The Academy Awards for 2011 will be awarded tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 27. This is the biggest night out for Hollywood’s stars. Most of us can only dream of attending not only the Oscars but that fabulous after-party featuring the superb cuisine of Wolfgang Puck.
You know you’re going to watch and see if your favorite actors and films win! Why not throw your own Oscar party and enjoy the evening with friends? You don’t have to be a trained chef or party planner to host a smashing event. Here are some suggestions for decor and dining that could earn you the “best in the kitchen” award!
Roll out your own red carpet. Look for a clearance bolt of red fabric at your local fabric store. Arrange it going up your steps to your front door and into your foyer or hallway. This will surely set the mood for the party!
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Find your favorite actors’ pictures in magazines and arrange in frames around the room. Pick up lots of cardboard gold stars from your local dollar store and hang from the ceiling with clear fishing line or string.
Hollywood is all about glitz and glamour! Instead of bright, overhead lights, create a warm glow throughout the room with lots of flameless candles and dim lighting. Pull out a few strands of Christmas lights and drape around your entertainment center or artificial tree.
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Invite your guests to come dressed as their favorite leading lady or man. Hand out ballots with all the nominees listed and let guests cast their vote in a ballot box during the pre-shows. Offer an “Oscar bag” for the person with the most correct votes at the end of the night. Stuff a cute tote with popcorn, candy and an Oscar-winning film on DVD.
There are hours of “star watching” before the main event. Start off your evening with a crisp Prosecco or a Liquid Gold cocktail. Think simple appetizers. Bagel chips make a great base for a delicious bite that you can whip up in no time.
Want to really impress your guests? Serve foods inspired by the Best Picture nominees for 2011:
- The King’s Speech – scones and tea
- Toy Story 3 – homemade caramel corn
- The Social Network – apple martinis
- 127 Hours – trail mix
- Black Swan – black and white cupcakes
Liquid Gold Cocktail
- ¾ cup vodka
- ¾ cup sweet vermouth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 sheet edible gold leaf plus 1 sheet gold leaf crumbled into dust
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¾ cup chilled ginger ale
Directions: In a pitcher, combine vodka, sweet vermouth, lemon juice and 1 sheet edible gold leaf torn into flecks. Refrigerate. On a plate, mix sugar and 1 sheet gold leaf crumbled into dust. Wet the rims of 6 martini glasses and dip them in the gold sugar. Stir ginger ale into the vodka mixture. Pour into the martini glasses and serve.
Bagel Chips With Ricotta, Chive Puree, And Prosciutto
- ½ cup snipped chives
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons marcona almonds
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 48 small plain bagel chips
- 12 thin slices of prosciutto cut into 3-inch-wide strips
Directions: In a food processor, combine chives, olive oil, almonds and salt and pulse to a course puree. In a small bowl, lightly season ricotta with salt and spread about 1 teaspoon onto each bagel chip. Spoon a dollop of chive puree on top of each chip and garnish with a strip of prosciutto. Makes 48 canapés.
