How to Make a Movie Night Snack Board

Family movie night just got better with this spread of theater-inspired treats. Indulge in classic movie snacks such as buttered popcorn, soft pretzels, chocolate bars and fruity candies. Most of the ingredients can be purchased ready-made from the grocery store. Look for candy labeled "theater box" or "movie size" in the candy aisle because they are boxed in smaller concession-stand-size portions. Kids will love to be included in building this board. Let little ones help shop for candies and snacks, as well as help arrange them on the board with an adult’s supervision. While there’s almost nothing better than seeing a new movie on the big screen, eating popcorn in your pajamas with family in front of the TV is a close second.

1. Choose a Large Board

Set the scene with a large wooden board, serving tray or platter. Red-and-white-striped paper napkins and plates are reminiscent of old-school popcorn boxes and will add to the movie theater theme. You can purchase them at party stores and online. A few of the plates can be used on the board to hold food. The remaining plates and napkins can be kept close by for guests to fill and use.

2. Pop the Popcorn

No movie night is complete without the quintessential bowl of popcorn. You can’t go wrong with classic buttered popcorn. Or, take it up a notch with sweet popcorn varieties such as caramel, toffee and chocolate-drizzled. Cheesy cheddar popcorn would also be a fun option. You can make your own at home (stove top-popped or microwave), but it’s easy to pick up a few ready-made bags at the grocery store in the potato chip aisle.

3. Add Hardy Snacks

Soft pretzels are a hardy addition to this board. Grab a package of prepared pretzels from the freezer section in the grocery store. They’re quick to heat up and easy to arrange around bowls of popcorn. Nachos, which are also a filling snack, are often served at theaters and would be a wonderful alternative (or addition) to soft pretzels.

4. Include Fruit-Flavored Candies

Inspired by concession stand favorites, chewy fruity candies should be on the menu. Add sour gummies, peach rings and chewy fruit drops to the board. Place them in small bowls or ramekins and group them for a fruity theme to one side of the arrangement.

5. Chocolate is a Must

Chocolate-covered raisins, malted milk balls and caramel pieces are all theater snack staples. They add a familiar charm to the board and also make wonderful popcorn toppings for salty-sweet lovers.

6. Rope In Some Retro Favorites

Red licorice twists are a timeless movie theater candy that adds both color and chewy-twisty texture to the board. They are easily found in the candy aisle at most grocery stores. Pile them high in the center of the board for a pop of red color.

7. Add Candy Bar Classics

Classic chocolate bars, such as break-apart chocolate wafers, chocolate caramels and peanut butter cups are all familiar concession-style treats. Keep the selection fresh with fun imported snacks, such as Japanese chocolate-dipped biscuit sticks. All of these can be found at most grocery stores and online.

8. Make It Themed

Faux theater tickets and other movie decor will help elevate the theme and can be found for purchase at your local party store and online. Place them strategically around the snacks for an extra layer of fun and charm.

9. Make It a New Tradition

This movie-night snack board will allow you to experience theater snacking from the comfort of your own home. It’s easy to assemble and a great way to make new memories with your family and friends. It might even become a new tradition.