Tig’s Tips:
Throwing An Oscar Party

Oscar night is my Super Bowl. As soon as the nominations come out I begin my countdown to the big night. I love the glitz, the glamour and the speeches. I honestly love it all. Most of the time I am content to celebrate the big night by cozying into the couch with my husband, a pizza and a bottle of wine. But, every now and then a party is what is what I am in the mood for and when that happens I follow these 3 Tips to ensure that I am giving my friends a fabulous night, that is inspired by the over-the-top fabulousness of Hollywood.

Champagne Is A Must
When it it comes to celebrations champagne never goes out of style. This is why stocking up on your favorite bubbly is the perfect drink to share during Hollywood’s biggest night. Piper-Heidsieck is the official champagne for the 2016 Academy Awards, but you don’t need to break the bank to have a  fabulous toast, try one of these budget friendly sparkling wines for your bash!

Classy + Simple Nibbles
This is the perfect time to breakout some of your classiest treats. Think canapés, charcuterie and other simple, bite sized delights. The key to an Oscar Party is to transport your friends right to the red carpet. Really spoil them! These are just a few star worthy recipes that are perfect for a classy cocktail party: Heartbeet Kitchen’s Easy Smoked Salmon and Horseradish Ricotta Potato Chip Bites; 101 Cookbook’s classic Gougères Recipe; and my recipes for Oven Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Fire Roasted Tomato Dipping Sauce, and, my Kalamata Olive and Leek Phyllo Triangles.

Photo Credit:  Alexa Aretz Photography

Ballots + Prizes
Finally, you absolutely MUST have Oscar Ballots for your guests to fill out! It is a great ice breaker if people don’t know each other very well, it is fun to talk about during the more dull moments of the long broadcast, plus, it is so, so, easy to prepare! All you have to do is print this official ballot from the Academy Awards website and you are good to go. Be sure that everyone fills it out before the ceremony begins and then make a game of it for the rest of the night. Throughout the evening check in on everyone’s progress, hand out small gifts as the show is happening. Then, at the very end of the night have a special gift for the person who gets the most right! Fun ideas are to send the winner home with their own personal Oscar Statue , or put together a set of DVD’s featuring the Best Picture Winners from over the years! Whatever it is make it thoughtful and memorable.

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By following these tips I guarantee you will be praised by your friends for hosting the most star-worthy Oscar soirée in the neighborhood and they will be securing their place on your guest list for next year’s party before they leave for the night!  Great job!