At Home with Oscar

Vanity Fair’s party may be a no-go this year but excitement for the Academy Awards is at an all time high with nominations for some of our favorite actors including George Clooney, Johnny Depp, Cate Blanchett and, breakout star, Ellen Page from Juno. We asked one of the entertainment industry’s top caterers, Mary Giuliani, to share some simple ideas for hosting a last-minute Oscar Viewing Party.

To bring the red-carpet glamour of the Oscars to the comfort of your own home, it’s all about mixing high and low. Tell your friends to come over in comfy clothes but ask them to wear their best jewels in the spirit of the awards.

Set Up a Celebrity VIP Lounge in Your Living Room
Have bottle service on your coffee table in front of the television so none of your guests miss a minute of the show. Champagne (or Prosecco), white wine, vodka and mixers should be on ice in a silver tub with glassware, garnishes and ice.

Get Your Guests Involved
Create a little excitement by letting your guests predict the winner. The Oscar ballot (and information about the nominees) can be printed out online and handed to guests to complete before the show begins.

Serve a Specialty Cocktail
Create a signature drink that is as glamorous and extravagant as the Oscars like our Gold Dusted Black Licorice Martinis (recipe below).

Gold Dusted Black Licorice Martini
2 parts Vanilla Vodka
1 part Black Sambuca
Shake with lots of ice and Serve
Garnish with Black Licorice and Gold Dust
(Gold Dust can be found at any craft store in the baking section)

Create a Gourmet Popcorn Bar
The ultimate viewing snack, gourmet popcorn comes in all sorts of savory and sweet flavors. Set up a row of large white bowls where guests can help themselves. Some of our favorite flavors can be found at Dale and Thomas. Try the White Cheddar & Black Peppercorn and the Chocolate Chunk n’ Caramel. A quick do-it-yourself option is sprinkling cayenne pepper, parmesan cheese and salted butter over different bowls.

Serve Classic Family Style Food
A night at home means comfort food but give it a luxe twist. Add truffle oil and shaved parmesan to store-bought or delivery pizza. Brush butter over frozen hors d’oeuvres before baking. For an impressive yet easy-to-prepare appetizer, serve caviar on buckwheat blinis or toast points with crème fraîche and chilled vodka shots.

Give a Gift Bag
Make up a swag bag (inspired by the celebrity gifting suites) filled with beauty products, chocolate, candy and other little luxuries for the guest who predicts the most winners. Guests can be given a single cupcake and a split of champagne as a parting gift. We love the Sofia mini cans of sparkling wine.

Mary Giuliani Catering & Events (157 Lexington Avenue, 212-725-1658) is famous for their customized events for the elite of the art, fashion and entertainment worlds. Since opening their doors in 2005, they have worked with clients including Miramax, Warner Brothers, Tribeca Film Festival, Christies, Denise Rich, Sheryl Crow, Gwen Stefani, Jerry & Jessica Seinfeld. Recent highlights include, The Harry Potter Premiere, Zac Posen’s after-show dinner and The Frick Young Fellows Ball.