Welcome to the 880th Tablescape Thursday! Football season is just around the corner. Are you a big football fan? If so, which is your favorite team to watch? I’m not exactly a huge sports fan, but my son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren definitely are. What I am a fan of is parties! lol
When I set up the movie room a few months back, I was hoping it would be a great spot for watching sports throughout the year. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my family having a great time. If they are having fun, I’m having fun. My son just mentioned a couple of weeks back that Georgia’s first game is toward the end of the month. A friend of my son’s, who is also a UGA fan, will be joining us for the game. That has sent me on a bit of a shopping spree for game-watching paraphernalia.
I’ve been trying to work out the snacking situation, so I thought I’d share some of my ideas with you for this week’s Tablescape Thursday to see what you think. I welcome your suggestions!
Before we get into that, I’ve made a few updates to the movie room. Since those changes will show up in this post, let’s get those out of the way first. One big change I’ve made in the movie room is adding additional movie posters. You may remember that I had two posters on either side of the sofa in this room.
The blank walls on either side of the TV were starting to feel way too empty, so I decided to add posters to that wall, too.
I already had this Back to the Future poster on the wall in the basement bathroom, so I decided to buy one more poster that was the same size as the Back to the Future poster and place those two posters on either side of the sofa. I moved the Harry Potter and Jurassic World posters (which are an inch or two wider) to the TV wall where there’s a bit more space.
So here’s how the sofa wall looks now with its new posters. I just noticed—this is the first photo I’ve ever taken in this room where the lit MOVIE NIGHT sign is actually visible while turned on. Normally, if it’s lit in photos, it appears as just a blast of white light on that shelf.
The Christmas Vacation poster has been a big hit. lol
How about the TV wall? How does it look now with posters on either side of the TV?
I really love this change!
I thought about hanging them a bit lower, maybe even or centered with the TV, but that places the posters way lower than pictures should be hung. So I think I’ll leave them where they are for now.
This is the movie poster that now hangs in the basement bathroom. My youngest grandson is a fan of Spiderman, so I thought he would get a kick out of this one. I love carrying a bit of the movie theme into the bathroom on this floor.
There have been two more changes that I’m loving down here! You may remember that I purchased 5 baskets for the console. It has always bugged me that when sitting on the sofa, I could see the wires for the DVD player. The DVD player is too wide to fit in a basket—I tried that, and it didn’t work. I realized last week that I hadn’t used the DVD player a single time since setting up the movie room, so I decided to store it in a cabinet until it’s needed.
So, here’s how the console looks now. I like this so much better—no more unsightly visible cables. The cables are still right behind the basket, allowing them to be easily connected when needed, and now I have another storage basket! Yay, for storage! Did you notice the large wooden tray? I thought it would be great to turn the ottoman into a small table for game snacks. After carefully measuring, I purchased a tray that’s a few inches smaller than the ottoman. (Tray is available here: Beautiful Wood Tray.)
I also purchased a waterproof cover designed to fit over ottomans. I want to protect the ottoman fabric from drips/spills while it’s being used to hold snacks or drinks. This is the one I purchased: Ottoman Cover, it’s arriving today. I originally wanted THIS COVER that comes in various sizes, but they were out of the dark blue color in the size that I needed.
What do you think about that idea? Have you ever purchased an ottoman cover to use when your ottoman was acting as a table for food or drinks?
I’ve restocked the popcorn machine. This popper is one of my absolute favorite things in this room. The popcorn it makes is delicious, and I’m having way too much fun keeping the “Concession” stand stocked.
This is its current selection, although there was a lot of movie room action this past weekend, so a few things are missing now. lol (Popcorn Machine is available here: Popcorn Machine.)
I also restocked all the baskets a couple of weeks back, so that will come in handy for game day. I love this variety pack of Miss Vickie’s Chips. (Variety Pack is available here: Miss Vickie’s Kettle Cooked Potato Chips.)
I’ll be popping popcorn the day of the game, but I keep this Nearly Naked popcorn on hand for those times when it’s just me watching a movie and I don’t want to pop a whole bunch of popcorn in the machine. (Nearly Naked Popcorn is available here: Nearly Naked Popcorn.)
