How To Throw An Oscars Party Fit For The Stars

This Sunday, Feb. 26, Hollywood will be taken over by the biggest movie stars on the planet for the 89th Annual Academy Awards. While the likes of Natalie Portman, Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, and Ryan Gosling will be celebrating the best in film together at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the vast majority of movie lovers will have to settle for watching the ceremony at home.

But just because you won't be wearing designer gowns and millions of dollars in jewels doesn't mean you can't have a good time on Oscars night. All you need to do is throw your own stellar watch party. To have a successful Oscars bash, you don't need much. The theme is already established. From there, you just need the right décor, the perfect menu, a decent television, and a good group of friends, and you're set.

What to Wear
Your wardrobe for an Oscars party can truly be whatever you want it to be. The award show often runs late, so feel free to get comfy and watch the show in your pajamas. If you want to make the night feel more festive, ask your friends to come dressed as their favorite nominated film character. This can be easy (Casey Affleck in Manchester by the Sea essentially wears everyday clothes) or detailed (coming dressed as the fox "Nick Widle" from Zootopia or "Harley Quinn" from Suicide Squad).

How to Decorate
The Oscars are all about glitz, glamour, and the celebration of Hollywood, so decorate accordingly. With La La Land receiving a record 14 nominations, this year's Academy Awards are all about a love of Los Angeles and filmmaking. So, decorate your home with your own Hollywood sign and icons of cinematography (clapboards, film reels, cameras, etc.). Make sure the awards themselves are represented through your very own red carpet (complete with a photo booth acting as paparazzi), mini Oscar statues, and all gold everything.

What to Drink
You don't have to look far for drinks inspired by the best movies of the year. To Hell or High Water resulted in a fiery take on the margarita. The heartbreaking film Moonlight has a special tequila cocktail named after it. And the fireworks between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in La La Land gave birth to a fun, foamy bourbon cocktail, straight out of the Jazz Era. If you want to keep it simple, pop a bottle of Champagne or prosecco for some bubbly fun.

What to Eat
No food is better suited for the movies than popcorn, so make your own popcorn party mix to munch on while you watch the show. Whether you go sweet with Peanut Butter Pretzel Caramel Popcorn, savory with a Bacon Bourbon Caramel Popcorn, or classic with caramel corn, there's a snack out there for you.

What to Do
Before the big show kicks off, have your friends fill out their own Oscar ballots to see who can guess the most winners this year. Then, watch the Oscars — duh! The 89th annual Academy Awards are set to air live on ABC on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. EST. This year's show is will be hosted by comedian and late night host Jimmy Kimmel, so prepare for plenty of Matt Damon jokes.