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How to Design a Home Theater in a Small Space

How to Design a Home Theater in a Small Space

The Home Theater

Has it always been a dream of yours to have a movie theater in your home but just don’t have the necessary space? Believe it or not, sometimes smaller spaces work in your favor when it comes to designing a home theater. Gone are the days of needing hundreds of square feet to have your own go-to cinema. Home theaters are gaining popularity and becoming more accessible than ever for various budgets and spaces.

The Theater Room

If you’re in a small space, your options tend to be limited on where to have your home theater room. If you have a spare room– a guest room, a basement, etc– and have been thinking about converting it to your home theater, there are many tricks and tips to maximize the limited space you have. However, if all of your rooms are occupied, consider turning your traditional living room into your own personal theater.

Screen Placement: In a rectangular space, try to put the screen on a shorter wall for better sound. If there is a window in the room, be aware of the potential reflection and place the television on an adjacent wall or consider investing in blackout curtains.

How to Design a Home Theater in a Small Space

Walls: If your roommate has ever pounded on your door because you were “chewing too loudly” that one time, soundproofing may be a priority. You want to enjoy your new setup while also being conscious of neighbors or others in the house. Acoustic wall panels are available at ranging prices and can go a long way to muffle noise and tone down any echo. Carpet tiles are also an option for those looking for a cheaper alternative.

Color Scheme: Paint the theater room as dark as possible. Find a flat or eggshell neutral color, such as beige or olive. Glossy, bright colors can reflect any light in the room and can even change what colors you are perceiving on the screen.

The Sound & Screen

Depending on your space and preference, there are many viable options for screening and sound. Always work with the space you have, not the space you wish you had. Try to avoid buying larger than necessary just because it is a bigger option. In this case, bigger isn’t always better. No matter what you decide, placement is key to utilizing the best features in each of these options.

Screen: A television is always an option, but if you are looking for movie quality in a small space, consider purchasing a projector. They can mount to the ceiling and project onto a screen or even just the wall.

Sound: Most theater rooms have five full-range speakers and one low-range speaker. For optimal sound, the low-range and three of the full-range speakers should be placed in the front of the room, facing your audience. The two remaining speakers should then be placed on the side walls, slightly behind the seating.

Front and center: It is important to emphasize your front, centered speaker as it is the most important. This is where the sound will directly project from your screen. When the actors are talking, it is important to create the illusion that the dialogue is coming from the screen, not from the back of the room. The low-range speaker should also be at the front of the room but can be placed in a corner.

The Seating

Nothing is worse than not enjoying a movie because the plastic armrests are digging into your skin or your back is cramping from the uncomfortable seats. If you want your guests to be comfortable and enjoy their experience, finding the right seating is a must. This does not mean breaking the bank, or even limiting your seating due to bulky, oversized chairs.

Cuddle Seats: If a seat you can melt into is your ideal choice, consider going with a cuddle seat by Seatcraft. The cuddle seat is a cozy, fun option your guests can easily sink into for a long movie. It is easy to clean and the durable foam will last for years. For full service seating, consider upgrading to the cuddle couch that also includes tray tables, cup holders, and room for more than one guest.

How to Design a Home Theater in a Small Space

Wall-Hugger Seats: If space is your biggest concern, you can choose a more sleek chair without sacrificing comfort or accessories. Seatcraft space saver chairs can recline fully when placed within inches of a wall. The slender armrests save width space while still having room for cup holders.

The Entertainment

Whatever options work best for you, have fun creating your own home movie theater! Decide on your main priorities– sound, viewing, or seating– and create a space that meets your movie viewing needs. Utilize the strongest features of your space to provide a comfortable experience for your guests. Now all that’s left to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

How to Throw a Party for the Big Game

How to Throw a Party for the Big Game

What’s the best day of the year, you may ask? It’s not a national holiday, but it might as well be. You guessed it— it’s the Super Bowl! If it’s your turn to host the party, don’t sweat it. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about hosting a Super Bowl party that will go down in history.