The Zebra popcorn that was accidentally shipped to me when I placed an order for more Nearly Naked popcorn has been such a big hit, I’ve started buying it for the movie room too.
My oldest grandson likes their Cheddar Popcorn a lot. (Variety pack that includes Zebra, Cheddar Cheese, Caramel, and Kettle Corn is available here: Gourmet Popcorn Variety Pack.)
There’s been one more addition to the movie room—a basket for blanket/throw storage. (Basket is available in a bunch of colors here: Throw/Blanket Basket.)
I ordered four UGA-themed throw blankets, but sadly had to return those. They were super thin and not the quality I wanted. I’m sure we won’t be needing throw blankets for this first end-of-August game, so I have plenty of time to shop for replacements.
I’m thinking about bringing down the folding table (currently holding the puzzle board in my office), setting it up near the popcorn machine, and covering it with a tablecloth to hold additional finger foods. I wish I had a full-size refrigerator with a good icemaker in one of the basement storage rooms. It will be hard to find one that has a really good icemaker that will fit through the opening to the basement. That’s another project for another day!
Since this is my first game day in the movie room, and I’ve never tailgated before, please share your best tips with me! Maybe I should pick up some chicken wings for the day. I don’t have my biggest Yeti cooler here, but I do have a medium-sized one that I could pull out and stock with drinks. It’s even red, so the perfect color for game day. I may set up the ping pong table on the empty side of the room. Oh, I almost forgot, I purchased some new glasses for the game. I should probably buy one more set.
When I go back to Georgia, I need to bring these football glasses and my Nora Fleming Football Mini back. (Football Mini is available here: Football Mini. Georgia Helmet mini is available here: Georgia Helmet.)
I completely forgot that I have football plates, too! Argh, I wish they were here! (View this tablescape here: Game Day Snacks.)
Please share any football party suggestions! Do you think the snack ottoman is going to be a good idea or a disaster? RIP to the carpet, right? Ha!
If you are participating in Tablescape Thursday, please be sure to add your permalink below, and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, click on your post name, then copy and paste the address showing in the address bar, into the “url” box when you link up. You’ll need to include a link in your post back to the party to link up and participate. That’s so visitors to your blog will be able to find the party and the other Tablescape Thursday participants. Requiring a link back also prevents businesses and scammers from linking up to sell their products. Please, don’t add your post name/blog name ALL IN CAPS…it tends to create big spaces between the rows of links. Please do not link up table settings that were just recently shared in the last few weeks for Tablescape Thursday.
This all looks so fun and festive. Your grandkids will have the best memories of these times. What about a small washable “ruggable” (brand, there are others too) for the area under the ottoman?
Thanks, Jillian! That wouldn’t be a bad idea! I’d like to eventually add LVP flooring to that room with a wool rug to the movie area.
Hi Susan,
The game room idea is a brilliant idea. The grand kids we’ll never forget it. The popcorn maker seals the deal for them, I bet.
You are one heck of a hard worker: this site, the move, the work on the Doll House. You are so inspirational.
Wendy
It looks like you have everything covered, especially when you bring back those items from GA. Only tiny thing I thought of is using a tablecloth, charger, or tray etc that is green and has the white markings for a football game.
Thanks, Wendy! I wish I could get “stuff” done even faster! lol
You are the best party hostess EVER. Your family is so lucky. Love the poster additions/changes. Well done, Susan. To answer your question – I am not a sports fan save for two things: OSU football and anytime there’s a big international soccer (football to them) game on I like to watch it with my British son-in-law. Go England and Go Leeds United! Sports I don’t watch usually on my own but watching with THEM is a really fun thing to do. Go Bucks!
Thanks so much, Michele! That sounds like fun! I can’t wait for our first game day in the movie room, hope it’s as much fun!
You could use a countertop ice maker until you get your refrigerator. Also, a K-cup coffee machine might be nice. There are so many different varieties of flavors for hot or cold drinks. We love the hot chocolate one in winter and the Grandkids love using it. Your movie room is a show stopper! Can you tell me what kind of popcorn you use for machine?
