Oscars Party: How To Plan A Viewing Party, On A Budget

With The Academy Awards almost upon us, it’s time to get the gals together and throw your own version of The Super Bowl: An Oscars Party! For tips on how to throw an award winning soirée, (on a budget, of course!) we turned to Katie Smith and Devra Glauberman of MarieMerin to help us get ready for the ultimate in DIY entertaining.

Décor.

White flowers tucked into small glass bottles and vases can give any space a vintage glam feel. The best part is that inexpensive flowers can be picked up at a local market and most of us have plenty of impromptu vases already on hand.

A beautiful table cover can instantly add luxury to any Oscar party, especially since most people don’t use them daily. Opt for sheer gold to enhance the glamour and inexpensively transform a room. We love shopping at places like Marshalls for the same beautiful options found in specialty store, but at 20-60% off the retail price.

What’s an Oscar party without a nod to the red carpet? Use gold and red throw pillows around the floors so people can sit down to watch the awards and feel comfortable. This is also a great way to easy and inexpensively add additional seating.

Place small glass vases or bowls around the room and fill them with dark chocolate Hershey kisses in gold wrappers to go with the gilded theme. They’ll not only look fabulous, but also provide for a sweet treat.

Food.

For dinner, give your guests a taste of the gifting suites actors and actresses go to before the Academy Awards by having guests make their own healthy pizza. Start with whole wheat flatbread and let guests “shop the swag” by adding their own “accessories,” like hummus, zucchini, tomato slices, fresh basil, cheese, tomato sauce, chicken slices and any other healthy goodies you have around.

5 easy, healthy appetizers you can make too!

For snacking, make some microwave popcorn and toss with melted chocolate for a more decadent twist.

Signature Cocktail.

Create your own signature cocktail to serve your guests. We’re mixing an antioxidant-rich drink we’re calling “The Bubbly Nomination” with champagne, pomegranate liquor and pomegranate seeds, although you can make any bubbly beverage you prefer!

2 easy, healthy martini recipes!

Party Favors.

Make home-baked healthy cookies shaped like stars (we have a delicious gluten-free recipe here!) and place them into take-home bags with gold ribbon. Place them by the door in a basket or on a place with a sign that says “It was so sweet to have you at my party” or “you’re a star.”