Grand parties are thrown after the Oscars, after music industry awards, to celebrate the BAFTAs, after fashion shows, and so on. Organisers, planners, designers, caterers and staff are hired to consider every aspect of the event. Your party may not be on such a grandscale, but by looking at these parties for inspiration, and with some thought, research and planning, you too can throw a swanky after-show party.
An Oscars-themed party
The Academy Awards take place in Hollywood, and the after-show party takes place at a sumptuous venue such as West Hollywood’s Sunset Tower. Attended by A-list celebrities, it’s all about famous faces, being photographed by the paparazzi and the cream of film stars looking their absolute best.
If you are planning on having friends round to watch the Oscars, turn this into an Academy Awards-inspired party and celebrate in style! Your friends may not have access to designer gowns, but lots of fun can be had from dressing up in costumes inspired by Hollywood-style glamour. Decisions will need to be made about the venue and dress code before you send out invitations as you will need to know how many people to invite. The chances are you won’t have access to an exclusive Hollywood hotel,and the party will be at home–unless it is for a special occasion or birthday, and a function room has been hired, in which case you can invite more guests.
Dress-code and theme
Once the venue has been booked and you know how many guests you can invite, a decision can be made about dress-code, theme and décor. Consider a colour scheme for your guests’ wardrobe – black, gold or silver will look sophisticated – or choose a certain genre of film or decade; or if you prefer, just ask guests to dress up in their best. Invitations can set the scene for your theme. Mimic the style of the Oscars and feature the iconic gold statue; or you could use the theme of old Hollywood glamour and focus on black and silver– think tiaras, top hats and tails, moustaches, clapperboards, feather boas and sequins,and popcorn in red and white striped boxes.
Food and drink
Consider Prosecco and peach juice or puree for Bellinis; champagne and brandy to mix champagne cocktails; gin and vermouth to make Martini cocktails. Supply suitable glasses, such as Dartington champagne glasses, and ice cubes, olives, twists of lemon peel and cherries to garnish the drinks. Provide finger food, buffet food, canapés, hors d’oeuvres, and don’t forget something sweet, such as cakes on a cascading cupcake stand, adorned with firework-style streamers or something that sparkles or glitters.
Decorating the venue
In accordance with the Oscars theme, your venue could feature a red carpet adorned with gold stars positioned at the entrance. Use plenty of metallic balloons, glitter and sparkle. Make your guests feel like A-listers – someone could be on hand to photograph them as they sweep in. You could have a life-size cardboard cutout of a movie icon positioned by the entrance.
By considering your guests’ needs and injecting a little imagination and sparkle into your plans, you too can throw a swanky after-show party!
