Ask A Minnesota Expert: Tips On Throwing An Oscars Party

The Oscars have become one of the most watched television events in America. Americans love their films and celebrating the entertainment industry annually. For many Minnesotans, watching the Oscars has become an occasion to invite some friends over and have a party. Whether or not we have seen any of the films featured at the Oscars, the celebration, glamor and surprise is enough to keep everyone entertained. This year, Teresa Griffin, a local party planner, has some tips on hosting an Oscars party of your own.

Teresa Griffin
Apres Party & Tent Rental
7625 Cahill Road
Edina, MN 55439
(952) 942-3399
www.apresparty.com

Teresa Griffin has a wide variety of experience planning and hosting parties. In the past, she has worked for Apres Party & Tent Rental, Reddy Rents, and as an event coordinator for several businesses and individuals. She has a knack for remembering the details that no one ever thinks about and keeping everything under a tight budget. As she has helped host award parties of her own, these ideas for hosting an Oscar party have been tested and proven to help make the party a success!

Television And Cable Check

It sounds simple, but any sudden problems with the technical details can derail your entire party. Make sure your cable package allows you to actually watch the Oscars, and find out if there are any pre or post shows that may complement the party. Know how many people are coming and be sure to have enough room and chairs so everyone can be comfortable while they watch. If it is going to be a standing "cocktail" party, make sure the television is big enough to watch from any angle of the room. You may want to consider a second television if your party will be big.

Do Your Homework

Find out which movies are nominated, which actors, and everything else you can about the show before it begins. This will allow you to be a knowledgeable and graceful host, as well as ensure you are able to talk about what's going on during the show. Many Oscar parties have games and prizes for picking the winners, making it important to know the nominations ahead of time so you can plan a game. No need to see all of the films, just know what they are and a bit about them. Another simple part is to know when the show begins and ends so you can plan accordingly.

Roll Out The Red Carpet

Any great party rental service will have a red carpet complete with stanchions to rent. Have your guests dress up like celebrities or just get all decked out and arrive on a red carpet. This is a great photo opportunity and will make your party even more memorable. Have a fashion contest or just go all out for the fun of it. Guests can arrive in style and parade on your red carpet to celebrate an evening watching the Oscars. Make it a after-party event to go out afterward and have a blast parading around town in your formal wear.

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Make It A Game

Turn your party into a game. Have your guests gamble on who they think may win or just do a random raffle where all nominations are placed in a hat and each guest picks one. The winners of the Oscar determine the winner of the game. Small replicas of Oscar statuettes can be purchased to give out as awards. Another way to play is to do a "fantasy football" type draft where guests pick nominees and see how many actually win.

Get Fancy

Call that party rental place where you got the red carpet and order up some fancy glassware. Party rental services often rent out stylish flutes, wine glasses and other premium glasses for parties. Drinks always taste better in the right barware, and no doubt you will be serving cocktails and bubbles at your party. The best part is you avoid the dishwashing at the end. Return the glasses rinsed and the company will take care of the rest.

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Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.