How to Throw an Awards Show Party That’s a Real Winner
Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
Experience Hollywood at home with an awards show party! Tune in for a night of posh noshes, fun games and glam embellishments.
Whether you’re in it for the outfits and the celeb gossip or you’re truly invested in the nominees and their works, an awards show party is the perfect excuse to get together with your pals, pop a squat in front of the TV and enjoy some champs and snacks.
Set the Dress Code
When it comes to what you and your crew should wear, you can go one of two ways. Let the celebs on the small screen inspire you to get all gussied up with dresses, suits, heels and full glam. Or keep things casual for comfy viewing from your couch.
Did you know these celebs have surprisingly good food brands?
Go for Gold (and Black and Red)
The unofficial color palette of La-La Land is black, gold and deep red. Incorporate the quintessential colors any way you can with popcorn boxes, serving trays, napkins and decorations. If you’re getting together for the Grammys, spray-paint some old vinyl records to create a DIY serving platter!
Turn up the Tunes
Your playlist should be dependent on the awards show you’re watching. If the Oscars are on, include songs from the soundtracks of nominated films or songs inspired by their plots. If you’re gathered for the Grammys, cue up music from every category.
Bring out the Popcorn Bowls
You can’t have a TV-watching marathon without some ‘corn. Of course, there’s the ever-popular movie-theater popcorn, doused in butter. But you can also liven up things with some not-so-common stir-ins, such as those in Parmesan Ranch Popcorn or Peppermint Popcorn.
Serve Fancy Starters
Awards show season is always an exciting and glamorous one, meant to honor the entertainment industry’s superstars and legends. Take it as an opportunity to embrace said glamor in your own life. Start guests off with a champagne cocktails and some upscale apps.
Build a Bingo Board
No matter which program is broadcasting on your tube, there’s a way for you to interact and play! Try bingo, superlative assignments for your own squad (e.g., Best Dressed, Most Likely to Become Famous, etc.), acceptance-speech Mad Libs and so much more.
These great non-themed party games will keep your entertained all night, too!
Roll out the Red Desserts
As a wink to the famous walkway, whip up a red velvet delicacy, such as cupcakes, macarons, fudge or cheesecake for dessert. And if you really want to go above and beyond, unfurl a faux red carpet in your own home on which guests can pose and strut.
Send ’em Home with Swag
Stars and their guests leave the biggest awards shows with a “swag bag” of about $20,000 worth of goodies, so why shouldn’t your group? Stuff paper bags with your favorite fancy things, such as iced sugar cookies, truffles, mini sparkling wine bottles, gold nail polish and confetti.
Originally Published: January 11, 2019
