It is award season and you know what that means… Leo is sure to lose out for best actor again. Kidding – sort of! Regardless, awards season is the best time to invite your movie-loving friends over to argue who is worthy of Hollywood’s top honour. Here are some tips to ensure your Oscar viewing party is one to remember.
(Courtesy Cheryl DeWolfe/Flickr)
Venue
There’s nothing wrong with throwing your party in the comfort of your own home, but if you do, be sure to dress up the invite. Make your party invitations imitate Oscar envelopes with the gold seal. Include an “Admit One” ticket for partygoers to submit when arriving. Hang a Hollywood sign on your front door to welcome guests. Prepare a miniature “swag bag” for your guests similar to the ones stars receive.
(Courtesy of Flickr/JMacPherson)
Décor
Head to your local fabric store and make your guests feel extra special by rolling out a red carpet for them. Hang a sheet as a background and gather some fun props like celebrity faces and feather boas to host your own paparazzi photoshoot. Print out posters of the films nominated for best picture and place them in vintage frames to display. Buy gold and black balloons and streamers to stay within the colour scheme of the award show. If all else fails, order a life-size cardboard cutout of George Clooney to stick in
the corner and you’ll be set.
(Courtesy of Flickr/KathyC81)
Attire
While sweats are a likely staple on a lazy Sunday, the Academy Awards are an excuse to go glam in a unique way. Unlike the critics who take red carpet outfits a little too seriously, have your guests get creative. Instead of raiding your closet or bank account for lavish attire, try hitting up a thrift store. Have your guests wear the flashiest fashions of decades past. Present prizes to the tackiest dated duds.
(Courtesy of Flickr/superiphi)
Food
Try sticking with classic movie theatre staples like candy and popcorn, but present them in a fun way. Use a traditional veggie platter as a candy holder. The various compartments can hold a different type of candy. Make microwave popcorn, but purchase some old-fashioned individual popcorn buckets to serve it in. As for drinks, it’s all about the bubbly – even if you can’t afford Moët like the stars!
(Courtesy of Prayitno Photography/Flickr)
Fun
All awards shows have their dull moments and the Oscars are no exception. To keep guests from nodding off during those lengthy acceptance speeches, hold an Oscar pool. Have your guests place their bets on who’s taking home a golden statue. There are countless printable odds sheets available online, which make this a simple party pleaser. Winner takes home a bottle of bubbly or a cheaper prize option: an imitation gold statue found at most dollar stores.
