Since getting Oscar tickets can be extremely difficult, many people choose to celebrate the Academy Awards by throwing an Oscar party. If you'd like to wow your guests on the big night, read on to learn how to throw an Oscar party at home.

Known as the most-prominent awards show in Hollywood, each year the stars gather at the Kodak Theater to show their lavish clothing on the red carpet and watch with anticipation as to who will take home the big awards.

Getting all dressed up and joining in on the action is easier than you'd think, providing you do a bit of planning and preparation. In addition to inviting your guests, you'll want to plan food and beverages you can serve, party themes and games, like an Oscar pool, to entertain your family and friends.

This page will provide step-by-step instructions on how to throw the best Oscar party on the block, including the planning and preparation, as well as things to do during the party itself.

To get started in planning for your party, you'll need to decide who you are inviting as well as send out the invitations. In addition to making a guest list, it's a good idea to determine where you will holding the party and any theme you may wish to use.

1. Determine the location of the party, from your home to another location. Make sure you can use the area on the necessary evening and determine how may people you can comfortably fit. Keep in mind that each person will likely need a seat that will allow them to see a television to watch the show.http://www.evite.com/app/cms/ideas/oscars-party
2. Once you know where you are holding the party, you can decide on a theme, if desired. Pick an decade or era to serve as the theme and ask guests to dress in that style clothing. Similarly, pick current or old Hollywood themes and ask guests to show up as a celebrity popular in that time period.http://www.celebrations.com/oscarparty
3. Create, purchase or download and print party invitations. Send them via e-mail or snail mail to each guest several weeks in advance of the party. Be sure to note the date, time, location and any theme, so they know to bring items or dress in a certain way. Ask guests to RSVP so you know how many to plan to entertain. Themes can also be reflected in your decorations for the party, with movie or celebrity memorabilia being displayed for guests to enjoy.http://www.digsmagazine.com/host/host_oscarparty.htm

Now that the location and the guest list is determined, it's time to plan the menu. While some serve full meals, many opt for a variety of appetizers and snacks that are easy to prepare and enjoy throughout the show. Try to find a good combination of foods that can be prepared far ahead of time and those that can be prepared right before or during the party.

1. For a classy affair, pick elegant dishes like shrimp cocktail and mini quiches. Serve beverages like sparkling cider, wine and champagne. Finish the evening with fancy desserts like mini cheesecakes or tiramisu.http://www.celebrations.com/content/Old-Hollywood-Oscar-Party-Menu-2
2. For a more casual party, pick simple foods like chili, cheese and crackers and chicken wings. Provide a variety of beverages from soft drinks to beer and cocktails. Desserts can be simple as well from cookies to fudge or even cake.
3. To give a true movie feeling, serve freshly popped popcorn in red paper bags along with candy in jumbo movie-sized packages. Purchase paper cups, lids and straws to serve beverages in, just like at the theater.
4. Keep your theme in mind, be it a single movie or era, providing food and beverages that are notable to the theme.

While much of the evening will be devoted to watching the big show, before the party and during commercial breaks there are numerous activities that you can use to entertain your guests. The official website for the Oscars provides many options for party games, including downloadable ballots and other information.

1. Set up a red carpet at the door to welcome your guests. Ask someone to stand there as and ask guests about their clothing choices and other gossip, giving them the true red-carpet experience.http://www.digsmagazine.com/host/host_oscarparty.htm
2. Plan an Oscar pool by printing ballots and asking each guest to select who they predict will win each award.http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/partykit/index.html
3. Play Oscar bingo, with each player dotting the square on their cards when a certain event happens like a specific awards is handed out, a star wins for the first time or when a certain type of clothing appears on the red carpet.http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/partykit/index.html
4. Quiz friends and family members on their Oscar trivia. Questions like the family with the most Oscar nominations, who hosted the awards show more than anyone else and who is the only person named Oscar to win an Oscar, among others, are nice picks.http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/trivia.html
5. Don't forget about prizes, like miniature Oscar statues, DVDs of the movies nominated or other movie memorabilia.

• Oscar Predictions 2010
• Oscar Nominations 2010
• Oscar Memorial Video 2010
• Oscar Monologue 2010
• Oscar Ballot 2010

• Oscar TV Schedule
• Oscar Live Coverage
• Watch Oscars Online
• How to Throw an Oscar Party
• How to Organize an Oscar Pool