MsiCandi Movie Night Series: Embarking on a Cinematic Adventure of Enchantment, Family Fun, and Nostalgia

Part One – Enchanting: A Magical Journey of Friends, Family, and Delectable Delights

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes: Crafting a Magical Idea

I've always found joy in hosting events, and at one point, I dreamed of adding event planning to my company. Although life took me in a different direction, I've continued to scratch that creative itch by hosting events for my loved ones. Lately, the event planning bug has bitten me once again, and I've been eager to host a Dinner and a Movie Themed party, where both the decor and cuisine pay homage to the featured film.

I think hosting and being of service to people is one of my love languages. It’s something about creating an atmosphere that brings magic and fun to others that warms my spirit. And, with any good event, good food is a must.  

The idea for my Dinner and a Movie event series was inspired by TikTok videos I watched during the pandemic. I noticed a trend of families hosting themed movie nights, complete with a coordinating dinner. Intrigued, I tried it out with my own children and had a blast, adding a fun twist to our regular routine. It dawned on me that this concept could be a wonderful way to invite friends over and create unforgettable memories together.

While a simple approach, like cooking basic recipes and buying decorations from a party store, would suffice, I couldn't help but wonder: what if I made it bigger? What if I enlisted some help to alleviate stress and realize my vision for an over-the-top event, even if it's just a small, intimate gathering at home? After all, thinking big has always been a part of who I am!

As a big DIY enthusiast and someone who's looking to save money, I knew that bringing in help would not only reduce stress but also be financially beneficial.

Something There: Assembling a Dream Team of Creatives

Networking and promoting different businesses is a passion of mine, but I always start by turning to my trusted inner circle. If you've been following my journey, you're likely familiar with my Aunt "Stretch" (ICandi's Radio supporters) and Michelle Smith of Expressions Unique, who have been in the event planning, catering, and cake-making industry for over 30 years. Auntie Michelle is always my go-to when I have an event to plan, and knowing that she's re-launching her business, it was the perfect opportunity to reach out: "Hey Auntie, let's get to work!"

Tosha Love of Lil Bits n Bites is another one of my go-to collaborators for events. We have a sister-like bond, as we both grew up as only children. She's often my right hand, enthusiastically embracing my out-of-the-box ideas. Tosha introduced me to the world of charcuterie boards over four years ago, and I've been hooked ever since. I appreciate their beauty, I don't always have the energy or time to make them myself. Luckily, Tosha started her own charcuterie board business, and I can count on her to provide stunning, crowd-pleasing creations for my guests.

Given our close bonds, Tosha and Auntie Chelle were immediately on board to help me host a three-part summer series, which we've dubbed #MsiCandiMovieNight. Our plan is to host a Dinner and a Movie event at my home—backyard style—on three separate occasions throughout the summer. Coincidentally, my 40th birthday falls at the end of the summer (more on that in another blog post), so these events will serve as a fantastic buildup to my milestone celebration.

Selecting the perfect movie was a bit of a challenge, but I knew I wanted to feature a Disney classic. After considering a few options, I settled on Beauty and the Beast (Live Action), as I was particularly drawn to the "Be Our Guest" theme for welcoming guests into my home. I envisioned a formal dining experience in my backyard, paired with a movie screen to create a unique, drive-in movie vibe. I imagined the food being served at the table, giving my guests a true fine dining experience.

My co-hosts, Aunt Michelle and Tosha, were eager to jump on board with my ideas. Aunt Michelle immediately began retrieving equipment from her storage, while I gathered event planning materials. We scheduled a few meetings to finalize the event's look and feel; I embarked on a quest to find an exceptional chef for the evening, which proved challenging due to scheduling conflicts. Nevertheless, I understood the importance of respecting their existing commitments.

Tosha was ready to tackle her part of the project. She suggested creating mini charcuterie boards shaped like globes, a charming homage to the enchanted rose from the movie. I had full confidence in her ability to execute this idea flawlessly, as I'd seen her create similar masterpieces before. She needed information about any guest allergies or dietary restrictions, and I promised to provide it. Charcuterie board: check!

Be Our Guest: Invitations and RSVPs

With invitations in mind, I turned to my experience with graphic design. To save time, I opted for a professional-looking template. I'm a big fan of Canva, as it provides easy-to-edit templates and a great support system, with YouTube tutorials for guidance if any questions arise. For the Beauty and the Beast-themed party, I purchased a template from Etsy and customized it to my liking using Canva. The end result was perfect!

Creating the guest list proved challenging, as I wanted to invite everyone but had to stick to my budget. To maintain the intimate, fine-dining atmosphere, I ultimately decided to limit the guest list to 10 people. This way, I could ensure that each guest would fully enjoy the experience without feeling overlooked.

Bare Necessities: Preparing Decor and Ambiance

With the guest list finalized, things moved quickly. We conducted a few trial runs with different table decor and setups to envision the perfect backyard arrangement. In preparation, I had to do some yardwork, including cutting down bushes, trees, and grass, as well as raking leaves. I also had to organize my garage to retrieve long-hidden items, but eventually, it all came together.

