Dinner and a Movie: The Parent Trap

There are few movies as cozy, iconic, and mischievously heartwarming as The Parent Trap. Whether you're team 1961 or all-in on Lindsay Lohan’s 1998 performance, this movie has all the ingredients for a perfect themed night: twin switch chaos, dreamy Napa scenes, and of course—Chessy, the real MVP.

For this week’s Dinner and a Movie, we leaned into comfort food and camp nostalgia, imagining exactly what Chessy might have whipped up after finding out the girls pulled the ultimate switcheroo.

The Menu: Cozy Comfort with a Chessy Twist

Our theme? Comfort food meets campfire magic—the kind of meal that makes you feel at home no matter what side of the pond you're from.

Here’s what was on the menu:

🍞 Gooey Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Toasty and stuffed with melted sharp cheddar—just the kind of love-on-a-plate Chessy would serve

🍅 Creamy Tomato Soup
Rich, velvety, and perfect for dunking. Served in the classic Campbell bowls from my childhood

🫐 Blueberry Mint Mojitos (Mocktail)
Fresh blueberries, muddled mint, lime, and sparkling water—cool, refreshing, and just sweet enough. Of course we added a little plastic lizard on the rim for the full “lizard on your water bottle” moment.

🍪 Goodie Girl Chocolate Creme Sandwich Cookies Dipped in Peanut Butter
These double-stuffed cookies are free of artificial preservatives, gluten, peanuts, eggs, and dairy—they are delicious and when dipped in creamy peanut butter, they’re pure Parent Trap perfection. Annie would be horrified. Hallie would be thrilled.

The Tablescape: Camp Walden Meets Cozy Napa

We set the scene with a rustic, whimsical tablescape that brought both worlds of the film together.

  • I built a tent over the table with a staple gun and brown paper

  • Decks of cards scattered down the center

  • Vintage lanterns flickering with soft candlelight

  • A tabletop firepit to roast marshmallows or just gather around. I may have set off our smoke alarm…

  • Plaid and gingham napkins, enamelware, and natural textures for that lived-in, magical camp feel

Everything felt playful, warm, and just a little bit mischievous—exactly what we were going for.

Movie Time: Popcorn, Pajamas & Twin Chaos

After dinner, it would be fun to cozy up with blankets and popcorn for movie time. Such a fun movie!

These are the nights that remind me why I love hosting so much. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. It just has to be intentional. A table full of grilled cheese and laughter becomes sacred when you slow down and invite people in.

Why We Keep Doing This

Our Dinner and a Movie nights aren’t about Pinterest perfection—they’re about creating connection. Taking a beloved story and bringing it to life in our own home is a rhythm that grounds us in joy, beauty, and togetherness.

If you're looking for a way to make memories without a lot of fuss, this is it. Pick a movie, plan a simple meal, and let the magic unfold.

What movie should we do next? Comment below or tag me @erineclark on Instagram if you host your own Parent Trap night!

ERIN CLARKComment