Movie night

Host a film night and evoke some old Hollywood charm at your aged care facility. Here are some movie night food and film ideas.

No matter what age you are, a night at the pictures is an enjoyable excursion. For those in aged care residence, it makes things easier if the movies can come to them.

If your facility has a cinema room or a TV lounge, invite your residents to attend a one-off or a regular movie screening night. Alternatively, you can set up a projector in a common area.

Decorations and accessories

Silver and gold evoke the glamour of tinsel town. You can reuse some Christmas decorations to bring a festive feeling to your screening or dining room.

For residents, some fun feather boas, white scarves and top hats will add a fun touch of Oscar night glamour.

Champagne flutes (plastic or glass), even if they’re not filled with the real thing, can also be a way to make your evening feel special. If you can source a piece of red carpet to put in the hallway it will make the occasion feel even more like a gala event.

Once you’ve chosen the film you are going to show (see our list of suggested movies below) you can coordinate the table decorations to suit the film, or simply set the mood by downloading our themed menu template and table talker.  

Download free movie night menu template and table talker

Food ideas

Unfortunately, the classic movie-going food of popcorn may be difficult for some residents to chew on. It can also be fiddly and hard to handle. 

As an alternative, small hot dogs on buns or savoury rice Krispy treats are great snacks on this occasion.

If you’re serving up a meal beforehand, our World Cuisine recipes offer some delicious and easy options. The dish can be matched with the film you screen.  

For example:

• Serve Lemon Chicken Tandoori when screening The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
• The flavour is not overly spicy and has been developed to suit a range of palates.
• Pair a classic like Roman Holiday or Ben Hur with meatballs or pasta dishes.
• Try mini burgers for an American movie.

For dessert, bite-sized meringues, soft chocolates and biscuits, are tasty options. You can also go all out and offer choc-top ice cream cones, some chocolate mousse or soft serve ice cream. Hand out your treats before the film commences (be sure to include serviettes) or schedule an interval for a mid-movie snack and bathroom break.

Screening suggestions

There are plenty of stirring and heart-warming films to choose from.

Consider playing your film with subtitles or sharing some Bluetooth headphones for those who struggle with hearing.

If you are hosting a regular event, mix up the themes with modern titles and classics from the Golden Days of Hollywood. The following mix of movie night ideas are a collection of old and new favourites, and some classic Australian flicks:

Lights… Camera… Action! Enjoy your movie night. 

Disclaimer: The content of this article is created for inspiration purposes only. It is not intended as clinical, medical or nutritional advice.