How to Throw a Party for the Big Game

Let’s start with the essentials:

Snacks

Football is popular for two reasons: it’s a great sport, and with that great sport comes great food. Impress your guests with the works. From wings and sliders to chili and dips, there’s no shortage of delicious game day foods that will put everyone in the Super Bowl spirit. Looking of some recipes? Here are a couple of crowd pleasers that will surely be a touchdown:

Pigs in a Blanket

How to Throw a Party for the Big Game

  • 1 twelve ounce pack of sausage links
  • 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry
  • Your favorite dipping sauces

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400° F. Cut your sausages up into small pieces, starting lengthwise in quarters then width wise in halves. Then cut your pastry sheet into strips that are about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide.

Step 2: Roll the sausages into the pastry strips, transfer to a baking sheet, and cook for 15-20 minutes.

Guacamole and Chips

How to Throw a Party for the Big Game

  • 5 avocados
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • Seasoning to taste
  • 1 bag tortilla chips

Mix all of the ingredients into a bowl, ensuring the avocados are mashed until creamy. Serve with tortilla chips on the side.

Once you’ve come up with all of your tasty snacks, don’t forget the refreshments!

Seating

Seating is essential to any Super Bowl party. Ramp up your media room with a sectional that will fit everyone! The Seatcraft Niagara is made with Top Grain 7000 leather, comes with options for either power or manual recline, contains cup holders with blue LED lighting, and is a comfortable fit for all your football fan friends!

How to Throw a Party for the Big Game

If you’re looking for a simple, modern-looking couch check out the Seatcraft Heavenly, which comes in three neutral colors. The 50/50 Goose Feathers & Fibers will have your guests feeling like they’re sitting on a cloud.

How to Throw a Party for the Big Game

Set Up

Be sure to set the room up so that everyone can comfortably see the one thing that really matters on game day— the big screen. Whether you are using a projector, flat screen, make sure that your seating is properly arranged to avoid any blackout areas for viewing.

One helpful way to make sure everyone has a spot and a good view is by incorporating wall-hugging seating into your media room. This seating can be installed as close as 5 inches away from the wall while still being able to recline. One great model with the wall-hugger feature is the Seatcraft Millennia. Not only is it made with top grain 7000 leather, it will save space in your house and solve any seating or set up problems you might have!

Another important thing to test out before game day is your audio. No one wants to see a halftime show without sound! Turn everything on the morning of to make sure it’s running properly.

Add your own personal touch by incorporating:

Decor

If you’re rooting for one of the teams playing in this year’s Super Bowl, decorate your house accordingly! Use that team’s colors for all your party supply needs like paper cups, plates, or napkins.

Bets

Make things interesting between your guests by incorporating some friendly bets throughout the game. This will keep everyone’s eyes on the screen, not only the big football fans. Whether you’re betting on a player, winning team, halftime show, or what color the gatorade bath is at the end, putting a little bit of money into the mix will have everyone on the edge of their seats. You can even place some friendly wagers on the commercials. After all, for some people they are the highlight of the Super Bowl!

Remember, no matter how you host your party for the big game, you’re guaranteed to have a good time as long as you’re in good company and good spirits. That being said, is it ever really a party without nachos?

Karl Strauss + Pairings

Karl Strauss + Pairings

You always know when fall is about to check in: There’s a refreshing crisp in the air; warmer layers are piling on; tastes are becoming richer with savory meals stuffed with apples, pumpkins, and wholesome spices like nutmeg and cinnamon; you can hear a slight crunch in your step as you trek through fallen leaves; and, of course, there’s the return of the seasonal spiciness and deep flavors of fall beers paired with Monday Night Football.

Where there’s the comfort of rich foods, warm tastes, delicious beer, and your favorite team playing, there should always be a comfortable seat. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to enhance your game watching experience, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy. Because it’s never too late to discover first-class comfort alongside the handcrafted quality of a Karl Strauss beer.

Front Row Action

Karl Strauss + Pairings

Aurora Hoppyalis IPA showcases hops, front and center. Robust flavors and aromas of tropical fruit, pine, and tangerine linger through a dry, crisp finish. Aurora Hoppyalis is an awesome pairing for stronger cheeses like blue or gorgonzola. Kick up your game day experience even more with Seatcraft’s revolutionary SoundShaker Vibration Kit and bring the energy of the field home to you as your seat shakes and vibrates in synchronization with on-screen action.

