How to Throw an Oscar Party

The Oscars only come once a year, and it’s the perfect time to throw an awesome party to celebrate all of your favorite stars, along with all of your favorite friends. Here are some tips and tricks to make sure your Oscars party is award-worthy.

Don’t invite just anyone or, rather, don’t invite the individuals you know won’t enjoy the evening as much as you will. You obviously love the Oscars, because you’re throwing a party to celebrate. If someone is going to talk during the ceremony or ask the unimaginable — to change the channel — cross their name off the guest list.

Print out some ballots and make some bets! If you don’t want to attempt making your own, you can find plenty of pre-made ballots for awards shows online. Just edit to fit your event and you’re good to go. You may even invest in an Oscar-themed prize for the person who guesses the most winners correctly.

Get fun and creative with your party foods. In other words, don’t set out a bowl of chips and order a pizza and call it a day. Even if you do have a good selection of alcohol, nothing will make you feel less elegant than pizza grease and chip crumbs.nYou don’t have to be a 5-star chef, though. Opt for a nice cheese plate. (Not familiar with your fancy cheeses? You can find plenty of guides online) Serve some upscale appetizers. Even if you’re on a budget, you can still stop by the local party store for faux gold silverware and plates and some throwaway Champagne flutes.

While you’re at the party store, spring for a cheap red carpet and backdrop. You’ll be laughing at the pictures for weeks. Add in some fun props, such as costume jewelry, bow ties, DIY Oscars and more.

Send your guests home with goodie bags at the end of the night, as consolation if their favorite films just don’t make the cut. Rummage your local stores’ discounted DVD bins for past Oscar nominees (the older and more obscure, the better) to include, alongside popcorn and theater candy.