Tips for Hosting Home Theater Parties

Movies used to be a social occasion for all ages, from packs of kids piling into a Saturday matinee through first dates for young sweethearts to date nights for busy moms and dads. These days movies are just as likely to be watched at home, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be social.

• Cast of Characters. It’s important to ask dinner guests about preferences before a dinner party, and movie night is no different. Some people can’t handle suspense or gore, while others are bored if there’s not an explosion in the first five minutes. Invite people with similar tastes, values and senses of humor so no one gets an unwelcome surprise. It’s also best to keep it light unless you’re sure that everyone is up for a tear-jerker or tough drama.


• Set-up. Whether you serve dinner before the show or during, do as much of the prep work beforehand as you can. It’s hard to concentrate on a good conversation or a twisty plot if you’re jumping up every few minutes to check what’s on the stove. Toss a small tablecloth over the coffee table or set up a folding table near your home theater seats for extra napkins, condiments and drinks to help keep the interruptions to a minimum if you’re dining in front of the screen.


• Main Theme. Keep it simple. One-dish meals, sandwiches, pizza and other finger foods are far less trouble if you’re eating during the film. Avoid anything that requires a knife to keep the noise level down. Coordinate the meal with the movie for a little extra fun. Cowboy flicks are complemented by chili and all the fixin’s, while classic French farce goes well with quiche and hot baguettes.


• Twist Ending. Serve fresh fruit and cheese along with simple cookies for dessert. It’s not only healthy; it’s easier on your home theater seating to serve mess-proof treats like pear and apple slices or grapes. Or move the party to the dining room where you can talk about the movie over coffee and cake.

With a little planning and a bit of preparation, you can have all the fun of movie-going without the hassle of crowds, high prices or those clueless few who won’t turn off their cell phones. More movie party ideas can be found in this article.

Palliser Circuit Theater Seat Rivals the Rhumba

Palliser Circuit Theater Chair

Palliser had a number of exciting introductions in the fall furniture market that are worth covering.  The Pacifico theater sofa was one, another was the new Axis theater seat with a side tray table(write up coming soon).  The most comfortable new introduction was the seat we want to discuss now - the Palliser Circuit.

The Circuit has a unique design when you first see it.  Somewhat of a blend between the Magnolia and the Rhumba.  The arm rests look like the Magnolia and the seat back and seat cushion have a similar design to the Rhumba.  There is storage in the arm rests and the seat back has excellent lower lumbar support and deep seated padding on the upper back panel that will support the neck and upper back.  The seat cushion is a contour style (bucket style) which further improves the comfort of this already very comfortable theater chair.  Cup holders are available with lighting and the power version of the seat has the up/down control on the rim of the cup holders.

This theater seat, like it's cousin the Rhumba, is the kind of seat that is best experienced in person.  The seat is so comfortable that we know that anyone who sits in it will want it - its just that simple.  This will follow the foot steps of the Rhumba, and if the price is right, even beat the Rhumba due to extra features like storage and lighted cup holders.

Like all Palliser furniture, this includes their industry leading warranty so you never have to worry about repair issues.  The Circuit will be fully customizable in over 250 colors across leather, microfiber and fabric material options.

3 Questions You Won't Ask When Buying Home Theater Seating Furniture

Navigating through the minefield of websites and furniture providers when looking for theater seating furniture can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to consider when looking at different seating options that are often overlooked:

• Who will be using the furniture? This is important because the material covering this furniture can be sensitive. If you will have pets or small children on your furniture then go for microfiber. The microfibers are the most durable and easy to clean. Leather is nice to the touch but needs to be maintained and cared for. It scuffs easily and is very porous and susceptible to liquids. Water can even stain a natural leather.
• How tall is the tallest person who will be using the seating? If you have someone that is over 6 foot tall you will need to be accommodating in the seat selection. Not all seats have a tall seat back. Some are too short period! Make sure that your seat back is at least 40 inches and preferably between 40-43 inches.
• How comprehensive is the seat warranty? The warranty is a testament to the quality of the seats. Manufacturers who believe in their products will put a comprehensive warranty behind them. That should include at least 5 years on the frame and reclining mechanism. Those are the two most important parts of the chair equation.

These questions should be asked to every retailer and buyer to make the most out of your next theater room furniture purchase.