Make Tonight a Movie Night!


Hey Ya’ll,

I recently teamed up with PEOPLE magazine movie critic Alynda Wheat to create four fun movie nights that you can have with family and friends. Our kid-friendly movie selections are both new, Harry Potter, and old, E.T., and includes yummy snacks like gourmet chocolate covered popcorn or homemade ice cream sandwiches!

Make a “party pad” for the entire family to get cozy on during the movie by taking the cushions off your sofa and putting them on the floor. Then, have the kids run around the house before the film, gathering as many pillows and blankets as they can find!

Another great idea for an evening in with friends is to host an action movie night! Think of it like a tailgate, with lots of beer, chicken wings, coleslaw, baked beans and rice, but instead of watching the big game, you’ll be getting amped up to watch JAWS or The Empire Strikes Back or Raiders of the Lost Ark!

I also love our ladies’ choice picks, because there’s nothing more therapeutic than gathering your besties for a night of pampering, cocktails, and a good old-fashioned chick-flick. Serve a sweet drink like “Avenueade” (recipe above) with sliced cucumbers and healthy dips (Bonus: If there are leftovers, the cucumbers are also great for decreasing under-eye puffiness!).

Did your favorite movie-night flick make our lists? Let me know in the comment section below.
-Brian

More of My Oscar Party Tips in PEOPLE Magazine

Hey Ya’ll,

Today I’m giving you a sneak peek at part two of my PEOPLE magazine spread, featuring more of my Oscar party tips, available on newsstands now! (Look for the issue with Elizabeth Smart’s wedding on the cover.)

If you’re putting together an Oscars viewing party for your friends, check out my fun menu of signature cocktails and snack foods based on each of this year’s ‘Best Picture’ nominees. I think you’ll find, there’s a little something for everyone!

My favorite drink idea was inspired by the movie “Midnight in Paris”, it’s called the French 75 Cocktail, and it’s a sexy combination of brandy, orange liqueur, lemon juice and champagne. A close second, though, is the Mint Julep inspired by “The Help”, because everything tastes delicious when there’s fresh mint, crushed ice and bourben involved!

For the snacks, make sure you spread them out throughout your party space. Small bowls or martini glasses work great for this! More guests will be tempted to eat your party snacks if they’re displayed in more than one place, which means less clean-up and waste for you!

What types of cocktails and snacks will you be serving at your Oscars gathering this weekend? Let me know in the comment section below. Click HERE for even more of my Oscar party recipes, themes, and activity ideas!
-Brian