And the award for best host goes to… you! With help from celebrity chef and entertaining expert Travis London, you can pull out all the stops for a glamorous and fun Oscars viewing party. Los Angeles native London received formal training at the French Culinary Institute, and was once linked to our favorite bad girl Rihanna. The founder of the Hip Chic Eats catering company shares with Us Weekly his exclusive tips for being the hostess with the mostest on Hollywood’s biggest night.
Lights Flashin’
Get ready for your close-up! Snap Polaroids of your guests as they arrive – just like the paparazzi – then hang them around the room so they feel like they're walking the red carpet right alongside the stars.
Rock the Vote
What awards show would be complete without ballots? And the same goes for a viewing party! Create voting ballots to pass out to your guests, sparking their competitive spirit with a fun challenge to see whose predictions ring true. Add your own personal categories like: “Will Jennifer Lawrence trip again?” and “Which designer will Jennifer Lopez wear?” to up the ante.
Movie Munchies
As a chef, for me a great party is all about the food and the drinks. Create a menu based off of this year’s nominees. A spicy chicken skewer can be dubbed the “Bradley Cooper,” while you can also rename your favorite cocktail after a Best Picture nominee like the “Whiplash.” Have fun coming up with creative titles, and remember to serve everything in bite-size pieces – this will keep the atmosphere light and easy!
Masters of Disguise
Meryl – is that you? To embrace the spirit of the Oscars, ask your guests to come dressed as their favorite nominee. Be sure to photograph each ‘star’ as they enter (memories are meant to be shared on Facebook!) – this is their moment! You can award the best dressed guest at the end of the night – who says you need a real Oscar to feel like Charlize Theron for a night!
Glamorous Goodies
No one should go home empty-handed! Send guests home with a gift bag. No need to rival the elaborate treats the celebs leave with – opt for something as simple as a copy of a nominated movie, or cute and colorful cocktail recipe cards! Gift bags will give your guests a true red carpet evening experience.
Tell Us: What are your big plans for Oscars night?
