The red carpet’s rolled out, and the countdown for the 84th Academy Awards is on!
To help fans mark Hollywood’s biggest night with a celebration of their own, Oscar.com has launched its official party blog, www.oscar.com/partyblog, with everything needed to throw the perfect Oscar Sunday viewing party. While I’m not doing anything special this time around, I’ve hosted a few great parties in the past. It’s fun to make it an extra special event for your guests! The Oscars only happen once a year, after all. 😉
What can you do at Oscar.com?
- Recipes! World-renowned master chef Wolfgang Puck shares his official Oscar recipes, and more importantly, shows fans how to prepare their own Oscar menu. Plus, learn how to make the Moët Red Carpet Glamour, the exclusive champagne cocktail of the Governors Ball.
- Party tips! Oscar’s official party planner Cheryl Cecchetto sets the stage for glamour at the Governors Ball, and gives viewers tips on how they can host an award-winning party at home.
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Oscars® App is Now Live on the App Store for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. Credit: ABC Ballots! Print out ballots or guests can fill out ballots online before the show. The website and the iPad app will refresh and calculate results as categories are presented. For guests who can’t make it in person, the game is shareable via Facebook.
- Backstage Pass! With more than 20 live cameras strategically placed on the Red Carpet, throughout the Kodak Theatre, backstage during the event and even in the Governors Ball, the Backstage Pass on Oscar.com and the official Oscars app is the perfect complement to watching the live show. Party-goers can pull it up to check out the behind the scenes action before, during and after the show.
- Schedule of events! The festivities begin bright and early Oscar Sunday and go well into the night on ABC. Oscar.com has the full list of what to watch and when to ensure fans don’t miss a thing.
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How to Host an Oscar Party on a Budget
1. Spread the Word
By now, most of your friends should know where the awards party is come Sunday evening. But if you’ve been procrastinating, a broadcast invite via Facebook is a great option to get the word out and rally your crew. For a more festive approach, check out this customized and free Oscar-themed e-vite.
2. Get Red Carpet Ready
It’s not an Oscar party unless you dress to impress, so request that guests arrive in award-winning attire worthy of the red carpet. Hit up second-hand stores or discount retailers like Ross and TJMaxx for affordable evening wear or channel your inner Bjork with a stuffed animal wrapped around your body.
3. Star-worthy Snacks
Being frugal doesn’t mean you have to revert to serving Ruffles. A simple shrimp cocktail is an elegant yet affordable hors d’oeuvre that is sure to tickle the taste buds of your many guests. Similarly, frozen treats like mini quiches can be bought in bulk for a savings at warehouse stores like Costco. Cheese and crackers is another quick yet delectable snack all are sure to enjoy. Don’t forget to use printable grocery coupons from sites like CouponSherpa.com.
4. Serve in Style
Though serving food on paper plates is practical for a party, the Oscars call for something a bit more upscale. Purchase clear plastic plates and champagne flutes from the dollar store, offered at nearly 50-percent less that other retailers. While you’re there, pick up some star-shaped confetti to add a touch of bling to your serving table.
5. Create a Memorable Entrance
Give your honored guests the ultimate star treatment with a red carpet entrance. To keep it quick and cheap, pick up some inexpensive red felt from a nearby fabric store to adorn your home walkway. Add some dazzle to your decor by dangling decorative stars and white lights around your entrance and living room.
6. Designer Drinks
The official beverage of the 2012 Oscars features a botanical-infused vodka with fresh-squeezed sour mix, topped with champagne and a rose petal. You can easily mimic this signature cocktail with tart lemonade, flavored vodka and your favorite Brut champagne.
7. Games
No party is complete without a fun activity, and the Oscars provide the perfect opportunity for a friendly wager. Charge a minimal entrance free to your party – think $5 – and create a pool with the collected cash. Then, have guests choose winners for select categories and whomever has the most right answers wins the pool.
8. Goody Bags
Leave the designer diamonds and exotic truffles for the celebrities and create your own goody bags on the cheap. Dollar stores are a great resource for candies and gift bags, and you can find scented candles and other indulgences at Target or Kohl’s.
Tips provided by Andrea Woroch, a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com.