For the table decor, we chose a black tablecloth and black chair covers as the base. To add elegance and color, we added blue and gold table runners, paired with vibrant red flowers and gold charger plates. To complement the theme, I purchased a coordinating plate, napkin, cup, and silverware set from Amazon for just $40.

Fortunately, I already had a few essential items, such as the movie projector, sound system, table, and chairs. Plus, I was able to borrow a movie screen, which saved me from making an additional purchase. As a result, this movie night was shaping beautifully.

Be Prepared: A Flavorful Feast

Right when I was worrying about finding a chef, fate stepped in. I learned that close friends of mine, Chris and Chrissy, were launching their own catering company, Roux with Chris & Chrissy. Excitement filled me not only for my event but also for their new business venture—a perfect blend of his professional chef experience and her amazing cooking skills. Thrilled at the opportunity to support their new business, I knew that collaborating with them would also provide valuable content to help kickstart their catering journey.

Chefs Chris and Chrissy accepted the challenge, creating a 3 course menu while staying within our budget. Their dedication to finding affordable ingredients was much appreciated. I was truly grateful for their dedication and the care they put into making our movie night a success.

Upon hearing about their three-course menu, we collaborated to pair drinks with each course, adding an elegant touch to the dining experience. Using Canva, I designed a menu for our guests, along with drink cards to accompany each beverage. These small details elevated the event and showcased our commitment to creating a memorable evening.

The big day arrived, and our vision became a reality! Guests walked up a red carpet driveway, guided by candlelight and the welcoming phrase "Be Our Guest" on the sidewalk. They passed beneath a golden arch with beautiful accents, along the way. Along the way, they passed beneath a golden arch adorned with beautiful accents. To keep mosquitoes at bay while maintaining a cozy and inviting atmosphere, tiki torches surrounded the area. It was a magical evening that truly captured the essence of a fairy tale.

It's a Small World: Welcoming Friends and Family

The first 30 minutes of the event were dedicated to a lively cocktail hour, where we served a signature drink named "Be Our Guest." To engage our attendees, we provided drink cards so they could learn more about the unique concoction. During this time, guests mingled and took pictures at the photo station, complete with a themed backdrop we ordered from Amazon. I created a hashtag for the evening, encouraging everyone to share their perspectives and memories of the magical movie.

After cocktails, our guests took their seats, and I warmly welcomed them to the event. Excited to introduce my dream team, I kicked off with Aunt Michelle, who shared her expertise on the beautiful decor. 

Be Prepared: A Flavorful Feast

Next up was Tosha, who presented her delightful mini charcuterie boards, featuring a charming globe design. As appetizers were served, Tosha's creations were added to the menu for our guests' enjoyment. A special thanks to our amazing kids, Kayden and London, who donned the role of servers, ensuring our guests had an authentic fine dining experience. Their eagerness to help made the event truly unforgettable.

A Spoonful of Sugar: Adding Special Touches and Sweet Surprises

During the film, we reached Gaston's tavern scene, and we seized the moment to serve a beer-inspired drink. I included my favorite Butterbeer as a tribute to Harry Potter, which felt fitting since Emma Watson, known as Hermione Granger, played Belle in the movie. Our guests joined in singing with the characters, creating a memorable and interactive experience for everyone.

After the beer-inspired fun, we presented the main course – a delectable dish of chicken thighs in a white creamy sauce, accompanied by honey-glazed carrots. The chefs' talent truly shone through, and I found myself captivated by the flavors. Our guests shared their delight, praising both the taste and presentation. We made sure to acknowledge the chefs' incredible work and provided their contact information for anyone interested in their culinary creations.

For the final course, we presented a delightful dessert called "The Grey Stuff" – a decadent combination of chocolate cookie and cream custard, topped with Oreo crunch, whipped cream, and a cherry. As our guests savored their sweet treat, we surprised them with one last drink inspired by the iconic song, "Beauty and the Beast." Served in dainty tea cups and saucers, we offered a green tea shot accompanied by drink cards. 

Once Upon a Dream: A Magical Finale

As the film came to a close, we sent our guests out in true fairy tale fashion. With sparklers in hand, they lit them from the tiki torches, finishing off  the night with a magical ambiance.The movie night was a success, with guests already abuzz about a potential part two.

If you're interested in hosting your own unforgettable event, be sure to reach out to my talented event co-hosts.

Connect with Michelle Smith of Expressions Unique for expert event planning services on their facebook or email them at expressionsunique4884@gmail.com

Also Tosha Love of Lil Bits n Bites for all things charcuterie at their website here or social media pages facebook, Instagram, TikTok

Lastly explore Chris & Chrissy's culinary creations at their website for a taste of the delicious dishes served at our movie night.

Together, we can create more unforgettable experiences like this one! Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for updates on our next enchanting movie night adventure.