How to Throw an Oscar Party
The 88th Annual Academy Awards ceremony airs on February 28. Here's how to enjoy it in high style
By Lauren Mang January 22, 2016
A red carpet-ready bash starts with ample planning and a few expert tips and tricks up your fashionable sleeve. I love to entertain and threw my first over-the-top Oscar party last year for around 15 of my friends. It was mostly successful–though I’ll share a few of my pitfalls here so you don’t make the same mistakes I did. I’m currently in planning mode for this year’s fete.
Below, you’ll find my advice as well as pointers from savvy Seattle-based entertaining gurus–divided up into sections like Planning, Decor and Menu–on how to throw a sublime Oscar party this year. Let’s roll.
Step One: Planning
I’m not a big Pinterest user, but the photo-heavy social media platform was one of the most helpful tools to use when I set out to secure a theme, colors, ideas, menu items and beyond. First, create a board (make it secret if you want to keep your scheme hush-hush) and get to searching all manner of decor. Last year I really wanted to focus on gold, pink and white as my party colors, so I found a slew of stunning related images (including the links to where to buy a particular item if I really liked it).
Once you’ve decided on your theme, you’re ready to implement ideas (balloons on the ceiling, flowers, etc.) and create your guest list and send out your invitations.
“I start off with a super chic online invitation from Paperless Post,” says Keri Petersen, owner of Ballard-based interior design and staging firm, KP Spaces. “Kate Spade has a collection that can all be customized for an Oscar soiree.”
I, too, used Paperless Post for my invites. How darling are these:
Once you’ve set your theme and sent out your invitations, it’s time to get busy.
“Display and Costume in Northgate is my one-stop shop for supplies,” Petersen says. “They have everything from mini Oscar awards to a red carpet runner, which I have used and is AMAZING.”
As for those gold and ivory balloons lining the ceiling, I ordered two dozen in advance from Everything Party in Redmond. They were filled up, curly ribbons and all (I did trim them so they wouldn’t hit my taller guests’ heads), and were ready to go that Saturday before. Note: Since I picked up my order the day before the party, I opted for the extra high float ($2.50 per dozen), which ensures the balloons will last up to three days versus the regular 10 hours. The party shop also has a remarkable candy selection; I found tons of sweet treats that fit my color scheme.
Of course you’ll be watching the awards show, but what is a party without some healthy competition?
“Oscar Bingo is always fun and there are some great printables for the game on Pinterest,” Petersen says. “Most of the time we are just drinking and laughing and never get through the whole game.”
This printable 2016 Oscar ballot from blogger Sugar and Charm is also a great option. Have partygoers fill them out and keep track of how many they guess correctly. The person who gets the most correct, wins a prize. My prize last year: A bottle of wine and this Brad Pitt throw pillow ($20). Pillows are available with number of dashing gents’ faces:
Your menu should be full of appetizers and portable foods that are simple to consume while standing or chatting. I’m obsessed with Trader Joe’s appetizers (those mac ‘n cheese balls!) because you can just pop them in the oven and place them on a platter. I also whipped up soft pretzels using local foodie Heather Christo’s recipe and offered three different mustards for dipping.
“Nothing pairs with Champagne better than loads of candy and popcorn, and I serve it in my fanciest dishes,” Petersen says. “The only thing better than watching Leo [potentially] win an Oscar is watching it with a mouth full of Red Vines.”
Drink mixers from Pine & Crave; photo: Mackenzie Schieck
Ready to throw your star-studded soiree? Of course you are. Happy planning.
“Nothing pairs with Champagne better than loads of candy and popcorn, and I serve it in my fanciest dishes,” Petersen says. “The only thing better than watching Leo [potentially] win an Oscar is watching it with a mouth full of Red Vines.”
Drink mixers from Pine & Crave; photo: Mackenzie Schieck
Ready to throw your star-studded soiree? Of course you are. Happy planning.
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