Don’t Miss a Moment of the Action

Karl Strauss + Pairings

Mosaic Session IPA is bursting with vibrant grapefruit aroma and flavors of citrus and tropical fruit. It’s perfect with fish tacos because the beer’s citrusy flavor profile complements a squeeze of lemon on the tacos. And if you like your tacos on the spicier side, Mosaic Session IPA has enough of a malt backbone to help temper the heat. But, be careful, tacos can get messy. We recommend using Seatcraft’s Swivel Tray Table so you can enjoy your tasty bites, refreshing beer, and game day entertainment without ever having to leave the comfort of your home theater chair!

Get Carried Away

Karl Strauss + Pairings

Karl Strauss Oktoberfest lager pairs wonderfully with another autumn staple – pork schnitzel sliders! The beer’s toasted malt flavors complement both the sweet pork and salty pretzel buns. Oktoberfest’s crisp, clean finish leaves your palate feeling refreshed after each bite. And with tastes that good, you’ll really want to just sit back and relax. Explore the ultimate in relaxation with Seatcraft’s Larosa Home Theater Seating, with top grain leather, power recline, and Chaiselounger footrests.

Celebrate in Style  

Karl Strauss + Pairings

Peanut Butter Cup Porter is Karl Strauss’s twist on a robust porter, and it packs rich layers of smooth peanut butter and dark chocolate flavors. Go for chocolatey desserts as a pairing, because this beer has enough roasty malt flavors to balance out any sugary sweetness in the dish. In addition, the chocolate, coffee, and peanut butter qualities in the beer are easy complimentary flavors to find in desserts! If you enjoy a cigar as part of your celebration, you’ll also want to check out Seatcraft’s Cigar Host as you bring the cigar lounge experience right into your home theater room.  

Indulge

Karl Strauss + Pairings

Queen of Tarts is Karl Strauss’s dark sour ale aged in American Oak barrels with Michigan tart cherries. It’s rather complex, which means it’s really fun to pair with! The tart cherry flavor contrasts the natural sweetness in grilled meats or buttery fish, and can make a great accompaniment to a side salad with bitter greens. Try it with Seatcraft’s Neck Pillow because you know you want to treat yourself.

5 Reasons to Love Seatcraft Chairs

5 Reasons to Love Seatcraft Chairs

It’s no secret that those who have chosen to fill their home theater with Seatcraft products are now sitting in the lap of luxury! After the careful and meticulous selection through the many options that Seatcraft provides, happy customers now have the seats of their dreams, crafted specifically with their wants and needs in mind. If you are someone in the market for high quality theater seats of your own, we bet you’re wondering what the huge fuss is about. What makes Seatcraft so great in comparison to other companies? Why should I make an investment on these particular seats? We have all the answers and more for you as we discuss the top five of the many reasons we love Seatcraft chairs.

1) Beautiful Designs

You know how when you browse through a company’s web page and notice that all the products look exactly the same? You don’t have to subject yourself to the bore that is scrolling through pages of the same items, because Seatcraft’s home theater seats and multimedia sofas have their own beautiful, unique, and personalized designs.

5 Reasons to Love Seatcraft Chairs

From contemporary to classic looks, these seats will wow any guest with the mix of style and comfort, blending solid framework with plush cushioning that will make anyone melt once they sit down. Each seat is designed with special features, too, like fold-up-and-down armrests, storage compartments, cup holders, recliners, and even USB ports! All you need to do is browse through their versatile selections and decide which style best suits you. Do you like romantic nights in with your loved one? Check out a Cuddle Couch and get cozy! Like to fill up the room with large groups of lively friends? Then, a Theater Sectional is more your style! No matter your lifestyle, Seatcraft can provide the perfect match, from the most relaxed couch potato, to the high-end socialite.

2) Cutting-Edge Technology

In an age where technology is incorporated into every part of society, we expect our theater seats to get in on the action too, right? Seatcraft understands that desire, and incorporates cutting-edge technology in every seat and sofa, so you can have more convenience and fun in your home theater experience. The most notable of these technological accents would be the SoundShaker technology, which simply attaches to the side of your seat to vibrate along with the on-screen action!

5 Reasons to Love Seatcraft Chairs

Who wouldn’t want more immersion when they’re watching a movie? The technology doesn’t stop there! With powered headrests and recliners, at the press of a button, you can adjust your seat to make it more comfortable. If you’re the type of person who fumbles around in the dark or spills drinks when you absentmindedly reach for the cup holder, then you’ll love the lights that are incorporated inside every cup holder and base of each seat. Even the USB ports are lighted for easy access! Seatcraft has only the best and most advanced technology for the convenience of its customers.

