If you’ll already be watching the Oscars this Sunday evening, why not invite a few of your pals over to watch with you? Here are a few ideas on how to keep the fun going all ceremony long!
Invites. Use a service like Pingg.com to send some email invites to your guests and get an RSVP count. In it, tell your guests to dress up for the fun and bring a beverage to share!
The décor. Keep it simple!
- Bring those holiday lights back out and string up some lights around the main party area. For the party, keep the overhead lights off and the string lights on for a glowing ambiance.
- If you’re expecting more people than your living room sits, make sure there’s plenty of room on the floor and some throw pillows for comfort.
- Use a red carpet! Have any old scraps of carpet, a rug, or a welcome mat you’re ready to throw away? Pick up a can of red spray paint, lay the carpet pieces out on some newspaper in your (open) garage or patio, and spray a few thin and even coats of paint over the carpet. Let dry completely (and air out for 12-24 hours) before bringing inside. It’s best do this a few days in advance of the party!
- Popcorn, of course! And forget the stuff in pre-packaged microwaveable bags. A two-pound bag of corn kernels is usually around $2, and you can easily follow the directions on the bag to make quick batch after batch of delicious popcorn. Salt and flavor it yourself, or try your hand at a simple caramel corn.
- Cupcakes are easy to make and can be quickly spiced up for your Oscars party. Edible glitter, stars, pearls, and other fancy toppings can be found in any craft store. Or you could stick with the theme of your favorite movies this year.
- Ask guests to bring their own drinks, but provide a few mixers like soda, lemons and limes, and cranberry juice.
- Play Oscar bingo! Hand bingo sheets and a marker to your guests when the awards-watching officially starts, and have them mark down what they see. The first one to Bingo wins! Prizes could be simple as an extra batch of cupcakes to take home, or some caramel popcorn balls (just roll up a few when making the caramel corn above!).
- Filling out an Oscar ballot sheet is fun too. Have those available as the ceremony starts so everyone can check off their predictions!
- Go simple by setting aside a few extra party treats like cupcakes, or by making some of the popcorn into caramel corn.
- When you’re at the craft store picking up some edible glitter, pick up a few extras for favors! Bright stars, pearls, and other fun sprinkles make great takeaways. Just tie with a bow and set out on a tray near the exit with the words “Please Take One!” on a notecard nearby.
- If your gathering consists of your fellow gal pals, grab a few of the inexpensive bottles of metallic and sparkly nail polish next time you’re at the store. Tie a ribbon around them, and arrange like the sprinkles above. Even if your girlfriends prefer a subtler color on their fingers, there’s nothing wrong with some twinkle toes to brighten up winter.
Dress Up a Plain Suit
