How to Host a Memorable Awards Show Party

Even if you’re not walking the red carpet, you can still celebrate awards season like the rich and famous. It’s the perfect excuse to have people over, especially if you enjoy entertaining. Invite friends for a fun and glamorous awards viewing party, and kick things off with fancy cocktails. Pass around appetizers and elegant hors d’oeuvres. They’ll make entertaining a for group ultra easy, so you can sit back and enjoy the show.

 

 

A Hollywood-worthy party begs for beautiful, festive beverages. Set up a bar where guests can mix Cosmopolitans, make a bubbly cocktail (we like the Kentucky 75, a riff on the French 75), or just stick to the timeless elegance of a glass of sparkling wine.

Start everyone off with a platter of (preferably warm) gougères, which will pair nicely with any of the drinks mentioned above. Consider including crispy prosciutto-topped deviled eggs flavored with lemon zest as well as bright chives and parsley as they’re heartier hors d’oeuvres that are just as easy to pass around. Crostini with ricotta, pears and spiced walnuts are easy to make ahead, vegetarian-friendly, and a nice pairing for anything sparkling. For something warm, place chicken meatballs with ginger and lemongrass over a bed of lettuce with lime wedges and thinly sliced green onions.

 

End the evening on a sweet note with an assortment of rich, decadent chocolate truffles and chocolate-pear tartlets.

 

 

Work two days ahead so that when the day of the party comes around, you’re ready to tune in to the show.

 

• Two days before: Make the gougères. Let cool completely, and store them in an airtight container.
• The day before: Make the tart shells for your desserts, cool, and store in an airtight container. Make the truffles and freeze.
• The morning of the event: Boil the eggs for your deviled eggs. They can be made completely with the exception of the garnish, then covered and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before serving. Make the custard for the tart shells.
• Just before the party: Make and assemble the chicken meatballs, crostini and deviled eggs. Rewarm the gougères in the oven. Take the truffles out of the freezer 20 minutes before serving. Dust the tartlets with confectioner’s sugar.

Part of the fun of a awards season party is in the A-list glamour. Consider sending out themed invitations, and decorate your table with some movie magic (think film reels or nods to nominated flicks).

 

Get everyone involved in predicting the award winners with ballots, which are easy to find and print online. Don’t forget to have a prize ready for whoever’s predictions are most accurate!

 

Skip any large floral arrangements or tall candles; instead, opt for vases and short votives instead. Since the action is on the TV, you don’t want to obstruct anyone’s view.

 

Some guests will be more interested in the on-screen spectacle than others. Try creating two zones for people to socialize—for example, set up the food in the living room by the television and the bar or desserts in the kitchen for guests who need a break.

 

Don’t forget to take pictures! Create your own red carpet moments by placing disposable cameras around the room or encouraging guests to snap pictures on their phones. If you have the room, you can even create a customized background for your very own party photo booth. That way, you can create a personalized reel to use for next year’s party.