A DIY outdoor movie screen and s’mores table can turn a covered porch or backyard into a cozy spot for fall movie nights. With a white shower curtain liner, a few basic tools, and a coffee table fitted with a fire bowl, you can set up a simple outdoor cinema and a place to toast marshmallows. Add blankets, pillows, and soft lighting to make the space comfortable as the evenings get cooler.
Before starting, choose a level area with enough room for seating and a clear view of the screen. Check that the projector can be positioned safely and that the screen has a suitable place to hang. For the fire feature, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep flammable decorations, blankets, and other materials away from the flame.
DIY S’mores Table: Supplies and Steps
A wooden outdoor coffee table can serve as the base for a s’mores station. The table used for this project was kept beneath a covered porch; an indoor or non-weather-resistant table may not hold up if left exposed to rain.
Supplies
- A wooden coffee table
- Tape measure and pencil
- A fire bowl
- A drill with a hole bit
- A 1-gallon propane tank
- Roasting skewers and your preferred s’mores ingredients
How to Make the Table
- Measure the tabletop and mark its center with a pencil.
- Use the hole bit to drill an opening at the marked spot. Check that the opening is the right size for the fire bowl’s base before proceeding.
- Position the base of the fire bowl in the opening, following the product’s setup directions.
- Connect the propane tank from beneath the table as directed by the fire bowl manufacturer, then check the setup before lighting it.
Use trays or small bowls to keep ingredients organized and easy to reach. Copper mugs can hold warm cider, while a large popcorn bowl keeps snacks together. A divided serving tray also works well for arranging marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Keep food and serving items away from the fire bowl’s heat.
For safety, use the fire bowl only as instructed, keep children supervised around the flame, and turn off the propane supply after use. Make sure the table and fire bowl are stable, and don’t use the setup in an enclosed space.
DIY Outdoor Movie Screen: Supplies and Steps
This DIY outdoor movie screen uses a white shower curtain liner as an inexpensive projection surface. The materials for the screen cost less than $30 for this project. The final dimensions depend on the available hanging space, so measure the porch or patio before cutting the liner.
Supplies
- A white shower curtain liner
- Four eyelets and an eyelet kit
- Four small bungee cords
- A hammer
- Sharp fabric scissors
- A tape measure and marker
How to Make the Screen
- Lay the shower curtain liner flat and measure the screen size that will fit your hanging area. Mark the intended dimensions.
- Carefully trim the liner with fabric scissors, keeping the edges as straight as possible.
- Use the eyelet kit’s hammer and anvil to attach one eyelet at each corner. Follow the kit instructions to secure each eyelet firmly.
- Attach the corners to porch posts with the small bungee cords. A suitable freestanding post setup can also be used in a yard or on a patio.
- Adjust the cords to pull the liner taut and smooth out most wrinkles. Position a projector, check the image in the evening light, and make any needed adjustments before the movie starts.
The waterproof liner can tolerate exposure to rain, but it is still practical to take it down or let it dry after wet weather. Keep electrical equipment, cables, and the projector protected from moisture, and use them according to their instructions.
Fall Porch Decorating for Movie Night
Keep the rest of the setup simple: an existing patio set, cozy throw pillows, and blankets can make the seating area more inviting without requiring a full makeover. Choose blankets that are easy to bring indoors after the evening, and leave a clear walkway between the seats, screen, and s’mores table.
String lights and lanterns add a warm glow around the viewing area. Place lights so they don’t shine directly onto the screen, which can make the projected picture harder to see. Flameless candles are another option when you want decorative light near fabric or other flammable items.
Mums and pumpkins can add seasonal color beside the screen. Keep plants and decorations away from the fire bowl, and choose a spot where watering won’t create a hazard around electrical cords or equipment.
Once the screen and seating are in place, the porch can work for more than one movie night. The same setup can be used for a family film, a fall gathering, or a Halloween viewing. Store the screen and cushions when they are not in use to help keep them clean and ready for the next evening.
A few practical checks make the experience more comfortable: test the projector before guests arrive, arrange seating so everyone has a clear view, and prepare snacks before lighting the fire bowl. Keeping the serving area separate from the screen and projector also helps reduce clutter around the equipment.
With a simple shower-curtain screen, a carefully prepared s’mores station, and a few fall accents, a porch can become a relaxed outdoor cinema. This DIY outdoor movie screen project is easy to adapt to the space available, while the coffee-table fire bowl adds a dedicated spot for making treats. Measure before cutting, follow all fire and equipment instructions, and enjoy the fresh-air movie night.
