AWARD WINNING VIEWING PARTY IDEAS
Award season is officially here and so is some of Hollywood's biggest nights. If you're planning on hosting the Oscar's, Emmy's or Grammy's, it's time to roll out the carpet and WOW friends with filmed themed invitations and decor, a photo back drop filled with your favorite iconic Hollywood stars, along with your smoothest cocktails and very best apps!
This year, I opted to take my Award glam in a copper, navy and white direction, mixing in metals where they seemed like a good fit.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Next, stock the bar with your favorite spirits, line up the barware, put plenty of bubbly on ice and mix up your first batch of signature cocktails.
'Tis the season for grapefruit, and the ruby red's couldn't be any more perfect than right now, which is why Grapefruit and Sage Champagne Cocktails are on my drink menu. You can make the sage infused simple syrup ahead and whip up a batch of these beauties in minutes. I found this recipe on Floating Kitchen.
Simple syrup: Combine the sugar and water over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts to simmer and the sugar is completely dissolved. Stir in the sage and cook for 30 seconds more. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool. Once the simple syrup has cooled to room temperature, remove and discard the sage. Transfer the simple syrup to a clean re-sealable container and store it in your refrigerator until you are ready to use.
Single cocktail: Vigorously shake 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) grapefruit juice, 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) of the sage simple syrup and 2-3 dashes of bitters in a shaker with ice. Strain into a glass with fresh ice. Top with about 1/2 cup of champagne. Garnish with fresh sage leaves, if desired. Serve immediately in a fabulous coupe.
The Snack Bar! Gourmet popcorn with seasoned salt is always a good idea and It's a great nosh and perfect fill in when everyone is bringing something. I served the popcorn in a family sized popcorn bowl and made individual "cones" out of scrapbook paper, wrapped it with white ribbon and added a black satin bow with a rhinestone center for an Award style look. To hold the cones, I picked up a navy storage basket at Target.
How about this monogrammed copper tiered serving stand from Mark and Graham? I love the copper twist to a traditional piece and the height it adds to the table. Calling all brides: Consider this an A-List registry item!
My newest and very favorite app: Individual (homemade!) star shaped garlic tortilla chips and guacamole. I got the idea from Courtney at Pizzazzerie and the recipe from Sweet Savory Life. Just my opinion, but these are show stoppers. Fill mini dessert bowl's with 2-3 tablespoons of guac and top with a tortilla chip for individual style. Serve extra chips on the side.
Baked Star Tortilla Chips: Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each side of a corn tortilla with vegetable oil. Cut with a star shaped cookie cutter. Place chips on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Season chips with Lawry's seasoned garlic powder and salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Using tongs, turn over each chip at about 5-6 minutes. Remove from oven when golden and serve. Chips are best when consumed within the same day. Enjoy!
Tuxedo napkins anyone? I made these with Aleene's Clear Tacky Glue (it's washable) and paired them on the table with CRU Monaco gold luncheon plates and Marchesa by Lenox gold flatware.
Add dessert! Champagne Trifle in Libbey mini parfait glasses are easy, can made ahead and are just enough after snacking all day.
To create this backdrop and photo wall, I printed 35-40 black and white 8.5" x 11" vintage Hollywood images and hung them five across and eight down using double face tape. Warning: Get ready to take some fun pics with your friends and don't be afraid to dress the part. PSA: It's always a good idea to have a white feather boa on hand when it comes to a photo wall!
So, are you ready to throw your next best Awards party? Visit The Inspired Home for all the details on this one. I'm sure your critics will say the winner is...you!
xx, Deborah
Design: Deborah Shearer | Photography: Stefanie Schoen: The Style Safari