3) Awesome Accessories

Find yourself bored with the same old sectionals and chairs? Do you hate having to get up and pause your show when you need to restock the group with snacks? Then, never fear, because Seatcraft combines their design specialities and advanced technology to bring you amazing accessories!

5 Reasons to Love Seatcraft Chairs

Many accessories are simple installations, with an accessory pod as the base, and a click of an attachment. With them, you can be hands-free with an Adjustable Tablet Holder, worry-free with a Wine Caddy, and perfectly lighted with the LED Reading Light. The most impressive of accessories would be the Refreshment Consoles you can have built into your seats, which will not only hold all your snacks, but can keep backup drinks nice and cold. High quality seats meets high quality accessories to make your viewing experience even better. 

4) High Quality Materials

Home theater seats are an investment that we expect to enjoy for a long time. Many other companies sell seats that, while they could look nice at first, can wear down very quickly after just a few uses, rip very easily, and just become uncomfortable when developed from low quality materials. Seatcraft, on the other hand, guarantees that each seat is made from only the highest quality materials, like top grain leather, including the most popular Leather 7000. If durability, easy cleaning, rich textures, and swanky appearances appeal to you, then you’ll love the materials.

5 Reasons to Love Seatcraft Chairs

Even the fabric options bring something to the table with their softness and impressive colors and patterns. For those of you who want only the best of these options, then the Leather 7000 is for you! Leather 7000 combines the texture, consistency, patina, and color pallet of top-grain leather and steps it up by choosing the top third of all hides and buffs it to enhance the softness and pliancy. You will never have to worry about quick wear and tear if you choose a seat from Seatcraft!

5) Customization

If you are amazed by everything Seatcraft offers, but want a chair that can truly be one-of-a-kind, then you’re in luck! Seatcraft offers Seatcraft Your Choice Home Theater Seating, where you can really do it your way! The simple, three step process starts with you choosing the material and color you love the most, straight or curved row preference, and finally a choice between power or manual recline. You will have all the amazing technology that is included in pre-made seats, but now with the power to create a seat that perfectly suits your home theater decor. If you want extra accessories, you have the power to include that with your personalized seats, too. The power is truly in your hands!

Don’t settle for anything less than high quality perfection, and go to Seatcraft.com or 4seating.com and start your journey to find the ultimate home theater seats for your home! It is an investment that everyone you know won’t be able to stop talking about!

 

Creating a Budget-Friendly Home Theater

Creating a Budget-Friendly Home Theater

Home theaters can come in all shapes, sizes, and most importantly, price ranges. Adding this little luxury to your home does not mean you need to break the bank! Budget-friendly home theaters are easily obtainable with the help of a few tips and little bit of planning.

 

Prioritize

The average home theater requires a display device, some kind of source, a sound system, storage, and seating. Begin by deciding which of those components is most important to you. Are you looking to splurge on a beautiful sectional for the whole family? Perhaps you want to decide on something like the  Seatcraft Niagara with top grain 7000 leather and power recline. This option even includes in-seat storage, eliminating the need for additional containers and racks.

If you’d prefer to focus on the display device, consider cutting down on the seating budget by selecting a more affordable option such as the Seatcraft Argonaut. With its built-in cupholders and power recline, the Seatcraft Argonaut boasts the right amount of comfort at a reasonable price. Using the money you’ve saved, take a look at some of the best big screen TVs out there!

Creating a Budget-Friendly Home Theater

Are you someone who pays attention to detail? Convenient accessories can significantly improve the overall feel and comfort of your home theater while limiting the need for additional furniture. For example, swivel tray tables and wine caddies could be the right substitute for an expensive coffee table or side tables! This might also be helpful when it comes to downsizing your home theater to fit a smaller space.

Once you’ve decided which items you’d like to highlight in your space, make a document including your overall budget and a breakdown of sums for everything it includes. This will be a helpful guideline when making purchases to prevent any overspending! If you realize that the budget you’ve created may not be realistic, don’t worry. Simply sit down and go over the numbers again until you’ve come up with a list of amounts that work for you.

