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#TheLIST: How to Host a Chic Oscars Party
A fête plan for the upcoming Academy Awards–no matter your hostess style.
The Oscars is undoubtedly one of the most glamorous nights of the year, from show-stopping gowns to dapper tuxes, and of course the anticipation of all the winning films you will scramble to see (if you haven't already) post-show. But lets be honest, judging the red carpet is the best part of the evening–and doing it in style is a must. Follow our guide to hosting a chic Oscar viewing party with minimal effort and maximum style. Plus, stream all of the 2018 Oscar nominations before tuning in to the awards show here.
Festive Attire
A sparkly look doesn't have to be fussy. Pair style and comfort with a festive jumpsuit, which serves as the perfect attire if you'll be doing double duty as hostess.
Halston Heritage jumpsuit, $375, net-a-porter.com; Le Petit Trou slippers, $150, net-a-porter.com; Sabrina Drusy ring, $38, shop.nordstrom.com.
The Invitations
Invitations set the tone–their presence and the effort in sending them separates the casual get-togethers from full-out parties–so invite your guests to your viewing party with something that has a classic feel and a touch of whimsy. For the fashion-centric crowd, consider Connor hand-stamped note cards. For something more grand and traditional, try something by Mrs. John L. Strong.
Conor shoe notecard, $10,
Pop, Fizz, Clink.
"A specialty bar is always a great idea–and nothing feels more appropriate for the Oscars than a celebratory toast," says Darcy Miller, entertaining expert and author of Celebrate Everything. "You can personalize these topping bars any way you like and for any occasion–even down to things as playful as edible glitter," says Miller. The party guru also encourages naming custom cocktails after the night's nominated films, and making it interactive and simple for guests to mix their own concoctions or add a festive garnish.
The Décor
Set the mood with accents that remind guests of Hollywood's heyday and a scent that adds to the vibe. If you don't have a bar cart or sleek coupes for champagne, now would be the excuse to invest.
Society Social "Worth" bar cart, $625, shopsocietysocial.com; LSA champagne saucer, $46/set of 2, us.amara.com; Diptyque "Baies" scented candle, $165, diptyqueparis.com.
Dress Code
Make it clear that your guests should arrive in something comfortable without forgoing style.
Nanushka dress, $595, net-a-porter.com.
Gucci slippers, $750, net-a-porter.com.
Food & Drink
When in doubt, go luxe. Set up a caviar station with your favorite varieties, crème fraîche and ample amounts of blinis that allows guests to nibble on delicious little bites in between winner announcements. Vodka may be a customary pairing and having it on ice is encouraged, but champagne pairs perfectly and will feel apropos for the evening–so stock up on plenty of bubbly.
Olma classic caviar gift box, $159, olmafood.com; Cedes Milano caviar stand and bowl set, $950, barneysny.com; Veuve Cliquot champagne, $49.95, sherry-lehmann.com.
Glam Factor
Keep your beauty look stress-free and overall minimal–you're not the one on the carpet, after all. Instead, opt for statements that feel fun and low maintenance, like a red lip or bold brow.
Dior "Rouge Dior" lipstick, $35, neimanmarcus.com.
Sweet Tooth
Once it's time for dessert, go mini and personalized. It avoids your having to plate cake, dole out cookies or whip up a complicated sweets bar when it's time for the night's biggest announcements. Stick with individually-packaged, nostalgic offerings you know your guests will love–like small pots of edible cookie dough. Or, your guests can act like a kid in a candy shop and fill up their own goodie bag from your adult candy bar set up, featuring playful sweets like Sugarfina's candy olives or 24k gold swizzle sticks.
Moet & Chandon mini bottles, $16, shopwinedirect.com; Sugarfina swizzle sticks, $15, and martini olive almonds, $7.50/small box, sugarfina.com; The Cookie Dough Cafe edible cookie dough pots, $29/pack of 3, thecookiedoughcafe.com.
That's My DJ
No party is complete without a perfect soundtrack–so take yours seriously. Keep in mind that you're not expecting people to be dancing on your coffee table–the best tunes are the ones that keep the mood upbeat without distracting guests from the night's events.
https://open.spotify.com/embed/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX0IlCGIUGBsA
Selfie Redux
The time between the red carpet and "Best Picture" can tend to drag on. Use that lull for snapping pictures on your own red carpet (read: your living room rug). Go for something with instant gratification that's a little more special than a selfie–like an Instax Mini. For the photo shy, try out the Six Degrees of Dating game: Write two celeb names on a board and challenge guests to connect them through their dating pool. Or, take a cue from March Madness for a Fantasy Oscars set-up, where each guests casts their ballots for who they think will take home the biggest honors of the night.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 70, $140, adorama.com.
To-Go Treat
Give your guests their own Oscar to take home with a mini chocolate version. What better way to reminisce about the night than with a sweet treat?
Chocolate award statues, $27 for 10, promnite.com.
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