How to host an Oscars viewing party on a budget
The 88th Academy Awards, hosted by Chris Rock, will take place Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. CST on ABC.
Every year people host parties in their homes to try and predict the outcomes before the winners are announced. Last year, over 36 million viewers tuned in to watch the Oscars.
Hosting an Oscar party can be both fun and affordable – even for cash-strapped college students. First, decide on a budget and a theme. A budget should include: food, beverages, decorations and invitations.
Jessica Brannan, owner of Gatherings by Jessica, an event-planning business in Rosharon, shared some cost-saving tips.
She recommends choosing a theme that will help keep food costs to a minimum.
“I love the idea of a ‘Pajamas, Pearls and Popcorn’ Oscar watch party,” Brannan said. “It sets the tone that food is limited to just popcorn and some toppings, which is very affordable, but it also makes you look creative instead of cheap – every party planner’s dream.”
Guests can wear their favorite pajamas and fancy jewelry. For the popcorn bar, provide guests with toppings such as chocolate candies, nuts, cinnamon sugar and various spices.
Allison Linahan, an event coordinator from the San Antonio area, shared some additional tips. She recommends a potluck theme so guests can bring their favorite dish and drinks.
On the other hand, if providing dinner, Linahan recommends choosing something that can be purchased in larger quantities for less, such as hot dogs.
“I know, hot dogs are not very glamorous, but it’s all about presentation if you ask me,” Linahan said. “If you have a serving dish of any kind, you can put a few layers of pretty tissue paper that matches the color scheme down first.”
Another popular theme is to ask guests to dress as their favorite film character for the evening and provide guests with movie theater fare such as hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and candy.
In addition to food, be sure to have plenty of beverages. Creating a drink that corresponds with a movie or favorite nominee can be fun and amusing for guests. For example, serve a drink called ‘Green Martian’ in recognition of “The Martian” or offer guests a ‘Liqueur DiCappuccino’ to represent Leonardo Dicaprio.
Next, decide on decorations and props. Brannan recommends looking on Pinterest and Google for free Oscar night printouts including bingo cards, ballots and gold statuettes.
Other tips include asking guests to fill out a ballot upon arrival, play bingo with gold star stickers, and glam it up in a photo booth complete with accessories such as feather boas, oversized sunglasses and hats.
Brannan suggests setting the mood for guests by creating an “eye-catching red curtain set-up, reminiscent of an old Hollywood theater around your television” using red tablecloths purchased at the Dollar Tree.
“I definitely suggest ‘do it yourself’ for everything you can and utilizing things that you or your friends might already own,” Linahan said. “Hanging a satin sheet over clear Christmas lights would make a great backdrop for pictures, and odds are someone already has those things.”
Brannan said the Dollar Tree sells a variety of affordable, themed items.
“Plastic popcorn containers, a roll of tickets, red, black and gold cutlery, plates, napkins or cups are all ways to bring in the color and theme of an Oscars night celebration without breaking the bank,” Brannan said.
Another cost-saving tip Brannan and Linahan both recommend is to send invitations using Evite, a free online email invitation service. Send invitations as early as possible to allow guests enough time to make plans to attend.
Last but not least, don’t forget to sit back, relax, and have fun with your guests predicting the winners of the 2016 Oscars.
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