Thanks so much, Pam! Great ideas! I once purchased a countertop ice maker for my son/dil, but you had to keep adding water to it and the ice melted really fast. I’m sure there are better ones out there than the one I bought. I love the hot chocolate idea! That sounds awesome!
This is the popcorn I’ve been using so far: https://amzn.to/45aTa2G .
Everything is premeasured, so it makes it really easy. I ordered the 8 oz, 24 pack.
Florida Gator fans here. We used to tailgate at the games but we now prefer have friends and family here. The Hawaiian roll sandwiches (recipes in abundance on the internet) are always a crowd pleaser and not messy like wings, meatballs etc, but you can’t really count on people not “contributing” their favorite messier stuff. Lots of large napkins, paper plates and convenient trash receptacles are your only hope. It’s warm enough here most of football season to have televisions set up outside in the pool house so that’s helpful. The FL/GA game is always a favorite!
That sounds better than messy wings, I like that idea! Thanks for that suggestion, Janet! I know, the FL/GA game is always intense! lol
I’d nix the wings for the messy factor, but whatever you serve, you might want to have a container of wet wipes there for sticky or messy fingers.
Good idea! Thanks, Pam!
Love the posters on the side of the tv! They look great there. And LOVE the snacks, you have thought of everything, I think! Have fun!
Thanks, Rosie!
XXX
Every football party I’ve been to has some kind of food items, wings, pizza, dips, meatballs, slider sandwiches along with the snack foods. What time is the game on, maybe that would help you with what food items you’re going to need.
I’m not sure, I need to check that. Thanks, Barbara!
As usual, you thought of every detail Susan. I like your new arrangement with the posters and the baskets below the console. I think the wooden tray is excellent idea because you need a place for people to sit drinks. He might add some coasters for the drinks and a roll of paper towels in one of those storage baskets in case of any spills. Have a fun game day!
Thanks so much, Toni! Great suggestions! I bought some GA Bulldog coasters recently, so I’m think I’m good on that. I love your idea of having plenty of paper towels handy!
I was going to say runners in the troughs between the couch and the ottoman, but I like Jillian’s idea of a larger washable rug – brilliant! Maybe a console of some kind instead of the puzzle table would look prettier and be more permanent. That would make it easier to set up your food whenever the mood strikes, and maybe it could hold a little ice maker too. I know you’ll come up with something excellent – you always do! Thanks so much for hosting the party, and Happy Football Watching!
We finished our basement after years of hosting football parties. One thing we did was add a bank of 3 lower cabinets to serve as a buffet and enough power to handle crockpots plugged into three outlets above it. That was 10 years ago. With air fryers on the scene, we started bringing ours down to the party room and cooking frozen appetizers throughout the game: breaded mushrooms, mozzarella sticks, etc. Everything is nice and hot and you make just what you need. Years ago I bought a wire holder for utensils and plates to use on picnics. It has a permanent place now on the buffet for good quality plastic utensils and theme napkins (seasonal, team, or sport). Have fun!
Love your movie room, it looks so perfect and cozy. Also love your blanket basket. To me, every detail is perfect and I wouldn’t change a thing. Your family is so lucky to have you and all your perfect party details and decorating. Enjoy!
Susan, you are the hostess with the mostest. Your grandsons must be so happy grandma moved down the street. I would suggest wet wipes and napkins plus an extra wastebasket. Wings are popular but messy. Do you have an extra table they could use at break time to get messy food away from the sofa ? You don’t want any hand wiping on pants legs.
Love it all! Nora Fleming has a UGA football helmet mini, too. We are UGA fans
my hometown is near Athens. Gooo DAWGS!!!
Love what you’re doing in this area with the movie theme! You mentioned even more room is left downstairs, so do you have room for a kitchenette set up? Also, have you tried Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels? I found them at COSTCO. Love the posters too. When I saw Christmas Vacation it made me think of your table you set up with the houses. Is there room on the mantel when Christmas rolls around? lol I am going to check out the ottoman cover. My leather ottoman has seen better days and this seems like a great solution. Thanks for sharing all the new additions!
