Movie-Themed Menu
Start the party in the living room or dining room to enjoy some classic movie theater treats. Before settling in for the show, provide bowls and appetizer plates for popcorn and candy. For more substantial hand-held movie foods, set up a hot dog or nacho bar with plenty of toppings. Want to play up the formal theme of the Academy Awards? Serve decadent appetizers instead. A charcuterie board with olives, meats, cheeses and fruits looks as good as it tastes, while caviar canapes bring some luxury to your spread. For a true Hollywood feel, pair the appetizers with champagne served in coupe glasses
Camera-Ready Decor
For a 5-star look at your Oscar party, consider establishing a color scheme that fits the occasion. For instance, a red runner across the dining table evokes the look of the red carpet. If you're celebrating in the living room, place it over a sideboard instead, and tie the look together with coordinating pillows on the sofa. Next, bring in gold accents that complement the Oscar statue—candle holders, picture frames and throw pillows in modern metallics give the space a touch of sparkle and glamour. Want to play up the black tie theme? A black and white color combination instantly dresses up any room: a black tablecloth and white appetizer plates are simple and sophisticated on the table.
Activities for Your A-Listers
To make the evening more entertaining, play some on-theme games before the award ceremony begins. Amp up the competition by giving the winners small prizes such as mini Oscar trophies or sweet treats.
Predictions: Find a printable Oscar ballot online, and let each guest predict the winners before the ceremony starts. After the awards have been announced, tally up each ballot to see who had the most accurate guesses.
Trivia: If your guests are film buffs, research some Oscar facts ahead of time. For instance, ask who won best actress in a given year, which director has the most Oscar wins or who has been nominated the most times. Do your friends prefer celebrity gossip? Stick to fun facts about the stars themselves instead.
Charades: Let your friends test out their acting chops with a game of charades. To keep things interesting, write the names of the movies on this year's ballot, fictional characters from classic films and major actors from fan favorites on slips of paper. Split your group into teams for friendly rivalry.
Who Am I: This simple guessing game ensures all your friends will mingle with each other. Without peeking, each guest must tape the name of an actor or film character to their back or forehead. Then, they have to ask other partygoers yes or no questions until they're able to guess their mystery identity.
Gift Bags for Every VIP
Even if they don't win, Oscar nominees in top categories take home enviable gift bags. Why not treat your guests to goodies, too? From beauty products to homegoods, the official Oscar bag has a little something for everyone. For your own version, try to incorporate similar items—soaps, incense and lotions are welcome additions to any bathroom, while picture frames or pillar candles are ideal for the living room. If you have lots of guests, give everyone small treats such as cookies or candies instead. No matter what you decide to give, create a polished look with gift bags and tissue paper.
When the ceremony begins, get comfy and enjoy the show. What are your favorite Oscar party ideas? Share them with us by using the hashtag #CrateStyle.
