Summer entertaining doesn’t have to be limited to the grill. Escape the heat with a movie marathon complete with a DIY Popcorn Bar.

All you’ll need is freshly popped corn, paper bags or popcorn buckets, and a few fun toppings. Use chalkboards or cardboard to make your own signs, and let guests top as they please.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spritzes Fill plastic spray bottles with sweet and savory butters, oils, and simple syrups

  • Clarified butter
  • Garlic, herb and chile-infused oils
  • Lemon, almond and vanilla simple syrups

    Drizzles Warm bowls of sauce for drizzling

  • Caramel
  • Chocolate Syrup
  • Peanut butter sauce

    Sprinkles Fill salt shakers with a variety of salts and spices

  • Homemade ranch seasoning
  • Chile flakes
  • Paprika
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Cinnamon, sugar and brown sugar
  • Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, basil
  • Seasoned salts: garlic, lime and chile

    Crunch Set out bowls of sweet and savory toppings Sweet

  • M&Ms
  • Gummy bears
  • Sliced apples
  • Marshmallows
  • Candied nuts
  • Dried cranberries, apricots and raisins
  • Reese’s Pieces
  • Chocolate and peanut butter chips

    Savory

  • Sliced jalapeรฑos
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Pistachios, peanuts, almonds
  • Pretzel bites
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Pumpkin and sunflower seeds

    Enjoy!

    • This article appears in May 23-29, 2013.

    Brooke Viggiano is a contributing writer who is always looking to share Houston's coolest and tastiest happenings with the Houston Press readers.