I'd Like to Thank the Academy...

What are your plans for The Oscars? Do you host your own party, camp for days next to the red carpet in LA to get a glimpse of your favorite stars, or enjoy the glamour overload from the comfort of your own couch in your pajamas with a glass of wine (yes, please!)? Whatever your tradition, we have some great resources for the final push to the Academy Awards.

FABULOUS FOOD:

• I LOVE the Oh She Glows blog, especially for her recipes. She recently posted an entire list of vegan-licious goodies that even I (a culinary novice) can prepare! From her Strawberry Oat Squares to Chocolate Cake Batter Smoothies to an amazing hummus recipe, there are munchies for everyone. Treat your guests (or family) to some of these vegan delights!

http://ohsheglows.com/2012/02/22/22-ways-to-get-your-vegan-snack-attack-on/

• Delish.com also has an entire slideshow of award-worthy Oscar recipes. I am looking forward to trying the Parmesan Pita Chips WITH their Guiltless Guacamole. I don’t have to worry about a couture gown, so the sky is the limit for our spread!

http://www.delish.com/entertaining-ideas/party-ideas/oscar-party-appetizers-desserts-recipes

• Susan Leigh Sherrill from NorthJersey.com provides movie-themed menu ideas for those with a flare for the theatrics! A little too much prep time for me, but see what you think.

http://www.northjersey.com/food_dining/139673423_Movie-themed_ideas_for_your_Academy_Awards_party.html

• You can find more ideas for food fit for the stars, your guests, or your kids on the Oscars.org in their official party kit.

http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/partykit/index.html

DRAMATIC DRINKS:

• The girls over at Fashionably Bombed have lots of ideas for cocktails, including color-coordinated and themed drinks! I love the simplicity and freshness of their Blackberry and Vanilla Champaigne Cocktail or Sparkling Mocktail. I feel this an appropriate drink to lift to Meryl Streep (we all know she’s going to win!).

http://www.fashionablybombed.com/2012/01/blackberry-vanilla-champagne.html

• You can’t go wrong with the Red Carpet Fizz from thatsthespirit.com. An enjoyable prelude to the festivities as you watch the interviews and hear the most common question of the night: who are you wearing?!

http://www.thatsthespirit.com/en/drinks/recipe.asp?recipe_id=2884

• You can also find more cocktail recipes and demonstrations for themed drinks from Oscars.org. Try something new and let us know what you find!

MORE:

• If you are looking for something new, try a J&H Oscars Night! Grab your best girlfriends and have your own glam night! Whether that means that you choose Golden Globes inspired outfits and put on your best Smashbox Evening Smoky Eye, OR relax with Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Masques (feels AMAZING on and you look even better after) while completing your mani/pedi polished look with FACE Stockholm Polish #95 (Shimmer Pavement).

• Visit the Official Oscars Party kit for printable ballots, Academy Award Bingo, and other activities to pass the time during commercials, acceptance speeches gone too long, and camera mishaps.

Good luck—remember that the stress is with the nominees and NOT with the host!

Let us know what you are planning!