this date, or cuddle on the couch for its entirety.
4. Play the Game
While there are not many movies based off of games, there are plenty of games based off of movies.
Was it Miss Scarlet with the rope in the hall? Or was it Colonel Mustard with the revolver in the conservatory? Shake up your dinner and a movie with a game like Clue. Watch the movie, dine on the same meal served at Mr. Boddy's house, and then play the game. Not in the mood for a mystery? Try Jumanji or any movie with a video game (so, almost any movie).
5. Try something foreign
A trip to paris without leaving the house? oui, oui.
Why not change up your dinner and a movie by changing up your location? Anywhere in the world is right at your fingertips. Bring Paris to your home with a french themed date, including the language, cuisine, sights, and a french movie. Not sure how to pull it off? Click on the button below--we've laid it all out for you. All you have to say is, "oui!"
6. Go to a Festival
The Telluride Film Festival takes place in the old west ski town of Telluride, Colorado each fall. It is loved by patrons and celebrities alike for its small town charm and high caliber filmmaking.
Put away your Hollywood blockbusters for a night and try out a film festival. Film festivals feature movies that are relatively new to the public and often bring in big-name stars to promote the movies. Not only do you get to see a new film, one that probably pushes the envelope more than what you see in theaters, but you also get to go to workshops, panel discussions with the filmmakers, meet celebrities, and more. Finish your night with dinner at a nice restaurant where you can chat about the movie.
7. Make it a Double
What better a double feature than parent trap? Double movies, double the twins, double the trouble.
Make your dinner and a movie a double feature. Watch a classic movie and its sequel or remake. You and your date will enjoy comparing the new to the original. How about Parent Trap or Ghostbusters? There are tons of great options to choose from. As they say, two is better than one.
8. Read the Book First
HARRY POTTER IS ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL BOOK AND FILM FRANCHISES EVER. NO WONDER IT MAKES SUCH A GREAT DATE NIGHT.
Great movies come from great source material. And more often than not, that source material is a book. We all know the saying: read the book first. Why not change up dinner and a movie by doing just that? Choose a good movie based on a book, then challenge your partner to read it. You could read it separately or even have a cosy night on the couch and read it aloud to each other. Once you have finished, rent the movie and get ready for date night.
9. Do Something Different
If you have never tried sushi, it’s time.
You probably find yourselves in the habit of watching the same movies and ordering the same take-out every single date night. It’s time to do something different. Figure out what kind of movies you hover towards (we made a fun quiz to help you out) and choose one that is the complete opposite. Then come up with a food you have always wanted to try but have been too afraid to. Not only will exploring new things be exciting, but you may also find your tastes changing.
10. Learn Something new
Learn to make This Potato Leek Soup with crusty french baguette in your own kitchen.
Take advantage of your dinner and a movie night to learn something new. Start with our French Cooking Date. Take lessons from Julia Child on how to make potato leek soup and Niçoise salad. Then, watch a Julie and Julia to get some insight into how Julia Child became one of the most well-known names in french cooking.
This Post Was Last Updated 04/16/2020.
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