Research

There are so many different types of screens and audio systems available for home theaters– how do you choose the right one for you? If it happens to be a matter of budget, LCD and plasma screens tend to run at lower prices than LED screens. That being said, it’s all a matter of whether you’re interested in investing for the long term or upgrading every few years. As for audio, soundbars are the easiest and most affordable way to go. The nice thing with this option is that there are no cables involved, giving it a clean and classic look. Similar to the soundbar is the sound base, which can even act as a pedestal for your television.

Creating a Budget-Friendly Home Theater

Execute

Now that you’ve made a budget and done the research on the products you want, it’s time to put it all together! If you’re looking to optimize your space, consider seating with the “wall hugging” feature. This will allow you to place your seating only five inches away from the wall while still having it recline! The Seatcraft Millenia  is an affordable wall-hugger that comes with the option to add swivel trays. Dine and recline in your home theater once it’s all set up!

Creating a Budget-Friendly Home Theater

Next, clear up any cable clutter with these helpful tips! Then mount the screen of your choice and don’t forget to hook up the audio. Your home theater is really beginning to take shape now. Need a little guidance to prevent any missteps? We’ve got you covered here with a few home theater designs to avoid. All that’s left to do is pick out some decorations, add your favorite furniture, and make the space your own.

Congratulations, you’ve built the ideal budget-friendly home theater! All it took was a little planning and research along the way. From now on watching any movie from the comfort of your own home will be done in style. If that’s not worth it, what is?

How to Set Up Your Home Theater

How to Set Up Your Home Theater

It’s one thing to dream about your ideal home theater but when push comes to shove, bringing it to life can certainly be daunting. There are many decisions to be made between the layout, color scheme, theme, and furniture style. If you’re wondering where to start, fear not! We’re here to help guide you through the entire process. Follow this guide to start designing a home theater that will put your local cinema to shame.

Step 1

Selecting a screen or projector is the first step to building your home theater. The placement, size, dimension, and style of screen will determine the setup of the entire room. If you’re unsure about how to determine the best screen for you, take a look at this blog! It provides an in-depth explanation on ratios and distance to give you a sense of the various options you can choose from. Once you’ve got an idea of what you’d like, keep in mind that technology and screens are rapidly advancing these days. There are many high-quality products out there- it’s only a matter of finding them! Luckily we’ve already hunted down a couple of our top picks for your convenience. 

How to Set Up Your Home Theater

Image courtesy of TLC

Step 2

While screens are essential to the viewing of any TV show or movie, what really makes the experience memorable is the premium seating. There are many configurations that can come into play when setting up your home theater. While it may seem like an unsolvable puzzle, especially if you’re working with a large family and small space, there are tricks and tips on how to bring the room come together. Keep the wallhugger feature in the forefront of your mind as you begin your browsing. They provide a great way to be efficient with your space since it allows you to place reclining seating as close to the walls as possible! The Seatcraft Millennial is a great wallhugger option made with top grain leather that comes in both black and brown.

How to Set Up Your Home Theater

Another seating related decision has to do with color schemes. There are certain factors to take into consideration when choosing a color for your seating. Do you want it to be the main focus of the room? The centerpiece? Or, would you prefer something neutral to allow another aspect of the room to take all of the attention? To give you a better sense on how to make these decisions check out our guide to selecting colors blog!

Finally, there’s the remaining issue of style. What style are you going for? The seating you select will project a message about the theme of the overall room. If you’re looking to bring back that classic Hollywood glam, consider the Seatcraft Regis. It comes in 95+ colors and can form both straight and curved rows making it adaptable to a variety of spaces!

How to Set Up Your Home Theater

Step 3

There are many different audio options from soundbars to stereo speakers and surround sound. What’s the difference between them? Well, while soundbars can be great for small spaces, true audiophiles will want to consider a full surround system. This will require figuring out the best placement for your speakers in relation to your seating. You’ll also want to be mindful of cable clutter– nothing makes a room look more hectic than a jungle of cables hanging out from the walls! If you’re having difficulty with your cable clutter, don’t worry. There are easy solutions that can make your mess disappear and keep all of your cables organized.

One way to take your home theater to the next level is with SoundShaker technology. This kit uses wireless audio signals to make your seat move along with the action in a movie! For those of you who find yourselves wishing you were fighting crime right alongside your favorite superhero, this feature will bring you a step closer.