I think…the “Dollhouse ” air…is JUST what you needed! You’ve always seemed “high energy” but this “new enthusiasm” is…just wonderful!!
franki
I am not a big sports fan either but I do love a party. Each fall I look forward to watching Penn State football with a group of friends. I hope you bought yourself a UGA tee shirt to wear on game day. I also have Penn State socks and earrings for my game watching. I have several Nora Fleming minis including the football helmet. We also have Penn State pillow covers for our throw pillows. Have a wonderful time with your family.
We Are!
Oh Susan, this is going to be so much fun! You are really going all out for your guests. I love the addition of posters to the TV wall. That looks so much better, AND I love the idea of removing the DVD player until it’s needed. The extra basket makes the whole entertainment center look so much neater / cleaner.
As for all the snacks, wow. I wouldn’t be able to fit through the door if I lived there, lol. I love your idea to cover the ottoman and the idea to bring the folding table down to set up more snacks is also a good one. What about a busy patterned carpet for right in front of the sofa? Busy enough to hide food spills, that is. Haha. Might help to preserve that underlying beige carpet. That tray is beautiful, btw.
I hope you all have a ball. A (foot)ball, that is. (I know, I know, keep my day job.) Next time, let us know what you had for your tailgate menu. I bet it’s going to be delish. Have fun!
Susan, I love your movie room! And with every addition it just gets better and better. The tray on our ottoman is perfect. The new posters add so much too and your popcorn machine is neat! I know you are making wonderful memories for those grandsons.
Jimmy Johns Catering does a great party box for a football gathering. It is a little healthier and a lot less messy than wings and they are delicious!
Hello! With all of the new upholstered furniture, my preference would be to avoid chicken wings — too messy, and also the bones to dispose of. Just my preference, but I’d have chicken strips or nuggets with two or three dipping sauces. Something like a Chick-fil-A nugget platter and cocktail meatballs might be a nice option, both could be eaten with forks or toothpicks. Go team!
I agree with all the previous great ideas but want to add one thing that no one has mentioned, Scotch Guard!!! Get lots of it and spray everything, furniture, rugs and include your ottoman then maybe you won’t need the cover. It smells awful but works wonders! Have fun!
Hi Susan, totally off topic, but have you seen the Williams Sonoma x Dulce & Gabbana Smeg small appliances? I saw that classic blue and white design and thought of you. The toaster is calling my name…..maybe I will ask for an early Christmas present!?!? 🙂
Oh Susan so much fun to be had down here in the movie room. Someone mentioned a “kitchenette” & I want to suggest a built in under the base cabinet ice machine. My mom previously had one in her beach house & it was FABULOUS. Just pop open the door front & scoop out all the ice you need. Counter top ice makers don’t store ice & wind up being more trouble than they are worth in my experience. But whatever you decide will be fantastic for your family & you!!!!!
Love, love, love the media room! Your progress has inspired me to make our media room less of a family room and more of a fun center. I understand your carpet concerns. My designer daughter tried to convince me to do carper tiles. I should have listened.
Very lucky grandsons indeed! If you have a Hobby Lobby near you, they have a selection of game day football decor at 40% off. Mats that are green with yard line markings and a whole lot more.
Susan, my family are huge SEC sports fans. Several years ago I started ordering from WellTold.com all kinds of glasses etched with the city map of my sports team. Then, I found the throws they make. At last count, I have ordered at least 8. I love the weight and it’s fun to see a map of Athens or whatever town is your favorite. Now my favorite is the throw. You select the color and the town you want. It will be fun for your son to show his sons where he lived in Athens. Their turnaround time is quick and I can’t say enough about their products. Here’s the URL.https://welltolddesign.com/collections/blankets/products/hometown-map-blanket
My husband played football at UGA. We live in Athens, have season tickets and have tailgated for over 50 years. I am all about finger foods. Pimiento cheese sandwiches and ham sliders are a must. But any kind of sandwich will do. I always have a dip with raw veggies. I leave the messy snacks (i.e. wings) to others. I prefer not to get such messy hands and fingers that a wipe or two won’t clean me up. I have a very inexpensive tablecloth that looks like a football field – got it at the $ store a few years ago.
It looks like you have the ideal setup for game day … your room will be party central! GO DOGS!