There are many award shows to recognize the efforts of Hollywood’s A-listers.  Perhaps the most infamous is the Academy Awards, aka the Oscars.  Why not celebrate this fun night of glam and glitter by having your own award show party. Send out stylish, personalized party invitations and follow these party planning tips for an award winning Oscar party.

Decide if you want your party to be filled couture or pseudo-glam. Meaning, set a budget.  Are you going to go all our for a luxurious spread or keep it casual with movie theater fare?  Do you want your guests dressed to the nines or come as they are with just a few celebrity touches (sunglasses, a bow tie, thrift store gown etc.).  Either style of event is sure to be fun, just decide what suites you and your guest list best.

Activity ideas

  • Upon sending out invitations, create a few categories and ask your guests to nominate one another.  The categories can be silly or serious, whatever you like.  Ideas: Most likely to use a body double, Most likely to end up on E true Hollywood story, Best dressed, etc. As you collect the nominations, create ballots and as your guests arrive to your event, ask them to vote.  Designate a box for the ballots and tally them up.  During commercial breaks you can announce the winners and present them with a chocolate Oscar® statue. (Be sure to have music cued up to cut off any lengthy acceptance speeches).
  • Play an Oscars® version of charades.  People should act out a nominee for that night’s award. ( Best Picture, Best Director, Best Costumes etc.).
  • Play a Hollywood variation of 20-Questions. As each guest arrives, pin a die-cut star on his or her back. Each star should contain the name of a different Hollywood star (past or present). The goal for each guest is to find out who they are for the evening by asking only “yes” and “no” questions of the other guests. Limit each person to one question per guest. This is a great game to play if all your guests are not well acquainted because it encourages everyone to mingle.

Dress to Impress

  • Ask your guests to go to a local thrift store and to spend no more than a certain amount- around $15, to get themselves glammed-up for the big night. Just imagine the funky combinations that they’ll come up with!
  • Have guests attend the event in their best attire — and not just their Sunday best. We’re talkin’ sequins, glitter, tiaras and bow ties.
  • Ask guests to dress as their favorite nominee. Complete with that celebrity signature item (sunglasses, crazy hair, etc.)

Decorations and Ambience

  
  • Roll out the red carpet for your guests. If you don’t happen to have a long red carpet, an old sheet, cloth or a rug will do.  Check out carpet liquidation stores for deals.
  • Photograph each “star” as they enter. Hang a dark colored sheet or back drop were they can stop and be admired!
  • Hang silver stars and white, twinkling lights in the room.
  • Use black, gold and/or silver tablecloths and napkins. If going with a more formal theme, use real dishes and silverware.
  • Play music from nominated films.  Keep the lighting low and warm. Candles on tables are a must!
  • A gift bag is a classy touch to your Oscar® theme party.  No need to give them diamonds or spa weekends, like those offered the stars.  Gourmet chocolates or a compiled CD of nominated film soundtracks are great tokens. Gift bags will give your guests a true red-carpeted evening experience.

Food and Drink

  • Champagne is a must, sparkling cider for a non-alcoholic alternative. Martinis and Cosmopolitans also evoke a hip and glamorous vibe.
  • For a more formal evening, host a buffet of first-class hors d’oeuvres such as smoked salmon on crackers, brie and caviar, crab puff pastries or small quiches would be a hit. Serve pork tenderloin sliced as the main course. Fondue offers some rich sauce choices for dipping breads or vegetables. Shrimp displayed on ice along with cocktail and remoulade sauces are a decadent treat.
  • For a more casual affair, go with standard movie theater treats.  Cocktail weenies, cookies in the shape of Oscar®, a cheese ball with crackers and finger sandwiches, buttery popcorn served in theater style containers, raisinettes, m&m’s, licorice, and soda are easy crowd pleasers.
  • For either style party, serving chocolate for dessert is a must.  A decadent mousee or simple fudge brownies are a great way to end a meal.

We all love to oooh and ahhh over Hollywood’s elite.  Discussing the dresses and trends on the red carpet is always entertaining.  Enjoy Oscar® night with your friends and family.  We hope these ideas help you create an award worthy extravaganza come February 22nd.

Have a great party tip you’d like to share?  Email us at partyexperts@purpletrail.com

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