Winter-Perfect Viewing Party Ideas
An Awards Show Party for the Ages
‘Tis the season … awards show season, that is. While everyone chooses to watch awards shows differently—some opt to enjoy the show from the comfort of their couch and others want to celebrate in A-list style—this party meets somewhere in the middle. These decor ideas and showstopping recipes will wow the crowd.
And the winner is … An awards show party isn’t complete without a red-carpet entrance for your guests. Make them feel like the star of the show with this simple party element that brings Hollywood to your neck of the woods. If the weather is nice, roll out the carpet outside leading to your doorway. If snow is in the equation, you can always have it in your entryway leading your family and friends to the party area.
Say cheese! Set up your own photo booth, complete with props, at your viewing party. All you need is a camera (or a phone), a tripod, various themed props, and a backdrop. You could include sparkly costume jewelry, sunglasses, and plastic champagne glasses—anything you deem awards-show appropriate. Create your own props, or go to your local party store. Guests will enjoy this entertaining touch!
Press play. While it’s unlikely that your party will be long enough to watch every nominated movie or show or to listen to every album nominated for an award, it’s still a good idea to have a nominated movie or album playing as guests arrive or a curated playlist on in the background. This will get people up to speed with this year’s nominees.
A star-studded menu. A party isn’t complete without food and drinks to go around. Add these recipes to your array to keep people coming back until the last winner is announced.
Sparkling Punch
Ingredients
- 1 qt. raspberry sherbet
- 3 c. lemon vodka
- 2 L lemon-lime soda
- Fresh raspberries (for garnish)
- Edible gold star sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Print Recipe
- Add the raspberry sherbet to a large punch bowl.
- Carefully add in the vodka to the bowl.
- Gently pour in the lemon-lime soda until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Garnish with raspberries and, if desired, edible gold star sprinkles.
Savory Mushroom Bites
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
- 4 tbsp. salted butter, divided
- 8 oz. crimini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp. thyme
- 1 tbsp. sugar
- 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 oz. grated Gouda cheese
- 4 oz. grated Gruyère cheese
- 5 strips cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 packages frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
Print Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon each of oil and butter on medium heat in a large cast-iron skillet. Once heated, add the mushrooms, and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove, and set aside.
- Combine the remaining oil and butter in the same skillet, and add the onions. Cook until sautéed. Add the thyme and sugar, and cook for 25 minutes on medium-low heat, continually stirring.
- Add the balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan, allowing the onions to soak in the excess juices, and turn off the heat.
- Put the onions in the mushroom mixture. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and stir. Wait until the mixture is at room temperature before proceeding.
- Add the Gouda, Gruyère, and bacon bits. Mix well. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into 1½-inch squares, and place them on a lined baking sheet. Make sure the puff pastry squares are cold before continuing. If not, put them in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes.
- Brush the lightly beaten egg onto the squares with a pastry brush. Add a tablespoon of the mushroom mixture to the center of each square. Bake for 20–25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway, until the bites are crisp. Make sure they’re cool before serving.
Your friends and family will love this viewing party idea—just in time for all the season’s awards shows.
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Posted in February 2019 on Dec 19, 2018