How to Set Up Your Home Theater

Step 4

Congratulations, you’re almost done setting up your very own home theater! The last step to making your cinema-related dreams come true is decor. If you’re in need of some inspiration, take a look at some designs we love. There are so many unique ways to transform a space into your own personal movie watching haven. You could incorporate an accent wall, floating shelves for DVDs, framed movie posters, and so much more! There are no right or wrong answers with this one, here’s your chance to really have fun with it.

How to Set Up Your Home Theater

Now that you’ve built the perfect home theater, it’s time to start the show. If you’re looking to personalize the experience even more, consider accessorizing your seating with fun additions such as a wine glass caddy or swivel tray table! Once you’ve added those final touches, invite your friends and family over for a viewing of your favorite movie. After all, you’ve got the nicest theater around!

Evolution of the Movie Theater Experience

Evolution of the Movie Theater Experience

Once upon a time, in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, the Vitascope opened its doors to the general public for the first time. The year was 1896 and no other theater in the U.S. had ever been designed with the sole purpose of displaying motion pictures. Since then, movie theaters have evolved tremendously with the incorporation of concession snacks, plush seating, sound-shaking technology, and even 3D visuals. Today, as you sit in the comfort of a reclining leather chair with popcorn and an Icee in hand, do you ever ask yourself why theaters are red? Or perhaps, as your chair trembles with the apparition of a dinosaur on the IMAX screen, do you wonder how this immersive action is happening? Here’s a little insight into the evolution of the movie theater experience – as well as a couple of tips on how to bring the magic home:

Evolution of the Movie Theater Experience

TIMELINE

1896- Edison’s Vitascope Theater makes history with its 72 seat design dedicated to the showing of motion pictures.

1905- Harry Davis and John Davis open “The Nickelodeon” in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. $.05 Nickelodeon movies rise in popularity and spread across the country.

1922- The first 3D movie, Harry K. Fairall’s “The Power of Love,” is shown at the Ambassador Hotel Theater in Los Angeles.

1925- Popcorn is introduced into cinemas when Charles Manley, an inventor based in Montana, develops the first electric popcorn machine. He specifically targets movie theater owners when marketing his product, thus creating the most iconic theater snack of all time.

1935- With the 1930s comes the introduction of candy into concession stands. As these snacks increase with popularity, the concession stand becomes a more and more prominent addition to the architecture of each theater.

1967- The first IMAX 3D theater opens in Vancouver at Expo ‘86.

Evolution of the Movie Theater Experience

DID YOU KNOW?

  1. Movie theaters are traditionally red because human eyes are less sensitive to the color red which makes the room appear darker. This, in turn, provides good contrast with the screen, optimizing the viewer experience. The color red is also used in cinemas for its psychological effects. Red is believed to be a stimulating color that can cause people to feel more emotion. This enhances the connection between the audience and the onscreen actors.

  2. Movie theater seats can shake and tremble through the work of transmitters and transducers! A wireless audio signal tells your seat exactly when to vibrate along with the movie’s soundtrack. Seatcraft’s SoundShaker Amp Kit is a great way to upgrade your home theater into a wild adventure.

Evolution of the Movie Theater Experience

BRINGING THE MOVIES HOME

While going to the movies can be fun, sometimes staying in and watching a movie at home is even better. Bring the movie experience home by customizing the perfect home theater for you!

Start by selecting your ideal seating. Looking for a classical red that will have you reminiscing over $.05 Nickelodeon movies? Try the Seacraft Regis! The deep red and gold combination will transform your home into the most glamorous Hollywood theater.

Evolution of the Movie Theater Experience

If you prefer something more modern, look no further than the Seatcraft Eros. Made with a plush headrest and manual recline this seating looks like it’s straight out of your local cinema– and in some cases, it is!

Evolution of the Movie Theater Experience

There are even seats designed specifically for you and a loved one! Check out the Seatcraft Cuddle Seat for a unique set up catered to your taste! These seats can fit up to two adults or three kids at a time.  

Evolution of the Movie Theater Experience

Then, personalize your home theater with fun gadgets like a tablet holder or wine glass caddy from 4seating.com! If you have a sweet tooth, look into purchasing a cotton candy or ice cream maker for your own in-house concessions stand! Or, make delicious homemade popcorn in a variety of flavors such as garlic parmesan or caramel apple.

Finally, queue up your favorite movies, kick back, relax, and let the credits roll!

