How to Get Theater-Style Concessions at Home

Part of the fun of having a home theater is trying to create the atmosphere of an actual movie theater in your house. Setting up a projector screen and surround sound system, along with reclining seats, can help you achieve this, but you can take it a step further with a concession stand. These stands provide a convenient way to enjoy snacks and drinks during movies while feeling like you’re at your local cinema. Whether you want a simple or elaborate concession stand for your home theater, consider the following ideas.

Retro Popcorn Machines

Movie nights in your home theater wouldn’t be complete without popcorn. While you can make some in the microwave, this doesn’t achieve the same effect as having popcorn made in a traditional popcorn machine. Look into getting a retro popcorn machine that looks just like the ones you’ve seen at movie theaters. Countertop models and freestanding floor models are available depending on how much space you have for your concession stand area. With one of these machines, you can enjoy buttery popcorn during movies. Don’t forget to purchase some movie theater style buckets or bags to put your popcorn in.

Candy Displays

If you want to include candy in your concession stand, consider getting a countertop candy display. You can fill these displays with your favorite candy bars or other kinds of candy you normally find in movie theaters. Instead of just having candy set out on your counter to grab before the movie, you can make the experience a bit more fun when you have one of these displays set up, especially if you have kids. Look for candy displays with creative or vintage designs.

Small Fridge

With a small fridge, you can make sure cold beverages are always handy on movie nights. Set up one of these fridges as part of your concession stand area, so you can easily get a drink and snacks before the movie starts. Keep your fridge stocked at all times with bottled water, soda or other beverages, especially for summer movie nights.

Coffee Machine

You don’t have to stick with cold beverages for your concession stand. Consider adding a coffee machine, so you can enjoy a cup of coffee, espresso or other hot beverages while watching a movie in your home theater. If space is limited, set up a single-serve coffee maker rather than an 8 to 12-cup coffee maker. Keep mugs, spoons or stirrers, packets of sugar and creamer handy, so you can quickly get your coffee ready before your movie begins.

Other Snacks

Popcorn and candy are just a couple of movie theater snacks you can include in your concession stand. Think about the kinds of foods movie theaters serve, and consider having these as part of your home concession stand. For example, get a pretzel machine if you want warm, giant pretzels during movies. If you enjoy baking, you can also include cookies or other homemade baked goods in your concession stand on movie nights as a special treat.