With the Oscar nominations finally announced, all of Hollywood is in a frenzy readying themselves for the golden night. You and I might not have a ticket to the event, but this doesn’t mean we have to miss out on all the fun.  Hosting your own decadent Oscar soiree can include all the glamour in more comfortable clothes.

Step One: Equipment

First things first, make sure you have a reliable television so the channel with the telecast comes in nice and clear. The worst thing that could happen is having everyone over trying to watch the awards through static. Also make sure the volume is turned up so you can hear what’s going on over your guests’ commentary on wardrobe.

Step Two: Ambiance

Once that is done, it is time to roll out the red carpet. Head to the closest fabric store or Value Village and get yourself some red fabric to lay out from the front door to the auditorium (a.k.a. your couch). Speaking of the auditorium, it should be decorated with 10’ Oscar replicas painted in real gold; or you could visit It’s My Party on the Danforth and pick up decorations from the Lights, Camera, Action section of the store. Nothing says a party like a giant Hollywood star.

Step Three: Cuisine

While the Hollywood types will be supping on caviar and champagne (if they sup at all; let’s admit, while fabulous, some of those girls could use a sandwich), our tastes are more refined. Hors d’oeuvres are best for night-long snacking. Try some Cream Cheese Jalapenos Pinwheels or Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Pita Bread. Don’t forget dessert! Try fruit kebabs, which are so simple and everyone loves food on a stick. Of course we need cake, what is a party without a cake? Try your hand at creating your own Film Clapperboard cake or head to a bakery like Sweet Tooth to save yourself the clean up.

Step Four: The Ballot

As your guests arrive, hand them a ballot and ask them to make their predictions for all the major categories. At the end of the night, whoever gets the most right wins a prize, or at least the satisfaction of having superior taste in films.Download our ballot here: Unofficial Oscar Ballot

No matter what you serve or how your decorate, having an Oscar party can make that 4 hour ceremony much more enjoyable; and then you have a good excuse as to why you are late for work or school on Monday morning!

Recipes

Cream Cheese Jalapeno Pinwheels

Mix one package of cream cheese with chopped jalapeno peppers (to taste). Spread that mix onto a rolled out tube of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls. Spread it evenly and roll back up into one long tube. Cut into ½” slices and lay out on a baking sheet for 7 minutes. Enjoy!

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

In a food processor, mix 2 cans of chickpeas with one roasted red pepper. Add cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and serve with tortilla chips and pita bread.