New Thanksgiving Traditions for the Family

New Thanksgiving Traditions for the Family

One thing to be thankful for this year is having the occasion to spend time with your family over some delicious food. Whether your family likes to go out to eat or stay in and watch the football game, Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday to check in with everyone during the busy holiday season. While bringing back old family traditions can be a great way to bond with your family, introducing some new ones could give everyone something exciting to look forward to! Here are a couple of ideas on Thanksgiving traditions that might be right for you:

Watch a Movie

Everyone knows that eating that big Thanksgiving dinner can put the whole family right to sleep. Before slipping into your respective food comas, watch a movie together to end the night on a good note! Add to the experience and upgrade your media center by installing comfy leather seating such as the Seatcraft Bellagio. This seating has tray tables, power recline, and a footrest—the ideal combination for your Thanksgiving movie viewing! Whether you decide to watch the movie after dinner or even with dessert, this new tradition will appeal to the entire family.

New Thanksgiving Traditions for the Family

Play Games

Settle into your living room with a combination of games that are fun for everyone! If your family tends to have that friendly competitive edge, this tradition is perfect for you. Get comfortable on your couch (we recommend the Seatcraft Heavenly Modular Sofa) and watch your family engage in a round of Charades, Monopoly, or Pictionary! This will provide you and your family with a break from all screens and technology while having a good time.

New Thanksgiving Traditions for the Family

Paint/Craft

Find an artistic activity that everyone can participate in. You may decide to have a finger-painting competition or even take a pottery class! Engaging your artistic senses while spending time with one another is a great way to help everyone de-stress and reconnect during the holidays.

New Thanksgiving Traditions for the Family

Do some Charity Work

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on everything you have to be thankful for. Share the good fortune by volunteering you and your family’s time to a cause you all feel strongly for. Some possibilities include organizing a neighborhood food drive, donating toys to an organization for children, sponsoring a child or family in need, or even taking a trip to the nearest assisted living home!

Flag Football

Instead of giving in to the drowsiness that Thanksgiving dinner brings, take the festivities outside for some fresh air and exercise. While watching the football game from the comfort of your family sectional, set up your own game of flag football to encourage your family to spend some time outside of the house.

New Thanksgiving Traditions for the Family

Here are some general rules/tips:

  • Make two teams of 5-7 players
  • Everyone receives a flag belt
  • A team has four consecutive downs to move forward to the next zone line to gain (and earn a first down).
  • When the runner’s flag belt is taken, the down ends and the ball is declared dead.
  • A ball becomes dead when:
    – deflagging occurs
    – the ball carrier touches the ground
    – a fumble hits the ground
    – a snap from the center touches the ground

Put on a Show!

Gather all the younger members of your family and have them plan a small talent show! The winners get Thanksgiving treats (think turkey shaped cake pops). This is an easy way to keep the children occupied while the adults sit back and toast to everything they are thankful for. Then, take a seat in your Seatcraft Rialto sectional, relax with your wine caddy nearby, and enjoy the show— your kids surely will enjoy planning it!

At the end of the day, traditions are something that your family has done from generation to generation. Nevertheless, sometimes throwing in a little something new is the perfect way to make everyone reinvest in the holiday season! There are endless unique ideas that could bring your family together on a day like Thanksgiving. Hopefully some of the ones listed above will be making their way into your home this year!

Best Food and Beer Pairings for Football Season

Your Fantasy Football lineup is complete, beers are cooling in the fridge, and you’re sporting your chosen team’s jersey. It can only mean one thing – football season is in full force! But, this year, you have decided to kick up your game celebrations a notch. Your home theater is all decked out in Seatcraft Home Theater Seating, your flat screen is mounted and ready for your viewing pleasure, but what is missing? Only the most important factor to any party -the food and the beer! Your friends are already on their way over so don’t fumble on game day! This is where we come in; we have the best of the best when it comes to new recipes to wow your friends as well as the best beers to pair with your eats. Head for the end zone and make it a party your pals won’t forget!

Nachos

Oh yes, the classic snack that brings all of our favorite flavors together. You have meaty, cheesy, salty, and sometimes spicy flavors come together to create a sensational party inside of your mouth. Everyone knows that beer is amazing with nachos, but what kind is the best pairing?

