Stepping Out

Hollywood's time to shine

Settle in for an award-winning Oscar night fete

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That night of star-gazing has arrived. The over-the-top awards show, otherwise known as the 87th Academy Awards, held on Sunday, Feb. 22, this year, is always an evening of fashion, fun and celebrity. So bring some ‘Tinseltown’ glitz and glamour into your home with a picture-perfect party.

The nominated films lend themselves to all sorts of creative party ideas. Of course, as with Super Sunday, the TV is the focal point. Make sure you have ample — and comfortable — seating available. The ceremony is long, so set up chairs or oversized pillows on the floor for comfy front row seating.

Start the evening off,by put together a CD or iTunes list with recognizable movie theme songs that can be playing when guests arrive. For bonus fun, see how many songs your guests can match up to their movies.

Create an Oscar pool. Have guests chip in a nominal amount ($1 to $10, for example) when they arrive, have ballots handy for guests to pick winners, collect the ballots prior to the first award being given, and at the end of the evening determine who gets cash (most wins, most losses).

When there’s a break in the action use those moments for mingling and party activities — such as movie trivia, movie quotes, or favorite Oscar night moments.

It’s always fun to pick the winners. Make copies of the Oscar ballot and have your guests fill them out when they arrive. Monitor the results along the way and award prizes to those who picked the most winners.

And of course, be sure you have plenty of food — but keep it simple with make ahead dishes and finger foods that guests can easily munch on in comfortable easy chairs, or on the couch in front of the TV. And don’t forget that staple of movie treats — popcorn! It’s especially fun to jazz it up with different toppings, such as candies, nuts, seasonings, etc.

Try these recipes to set the tone for your salute to Oscar.

Ina Garten’s Flag Cake
(inspired by American Sniper)
18 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 cups sugar
6 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 cups flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

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