Hollywood’s biggest night is right around the corner, and you’ve found yourself in charge of hosting. No need to stress! We’ve come up with some tips and tricks that will have your guests awarding you “Best Host.” Get your space ready for its close-up and learn how to host an awards show watch party in your apartment.
- How to set up watch party décor in an apartment
- What food to serve at an awards show watch party
- Best awards show watch party games
Lay Out the Red Carpet
There’s no better way to set the mood than to make your guests feel like they’re at an award show with all the talented nominees. Through themed décor, a designated entertainment area, and a fun dress code, your guests may feel like they’ve stepped into the dazzling world of Hollywood rather than your apartment building.
Hollywood and movie-themed decorations
Themed decorations are one way to make your guests feel as if they’ve stepped into the 1950s era of classic Old Hollywood. Think black-and-gold color schemes, chic fairy lights, and printable movie-themed props for you and your guests to use for photos. If you want to go all out, stop by the craft store and grab some red fabric to roll out your very own red carpet in your apartment’s walkway.
Create a designated entertainment area
Award shows celebrate the actors who gave us some of the best movie moments over the past year. It’s only right that your apartment captures the same relaxing vibe you get at the movies. Grab your spare cushions and chairs, place them close to your television, and dim the lighting to replicate the feeling of the big screen in your apartment.
Suggest a dress code
One of the most notable parts of any awards show is seeing the nominees in their beautiful gowns and tailored suits. To further add to the ambience of the evening, consider suggesting a dress code for you and your guests. Nothing too over the top- just a favorite dress, a sharp collared shirt, or whatever makes them feel their best. Arrive in an outfit fit for a red carpet!
Prepare the Menu
Cooking in an apartment can feel like a daunting task, but planning your menu before your guests arrive saves time and reduces stress. Before the lights go down and the awards are handed out, use these ideas to ensure your guests are snacking like they’re at the cinema.
Keep it simple with classic movie snacks
Award shows celebrate the movies that captivated audiences all year long and highlight the actors and actresses who made it happen. What better way to pay homage to film than with classic movie theater snacks? Popcorn, candy, and soda are just a few of the delicious (and easy) options to include in your menu. Following the chic theme of the night, present snacks and drinks in your nicest bowls and glassware to elevate your spread. This approach also helps save space in your apartment and keeps your budget in check.
Serve award show-themed food and drinks
Stay on theme by creating movie-inspired snacks or drinks for your guests. Take inspiration from some of your favorite films up for nomination. Whether it’s a snack plate based on your favorite nominated film or a fun cocktail for the movie fanatic on your guest list, the options are endless. Get creative!
Create Interactive and Engaging Games
Even the biggest fans of award shows can feel tired during the long runtime and commercial breaks. Planning movie-themed competitions and awards show-related trivia games can keep you and your guests engaged until the final award of the evening is presented.
Host a nomination bracket competition
There are hundreds of movies, celebrities, and scripts nominated at awards shows every year. What better way to keep your guests interested and spark friendly competition than by creating your own nomination bracket? It doesn’t have to be complicated- grab a pen and paper, draw your brackets, and pass them out for guests to fill in as they “walk the red carpet” into your apartment.
Plan movie and awards-show related trivia
Whether you’re a movie fanatic or tuning in because all your friends are watching, trivia is always a crowd-pleaser. There are plenty of cinema-themed trivia questions available but consider creating your own tailored to this year’s nominations. Trivia and friendly competition are great ways to keep the party going while staying on theme- and on budget.
Enjoy the show!
Now that you’ve transformed your apartment from its everyday look into a glamorous theatre fit for films’ biggest stars, you’re ready to enjoy the show. Grab your movie theater snacks, get your ballots ready, and take your seats (or cushions) before the lights dim- the perfect watch party is about to begin!
Find Your Place with Apartments.com
Hosting a watch party is just one of the many perks of apartment living. Living in an apartment can come with many challenges, but Apartments.com makes it easy for you to find a place that has everything you want. Ready to rent? Let’s go!