Image courtesy of myrecipes.com

Image courtesy of myrecipes.com

Since we do have all of these flavors coming together inside the dish, you will want a beer that is a bit sweet, but contains enough body to work with all the salt you’re consuming. Amber Ale would be the best counterpart to nachos, more specifically El Rojo Amber Ale, or Flat Tire Amber Ale. They will give you enough contrast to make you fall in love with the amazing flavor. Want to take your nachos to the next level? Try this recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Nachos! You’ll thank us later.

Chili

The perfect meaty dish has become essential for any football party. It’s savory, sometimes spicy, smoky, and just brings the comfort of home into your stomach. So, what beer can possibly be good enough to keep up with these amazing flavors?

Image courtesy of myrecipes.com

Image courtesy of myrecipes.com

In order to pair with chili, the beer needs to be rich, malty, and smoky. It will supply you with as much warmth as you would desire from a drink. The best selection for you would either be Bloktoberfest from Atwater Brewing, or Sam Adam’s Boston Lager. Salivating yet? To upgrade your typical chili, try this recipe for Super Quick Chili! Not only is it quick and easy, it is also delicious.

Chicken Wings

How could you not have this quintessential game day food? You can have it any way you desire, but we all know that if it’s spicy, it’s better. Instead of grabbing a glass of water for relief from the spice, grab a cold one!

Image courtesy of Southern Living

Image courtesy of Southern Living

Your beer of choice has to have the proper flavor and composition to complement the spice within the wings, or else your mouth will be perpetually on fire. We recommend a beer that is nice and refreshing, like American Pale Ale, or Bass Pale Ale. More likely than not, any sort of Pale Ale will be the perfect choice. Now, you just need to wow your guests with the recipe for Angela’s Spice Buffalo Wings! They are sure to “turn up the heat” for any party.

Pizza

If it has bread, cheese, and sauce, then it’s perfect for football. Pizza and beer have gone together like peanut butter and jelly for an unthinkable number of years, but have you been choosing the proper beer for your food, or just a kind you think would be good?

Image courtesy of Men’s Health

Image courtesy of Men’s Health

We’ll let you in on a little secret: you want to look for a beer with IPA next to it. That’s right, Indian Pale Ale goes perfectly with pizza! The best brands would be Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, or North Peak Diabolical IPA. Ideally, if it has hops and a hint of caramel sweetness, it will enhance your pizza’s flavor and make the meal complete. Peel yourself away from the typical delivery or frozen pizza and try making your own with this recipe for Pizza Bagel Bites! They’re bite-sized, fresh, and taste so much better than any other pizza you’ve had.

Hot Dogs

Chances are, you’ve eaten more hot dogs while watching sports than at any other event in your life. Who could blame you? They’re one of America’s classics! However, it’s also difficult to find the perfect beer to pair with it without the drink being overpowered by the hot dog’s strong flavors.

Image courtesy of Men’s Health

Image courtesy of Men’s Health

Ideally, you want to find a beer that has rich, malt flavors, some spice, and a hint of fruity flavors. It may sound like a strange combination, but it is wonderful! A strong contender would be Bell’s Best Brown Ale, but we love Belgian-Style Dubbel the best. We know you know how to work a grill to cook up some amazing hot dogs, but maybe you would like some tips on how to upgrade them with this guide. Go wild with your flavors!

Dessert

Most people don’t put dessert into consideration when planning their football party, but we demand it! There needs to be some sweetness in the menu, or else your guests will fall into a meat-and-carb-loaded coma. When you do decide on the perfect dessert to end the night with, you have to consider your beer pairing too! If you didn’t know already, beer actually tastes amazing when paired with chocolate. When choosing your beer, it is best to go with a Dry or Irish Stout.

Image courtesy of Food Network

Image courtesy of Food Network

The bitterness in the beer with contrast with the dessert’s sweetness, and the stout will cleanse your palate for the next bite. It lets you have the perfect first bite, each bite. We select Left Hand Brewing Co. Milk Stout Nitro as our dessert beer of choice. It tastes great! If you need ideas for an amazing dessert to serve, try Ree’s Knock You Naked Brownies! It will be a recipe you make over and over again!

Now that you have the amazing food and their ideal beer pairings, it’s time to huddle and get the party started! If you still need to upgrade your home theater, check out 4seating.com and the fantastic selections on home theater seating. We recommend checking out Seatcraft Multimedia Sofas, especially ones with refreshment consoles to keep your beers cold, and trays to place your food upon. They will make your season fun, comfortable, and organized. Enjoy your new and improved football season!