How to Throw a Glam Oscars Viewing Party!

Luxury event planner, Kristine Cholakian Cooke of Simply Charming Socials knows how to throw a party & leave a lasting impression!

If you're planning on having the gang over for an Oscars viewing party this weekend, check out these 6 tips from the stylish, Atlanta-based party planner on how to step up your game -- and entertainment center-- for an award-winning Oscars bash!

  1. A Proper Invite - The date is already set (Sunday, Feb. 28!), so extend the invitation (we're not talking a lame group text)! Paperless Post has some gilded viewing party invites that your guests will be excited to open. Don't forget to collect those RSVPs!
  1. Sip & Serve -  And the award for best Oscar party spread goes to... Create a menu of hors d'oeuvres fit for the stars, such as bacon wrapped dates, pate on mini toasts, and juicy beef sliders on brioche buns. Pair those with a craft beer or a blood orange martini and you've got some swoon-worthy snacks and sips. Crate & Barrel’s Camille coupe glasses are so “Old Hollywood!” And don't forget the festive napkins
  1.  Break the Internet Selfie – Who can forget when Ellen’s celeb-packed selfie broke the record for number of retweets on Twitter? Recreate the group shot with fun props and the best selfie stick around! I love Looq Systems’s Looq DG($20) because it supports all phone shapes and sizes and you can’t beat the extension on that arm!
  1. Set the Scene - Transform your living room into the ultimate theater, with front row seating, the biggest TV you own (you want to get all up close and personal with Leo, don't you?), and a seamless set up for your guests viewing pleasure. Since you’re watching live television, conveniently tuck away any cords and pesky cable or satellite boxes BEHIND the TV with  HIDEit Mounts (design meets tech…genius!), and make sure you’re all about that bass with Klipsch's R-4B soundbar + wireless subwoofer!
  1. Make It Interesting - Place your bets on award winners, play Oscar bingo, or create a drinking game -- think take a sip every time someone thanks the Academy! Download and print free games, like Punchbowl.com’s 2016 Oscars Bingo sheet with plenty of cards specific to this year’s ceremony for a no-brainer party activity!
  1. VIP Swag Bags! Don’t let your guests leave empty handed! Give them the star treatment with these cute Oscar-themed beauty box Party’s Over kit gift sets from Julep      

Keep up with Kristine for more tips on how to plan trendy gatherings for any event on Simply Charming Socials' Twitter!