It’s difficult to compete with a cosy night indoors, in front of the TV with a good movie. Make yours extra special by introducing low waste, sustainable ideas into the mix.
Snacks with friends
An easy way to reduce waste when hosting is to resist the urge to over-cater. Only make as much as will likely be eaten that day, or which can be eaten as leftovers the next day.
Cinema-style popcorn
No movie night is complete without popcorn. Making your own, instead of buying pre-prepared in non-recyclable plastic packaging, is a good start. Pop kernels in the microwave, on the stove with a little oil, or in a popcorn machine.
Sprinkle salt or grated cheese over hot popcorn for a simple, savoury version. For an indulgent sweet treat, use recipes for cinema sweet or sticky caramel popcorn. Alternatively, cover or dip popcorn in melted chocolate.
As a cheap, plain base, fresh popcorn allows for many flavour combinations beyond traditional favourites. Have fun trying them out before the movie starts to set up your evening.
Savoury finger foods
Nachos for nibbling
Try making your own nachos for a blockbuster movie snack. Simply cut tortillas into triangles and fry in oil until evenly brown. Leave them to cool for a couple of minutes before seasoning with salt.
Squeeze over lemon or lime juice for a fresh alternative or toss in chilli powder to heat things up.
Make or purchase your favourite dips and toppings as accompaniments. Serve in separate bowls, so guests can build their own ultimate combinations.
Grilled garden vegetables
If you’re having an outdoor movie night, there’s no better choice than a barbecue.
Simple vegetable kebabs, using leftover veg or grilled corn on the cob, can start your night off in a healthy way.
Sweet treats
Get baking before the trailers
Homemade baked goods are often simple to prepare. They also reduce waste by avoiding overpackaging, and help you save money.
Gooey brownies, soft flapjacks or cupcakes can be decorated to fit a film genre. Make them spooky for horror films, or use colourful pop art designs for superhero movie marathons.
Decadent dippers
For a real treat, melt chocolate for fondue. Serve with grapes, strawberries, sliced bananas, or your favourite fruit.
Fruits like banana or orange are usually easier to find without unnecessary packaging. If you’re able to use homegrown fruit, that’s an excellent low-waste option.
A glorious alternative is to make homemade honeycomb for your fondue. Inviting children to observe the process from a safe distance (as caramel can be extremely hot) will be a fun prelude for younger movie audiences.
Penny-sweet paradise
You can make your own pick and mix by going to a sweet shop that sells candies in old-fashioned paper bags, instead of the plastic packets found in supermarkets. Alternatively, buy tubs in bulk, which you can reuse for storage.
Beverages
Soft drinks
When serving fizzy or still drinks, opt for cans instead of plastic bottles. Aluminium is more widely recyclable, and less harmful to the environment than plastic.
Hot drinks
You could make creamy mugs of hot chocolate with marshmallows to ramp up the cosiness. Leftover chocolate fondue in hot milk can be used for an extra indulgence.
A healthier option is to make warming golden lattes with almond milk, turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon.
Spirited liquid refreshment
Cocktails or mocktails made with fresh fruit can bring a little nutrition and colour to your evening. There are non-alcoholic liqueurs that rival any spirit available, so everyone can enjoy delicious drinking.
For an extra healthy option, make smoothies with fruit and veg that you have to hand.
Premium seating ideas
Create a pillow fort on the floor by making use of old blankets, sheets, throws or cushions, and transform your home into a magical screening room.
Decorate with Christmas lights for an extra sparkle that repurposes seasonal purchases.
Low-waste tableware
Making the effort to reduce waste from your evening’s snacks and beverages can easily be undone by how your hard work is served.
Instead of generating energy consuming washing up, or using harmful plastic disposables, switch to eco-friendly alternatives.
Palm leaf tableware is a natural option that’s home compostable, and strong enough to be reused for a sequel.
Freezer and microwave safe, palm leaf utilities can be used to save leftover ice cream and put unpopped popcorn back in the microwave, leaving nothing to waste.
Stack small sauce bowls inside a large serving bowl filled with nachos to create a functional yet stylish low waste display. Alternatively, dot fondue bowls around a palm leaf serving tray strewn with fruit.
Reusable, biodegradable straws come in different varieties. Bamboo straws use no plastic packaging and are thick enough for hot chocolate and smoothies. Alternatively, wheat straws make any drink look chic, and are naturally water-resistant and gluten-free. Both are fully compostable.
For more information on our complete range of compostable food-safe tableware products, be sure to visit our store online.