True, Ithaca is nowhere near the glimmer of Hollywood’s dazzling night in the film limelight. However, the spirit of the movie industry’s biggest night is not relegated to Southern California. Indulge yourself, and your posy, to an eve of class, style and relishing the fame of silver-screen artistry with a 2015 Oscars Party sure to claim a star on the Boulevard of Fame.
Any Los Angeles event planner will tell you the secret to a marquee event, and after party that is so fabulous that pictures must serve as memory, is glamor in every possible facet. From aperitifs to attire to amusements to aura, the Hollywood veneer of perfection is comprised of all things that sparkle.
Let’s take this step-by-step…
The Invitations
While printing, addressing and mailing invites can seem a bit archaic, it certainly makes an impression. If you prefer to stay in the digital era, make a Facebook page equipped with all the essentials. In addition to including all the relevant time/date/place information, be sure to include the proper attire. The more effort you put into the invitations, the more excited your guests will be for the “golden evening!”
The Dress-Code
While the red carpet is populated by couture gowns, the “general” awards show population is asked to wear LA Chic. This somewhat jargon-esc term, thrown around by Hollywood’s elite, is a shortened way of saying trendy cocktail. For gentlemen, this means a suit with a jacket that can be removed once in the venue. Note that his tie should always match his date’s dress and bow ties are a major throwback trend in entertainment this year. For ladies, cocktail dresses with a “risk” make for an excellent choice. However, steer clear of clubbing attire or summer beach wear. The in-crowd this season, is wearing lace and low-scooping v-necks. Just make sure, above all, it’s classy. Wouldn’t want the paparazzi photographing anything you wouldn’t want to go viral, now would we?
The Hors D’Oeuvres
What’s a party without snacks? In the realm of galas, banquets and sparkling after parties, tapas and all things miniature are a must. Remember that gorgeous dress you’re planning to wear? Folks that live in the camera love the idea of low-calorie, adorable food. While caviar and smoked salmon may break your budget, filling your Oscars celebration with finger sandwiches, two-bite cupcakes and artfully-designed shooters will do the trick. For the LA feel, go for variety of eats over quantity of any one dish.
The Decor
The Golden Globes sport a massive glass chandelier, the Grammys have a highly-sophisticated lighting system and the Oscars embrace all things gold. After all, the ambiance is what defines your guests’ emotion, vesting it with the power to either make or break a party. Buy a can of gold paint or even just a pack of golden sharpies, then bedazzle everything from balloons to red solo cups. Streamers and themed napkins/cutlery can also be a nice touch.
The Entertainment
At the actual award show the audience uses commercial breaks to get up from their seats and hastily network with those around them. Rather than watching yet another perfume or vodka advertisement, why not enjoy a photo session. Have Hollywood-themed cut outs and make a red-carpet style backdrop, then leave the rest to your friends. Trying seeing who can best emulate the infamous Victoria Beckham pose, for example. During the show have a competition to see who can best fill out prediction ballots and maybe even have a “mockscar” for the winner– gold-dipped Ken dolls work well for this.