A Cozy Movie Night With Hot Cocoa and Your Favorite Blanket

Some nights, the best plan is getting home, putting on something comfortable and staying in.

Especially when it’s raining outside and you’ve already found a good spot on the couch.

Make some hot cocoa, grab a snack and put on a movie. You don’t need much more than that.

Get Comfortable First

Move the laundry off the couch. Grab a pillow. Put your drink somewhere you’re unlikely to knock it over.

Then get your favorite blanket.

Keep an extra one nearby if you’re sharing. Someone will say they don’t need it, but give them twenty minutes.

Photo: The Baja Trader.

Make Your Cocoa However You Like It

A packet from the cupboard works. So does your favorite homemade recipe.

Add marshmallows, whipped cream or nothing at all. Pick a mug you like and let it cool a little while you get everything else together.

And if you’d rather have tea, coffee or a cold drink, go for it. The whole point is enjoying your night.

Keep the Snacks Simple

Popcorn is always an easy choice. Put out something sweet, something salty or whatever you already have.

You don’t need to make a grocery run just to watch a movie.

If you haven’t eaten dinner, order something or heat up leftovers. Get everyone a plate before settling in so you’re not pausing the movie every few minutes to check the kitchen.

Pick Something You Actually Want to Watch

It doesn’t have to be new.

An old comedy, a favorite adventure movie or something you’ve seen enough times to quote all work. Sometimes it’s nice knowing exactly what kind of evening you’re getting.

Watching with other people? Take turns choosing. You can save the next person’s pick for another night instead of spending this one scrolling.

Once you’ve decided, turn the lights down and get settled.

Photo: The Baja Trader.

Let Yourself Have a Quiet Night

You don’t have to answer every message right away or use the evening to catch up on everything.

Hang out with your family, invite a friend over or enjoy having the couch to yourself. Pull up a blanket and let the movie run.

We love taking our handwoven Mexican blankets on a trip, but an ordinary night at home is a pretty good place for one, too.

And if you fall asleep halfway through, you can finish the movie tomorrow.

Don’t Forget to Bring a Blanket!