Meredith Plays: How to Throw an Oscars Watch Party

Living in L.A. seems to give the Oscars a lil' extra weight. It almost feels like Sunday is a big holiday we're all eagerly anticipating.

One of my favorite ways to "do" award shows is to have people over for a watch party. And I'm not talking about Red Carpet status. More like, invite a bunch of friends over (tell them its a potluck so you don't have to prep it all yourself), and have some ways to play along with the show planned out.

Set the Stage

First things first: hang some shiny things and make it your official selfie station. You'll prob not be able to top this epic Oscars selfie, but hey, Hollywood is where dreams come true.

These gold garlands are perfect for an Oscars party, and can be reused for basically any occasion.

Something that has totally changed my hosting game are wine glass markers. I was always losing the ones that attach to the stem, and these markers wash right off the glass. Instead of names, try using categories instead. Give your bestie the "Best Supporting Actress" glass, and your musically-inclined pal the glass for "Best Original Song".

Another fun idea that requires basically zero prep work, is setting the mood with music. As guests are arriving, play the nominated soundtracks, courtesy this ready-to-go Oscars Spotify playlist.

Print out my custom 2018 Oscars Bingo game, with seven unique sheets to decrease the chances of your friend getting a "Bingo!" at the same time as you. For your Bingo game, grab a pack of multi-colored bingo markers and place them in a glass bowl or box for a pop of color and functional centerpiece.

I've also created a 2018 Oscars Ballot you can fill out before the show or during the Red Carpet.

Print out a quote from Best Picture nominee "Call Me By Your Name". It prints at 5x7, and I recommend popping it in a bold frame and placing it on the table for a little something extra.

Can't wait to print and play? Download all three 2018 Oscars Party Printables here.

Serve Winning Refreshments

One of my favorite ideas for hosting game nights and other get togethers is a popcorn bar. It's a quick set-up and sure to please everyone. My pro-tip is to buy pre-popped popcorn like G.H. Cretors. They have amazing flavors and I love how easy it is to mix-and match. Plus, popcorn and movies just go together like peanut butter and jelly.

I love this idea I found on Pinterest to use star shaped cookie cutters to create a Walk of Fame cheese platter. As simple as it can get with just a bit of pizzaz!

And of course, a jar of Red Vines, another classic cinema snack. But labeled as your red carpet ropes.

If you want to get extra fancy, and are just as obsessed with Coco as we are, how sweet are these sugar skull cookies? You can get the recipe on the Disney Family blog.

Get super classy with these drink recipes from the Governors Ball. I love that they've shared alcoholic and non-alcoholic recipes, and they all look amazing! Here are my two faves (I am a tequila gal after all):