How to throw an Oscar-worthy party

Whether you gravitate toward soda and popcorn or champagne and gorgeous little nibbles worthy of the stars' Vanity Fair after-party, Oscar night is a great excuse to gather 'round the TV, debate the best films of the year and make catty comments about everyone's dress.

The Oscars just aren't as fun to watch by yourself, says Phyllis Cambria, author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Throwing a Great Party" (Alpha Books, 2000, out of print).

"You want to talk to people, like, 'Look at that dress. What was she thinking?' " says Cambria, "or watch people on the red carpet stumble and not know who they were talking to. You know the next day it's all going to be a water-cooler topic."

Bihl Beckstedt started holding Oscar parties in his Indianapolis home six years ago.

His advice: Really go Hollywood and get guests to do the same.

"Encouraging black-tie makes it much more unique," says Beckstedt, an interior designer. He rolls out a red carpet, sets up velvet ropes and looks for other ways to glam things up.

Setting the mood

The centerpiece to any Oscar party is the TV. You don't need the fanciest flat panel on the block, but you also don't want guests crowding each other out for a gander at J.Lo's latest get-up.

If you have extra sets in the bedroom or basement, move them to the kitchen or den for the evening to provide more viewing areas. Beckstedt has provided several TV areas at his Oscar night parties: Hardcore film buffs watch the festivities from the media room, but most people gather in the living room, near the food and bar.

Consider springing for a rented TV projector, which plugs into any cable box or VCR and turns a blank wall into a big screen. They are available at many rental shops.

On TV and the Web

The 79th Academy Awards will air at 5 p.m. Sunday on ABC.

For more Oscar coverage, go to seattletimes.com/entertainment

Then it's just a matter of a little set design. An easy way to turn your pad festive is to use red everywhere — in theater-style curtains tacked up on each side of the TV, in tablecloths or runners, even the food and drinks you serve.

Gold lends instant glamour, too. Event planner Courtney Zoller suggests spray-painting stars cut out of foam-core board and hanging them from the ceiling or chandelier.

Set it all against a soundtrack of famous movie music. You can buy all sorts of compilations, or download your own mix of "Lara's Theme" from "Dr. Zhivago," the unmistakable notes of "Jaws," Celine Dion warbling "My Heart Will Go On," whatever.

Feed the crowd

When it comes to pleasing your audience, here are a few ways to go:

Use theater treats. Go kitsch with classic movie snacks: popcorn, jumbo boxes of candy and bottles of Coca-Cola.

Set it all up concession-style in lieu of a dessert buffet.

For added sustenance, try another movie-watching classic: pizza. Throw a frozen pie in the oven and cut into hors d'oeuvre-size portions, or go gourmet with an entire buffet.

Stuff to do

Oscar telecasts have notoriously been stretching in length for years.

Keep the good times rolling with games and contests, and hand out prizes throughout the night.

There's always the contest to see who correctly predicted the most winners.