By Holly Brown

Oscar night is the perfect time to gather with friends for food, fun, and celeb sightings. Whether you throw a fancy soiree, or keep it casual in jeans and jewels, elegant food fare will make it an award winning evening.

Get your party started by casting votes for favorite nominees before the show begins, then serve up some red carpet worthy appetizers and aperitifs from TheBrownLounge.com’s Oscar Party Menu. It's full of finger food, perfect for a viewing party or potluck. You can even encourage guests to make one of the recipes from our menu to share. Enjoy this year's 86th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, March 2, with host Ellen DeGeneres. Follow these party tips to make your guests feel like they’re on The Red Carpet!

Create a red carpet entrance using remnant fabric from your local fabric store, or simply use a red table runner. As guests arrive to the party, snap their photo paparazzi style.

Create your own version of The Hollywood Walk of Fame by printing out photos of the nominated stars and titles of nominated films. Mount them in the middle of gold star cut outs, and place them on the wall, floor, or serving tables. You can even put your friends’ photos in star cut outs for a personalized touch.

Decorate your table with gold glitter and stars sprinkled on a white tablecloth. Provide sturdy paper plates with black, gold, or red borders. You can even cut out an image of Oscar on gold paper and mount it on cardboard for a thematic centerpiece.

Pull out your champagne glasses, or purchase plastic flutes. Get the party started with a sparkling red Kir Royale aperitif (champagne and crème de cassis), then follow-up with elegant appetizers. Bite sized finger food makes it easy for guests to mingle throughout the evening, while the show goes on.

Tune in to Pandora’s “Film Scores” station to add theatrical music to rooms without a television set. Everyone will feel like a celeb when they take home a Swag Bag. You can find stylish and inexpensive party bags and stuffers at your local drug store.

Don’t forget to visit TheBrownLounge.com for our complete menu of award worthy recipes to serve alongside your red carpet.

Find our complete Oscar Party Menu here http://thebrownlounge.com/menu/red-carpet-worthy-oscar-party-and-menu-p…

Cheers!

Holly Brown

Publisher, WebTV/Radio Host of TheBrownLounge.com