The movie industry's annual back-patting party—also known as The Oscars—begins Sunday, March 7, at 8 pm EST. It'll end, if you're lucky, before Monday, March 8. But never mind their party, let's talk about yours. If you've waited until the last minute to plan, don't fret. You think Quentin Tarantino didn't wing whole chapters of Inglourious Basterds? A little spontaneity can go a long way. See, we've been throwing last minute Oscar parties for a long time. And since we've never learned anything like time management skills, we're now totally accustomed to the frenzy. Even if you have planned ahead (we salute you in Na'vi: "Oel ngati kameie!"), perhaps these party-hosting tips will liven up your current plans.INVITE / GUEST LIST
Before you do anything else, type up the invite. Party of One is only appropriate for infomercials, People's Choice Awards, Porn on Demand, and other embarrassments. Invites should be short, but descriptive of your expectations. Should they bring food? A guest? Don't fuss too much trying to be witty because people will skim the text, especially an Evite. Important note: With viewing parties, "fashionably late" isn't at all fashionable. Maybe end your invite with a stern warning: "Any patron who arrives late will be seated at the discretion of the House Manager."
It's all typed up? Good. Invite more people than you have room for (get cozy), but not so many that you'll be spilling drinks all night and unable to imagine where the television might be. Invite only people with enough sense to shut up if Meryl Streep is speaking. You'll want to hear that.
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