The big night in Hollywood is right around the corner and in case you missed the segment Monday on ABC7 11am News, we have some tips to throw your own Oscar-Worthy Soirée!
ABC7 Oscar party segment
Really want to “wow” your guests? Why not roll out the red carpet for them? Literally! We rented one from Tablescapes – they run about $48 for an 8′ section. With the stanchions and the red ropes – the cost comes to about $150 before tax and delivery. If you want to replicate the look for less, run out to your local craft store and pick up some red felt. Just make sure to tape it down to the floor with red duct tape to prevent tripping! You can even hire a photographer for the night to snap pics of your guests as they arrive, Paparazzi style!
photo courtesy of Jenn Lake
Invitations set the first impression when hosting an event. These invites from BeUBrides are the perfect announcement of your Oscar viewing party!
photo courtesy of BeUWeddings
Wanna feel like a Star (or the wife of a star?) These VIP passes make fun name tags – and who doesn’t want to Mrs. Clooney for the night? Click here for the template
photo courtesy of BeUWeddings
“I want to thank the Academy…”
Chances are some guests may not even know the nominees for every category. These Ballots make the Oscar Party fun and interactive for guests. Guests can choose who they want to win Best Actor! Click here to download your Oscar Ballot.
photo courtesy of BeUWeddings
We took the red carpet theme to the table top – and created a DIY red carpet table runner. You can use red fabric (and you have sewing skills -not my area of expertise!) or you can simply use red wrapping paper. We picked up a roll for about $5 at Paper Source. Sprinkle some star shaped confetti on the table or inside the invitation for some added bling. We made our own confetti by using some gold paper and a star hole puncher, also from Paper Source.
Avant Gardenia was asked to design all the floral for the segment. Jenna Sprengel came up with some simple floral arrangements that you could easily recreate at home.
photo courtesy of Avant Gardenia
The first floral arrangement costs about $22 to DIY, the statue you can buy online for about $12 and the base is made out of floral foam covered in a pave style with spray roses. Jenna took inspiration from the florals that HMR designed for our wedding planner brunch the week before, but she sprayed the branches gold to match the Oscars theme. You can pick up an black finial vase from Target or Home Goods to complete the look – all for about $35. The last arrangement is an easy DIY for first timers! Any popcorn bowl or popcorn bucket will work – click here to see this one she got from Williams Sonoma. Add water and popcorn kernels to the bowl. The kernels will help keep the roses in place as you are arranging. This arrangement can be done for about $30.
If you want your guests to “stay a while”, make sure to feed them! You can take inspiration from Hollywood to come up with your Oscar-themed menu. Blue Plate Catering created some Oscar inspired bites like:
Indian Spice Cashews and Mini Samosas – Life of Pi
Crawfish Hushpuppies and Mini Braised “Beast” Pulled Pork Sanwiches – Beasts of the Souther Wild
Mini Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches – Silver Linings Playbook
Baked the Bakery by Pure Kitchen Catering created some treats for the sweet tooth:
Red Carpet Red Velvet Cupcakes
Tuxedo Truffles
Zero Dark Chocolate Cookies
Both catering companies have price points to fit every budget, but if you know your way around the kitchen – check out the recipes here. You can also try making some Silver Liner Cupcakes, Miserables Macarons and Life of Apple Pi 😉
When you think of movies, you have to think of popcorn! One of my favorite new companies in Chicago is Posh Corn. With gourmet flavors like Tom Yummy, Mad Rooster and Garlic Breath, you will sure be able to satisfy all kinds of taste buds. All fresh, organic ingredients.. with no preservatives. The small bags start at $3 and the large bags start at $6. They can even customize a popcorn bar for your event, those start at $100 and serve about 100 people.
(me, going over the segment with Jenn Lake – and talking about Posh Corn)
Now that you’ve got the decor and food ready for the party, you have to give yourself the Star-treatment and prepare yourself for the Awards! As the hostess with the mostest, you have to look and dress like a Celebrity!
We suggested some products that you can pick up at Ulta or Walgreens to get you red-carpet ready! Lancome’s Hydra-Intense Masque will transform any dry and drab face and give you a fresh face glow. ($35 Ulta). In case you are stressed out like the nominees probably are – be sure to arm yourself with Emergency Zit Stick, to tackle break outs. For an all-natural toner, try Dickinson’s Witch Hazel for clarifying, oil control. All the stars have that beautiful bronzed skin – but laying out in the sun is so passé. Sunless tanners have come a long way since the streaky, orange lotions of yesteryear. Xen Tan’s E! Live from the Red Carpet Blend Lotion allows you to choose how dark or how light you want to go ($22 Ulta). If you prefer a spray, try SUN ($30 Ulta) it’s one of the best OTC sunless tanning sprays and it lasts about 7 days. You get about 4-5 uses from one bottle. Designer Manicures and Glam nails are all the rage these days. And we don’t expect this fad to fade any time soon. All the Stalets are prepping for the E! Red Carpet Mani Cam!! For an easy and affordable at-home “glami mani”, pick up some of Sally Hansen’s Salon Effects nail stickers. Essie has their version too, called Sleek Sticks. They are both made with real nail polish and last about 10 days. ($11 Walgreens)
photo courtesy of essie.com
But let’s be honest..why do we really watch the awards shows? The FASHION!! Don’t be caught on the Fashion Police Worst Dressed List. As the host of the party, you have to be best dressed! Gilt.com offers designer fashions and accessories – whether you are dressing up that cocktail dress you already own or you are looking for the newest trends for this season, Gilt.com will have the perfect look for you.
Check out the link to the full segment here
And enjoy some more pics from our day at the station..
Mimi and Jenn from Zapwater
xoxo! tm
The party was hosted at The Hyatt Chicago, Magnificent Mile. All of Chicago’s best wedding vendors were there – such a treat! Great mingling with friends and enjoying the newest edition of the magazine. Check out pages 254 and 255! 😉
Soirée to Z. 