Hosting An Oscar Party At Home: Tips From The Top
It's Hollywood's biggest night of the year but for those of us who didn't manage to score an invitation to one of the glitzy, star-studded parties, rest assured, it's not too late to plan the perfect bash and create your own golden moment ― complete with delicious canapés, bubbly to give your celebration that added fizz, and plenty of fun and games to keep the party swinging.
Celebrity caterer and entertaining guru Mary Giuliani certainly knows how to throw a party. She started her New York-based business 'Mary Giuliani Catering Events' with her husband Ryan in 2005. Since then, her company has grown to be one of the most sought after catering corporations in the city, with many an A-List celeb calling on her to ensure their night goes off without a problem. Her clients run the gamut from Academy Award winners and nominees (Matt Damon and Bradley Cooper), fashion designers like Carolina Herrera and Stella McCartney, to large media empires such as Condé Nast, Weinstein & Co. and Time Inc.
We've asked Mary to put together some tips to help you throw a flawless Oscar party
"When it comes to award-season entertaining, I highly recommend sticking to my go-to party formula: EAT, DRINK, PLAY & RECOVER." Giuliani exclaimed. "Here are my favorite tips for this year's award season."
EAT
Pu Pu Platter (AMERICAN HUSTLE)
Only Bradley Cooper can make a perm look good! The '70s are alive this season with all the American Hustle buzz and a great excuse to serve a '70s classic ― the pu pu platter.
A pu pu platter is a great coffee table meal that allows your guests be interactive and not miss a minute of the show. On a Lazy Susan, serve Chinese take-out (shrimp, boneless spare ribs, chicken skewers) with dipping sauces. Ask the take-out place for extra containers, so your guests can take home a food goody bag.
DRINK
Whenever you're hosting a viewing/ home party that may top the 'tipsy scale,' you always want to serve a light colored drink. Champagne and prosecco are great for a glam theme and safe in case there's some spillage! Serve with fresh berries, mint, and thyme to give it an elevated Oscar touch.
PLAY
Challenge your guests to a taste test and see who can come up with the "Best Dressed Chip." Taking inspiration from Wolf of Wall Street, I looked for ways to elevate your chips and dip experience while making a fun and interactive experience for my guests. Before your guests arrive, set out items like seared tuna, spiced chicken, smoked mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, Fontina cheese & truffle oil.
These items, when paired with 'Food Should Taste Good' chips (in my opinion the highest quality chip) will be award worthy:
- Seared Tuna on Guacamole Chip with Chipotle Cream
- Spiced Chicken on Kimchi Chip
- Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil on Olive Chip
- Fontina & Truffle Oil melted on Multigrain Chip makes for one dapper hors d'oeuvre
RECOVER
Send your guests home with a goody bag filled with coconut water, aspirin, and a cooling eye mask so they can all feel pampered like the stars the "morning after."
Here are some additional dish ideas to serve at your award-winning party:
Click here for the Blondies Recipe.
Click here for the Brisket Sliders Recipe.
