Spend the last year streaming all the best movies at home?  Then it’s time to throw a Movie Awards Party to celebrate with food and libations.  As you wait to hear the immortal words – “And the Winner is…”

This is a fabulous party idea for movie buffs, or those who love drooling over the Red Carpet fashions.  My Movie Awards Party is a fabulous way to spend a fun night rooting for your favorite actors and movies.  And while you’re at it, eat, drink, and be very merry!

I’ve put together a delicious and festive Movie Awards Party for this year’s Awards Season Presentation Shows. With 7 presentation-perfect recipes and Hollywood Movie decoration printables, you and your guests will enjoy an evening of cinematic celebrating.

And since we all love to have lots of balloons floating around, I’ve also shared my best BEST BALLOON TIPS too!  How do they get that confetti and glitter to stick to the sides anyway?  I’ll tell you!

 

There’s also a whole section on all the party tablescape and decorations I used.  All for under $60. too!  One of my secrets is to include a few “DIY Theme Party Projects” to keep the costs down. 

For this party I created a Movie Awards Party – “Winner” Trophy Centerpiece and a really cute Film Reel.  They are both great additions to my movie themed tablescape! 

Let’s start with the very basics, what you’ll be serving.  But I’ve got a little “hostess” gift for you first!

 

MOVIE AWARDS PARTY BUFFET SIGNAGE – Enjoy Your Own Party!

I’ve thrown a ton of parties and events in my lifetime, both personally and as a professional caterer/party planner.  And that’s exactly why you’ll always be able to count on me…

To make sure you don’t spend your entire party telling guests what they’re eating!

I’ve made it my mission to always have some kind of signage on my party buffets, informing guests what’s on the menu.  It might be a lovely picture frame with decorative stationery, or like this party, some casual buffet party-themed signs.

I created these festive “And the Winner is…” buffet signs to be really versatile. You can tuck them into any space on your buffet, either propped up, or lying on the table.  Your tablescape will make most of those decisions for you!

Now we can dive right into a big bowl of … Spicy Crab Poke!

 

SPICY CRAB POKE WITH GOURMET GARNISHES

Naturally sweet crab, combined with crunchy vegies and the flavors of Asia, this Spicy Crab Poke makes an incredible “company” appetizer.

Yes, my Spicy Crab Poke is super fast to put together, with chopping the vegetables taking the most effort and time.  And yes again, it’s absolutely delicious with plain sushi rice or soba noodles.

But, this recipe was created for a Movie Awards Party celebrating this season’s best movies and shows.  

So that meant upping the ante with gourmet garnishes like Fried Rice Balls and Fried Noodle Cakes!  The juxtaposition of the hot garnishes on the cold Spicy Crab Poke is absolutely sublime.

 

MAKE-AHEAD GOURMET GARNISHES – Happy Hostess Tip!

If you decide to make a batch of Fried Rice Balls and/or Fried Noodle Cakes, you’ll want to do them first.  They both take a bit of time to make, but most of all, they need time chilling in the refrigerator before frying.

The good news is, both the Fried Rice Balls and Fried Noodle Cakes can be gently reheated before serving time.  I try to always keep my hostess duties in mind when I create a menu for entertaining at home.  I insist on enjoying my own parties!

My modus operandi is to prepare the garnishes the day before the party.  They keep great, tightly covered and chilled until ready to pop into a low oven to crisp up and heat through.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE RECIPE POST: 

Spicy Crab Poke with Gourmet Garnishes

 

GARLICY ISRAELI HUMMUS WITH ASSORTED TOPPINGS 

Infused with mellow flavors, this Garlicy Israeli Hummus is a fabulously delicious version of the classic Middle Eastern recipe.

With delish toppings like fried chickpeas, radish slices, smoky sour cream and even hard cooked eggs, it’s certainly party worthy!  Why not make the whole selection for a fun party appetizer platter!

To keep this recipe fast and simple, I’ve used canned chickpeas.  You skip all the fuss, and go straight to the preparation instead!  I’d much rather spend time “gilding the lily”, by making a fabulous selection of toppings to make this recipe more festive.

These are the topping combinations I’ve suggested for this post, see what you think!

• Hard-cooked egg wedges & green onions
• Lemony Chermoula Sauce
• Fried garlic slices, smoky sour cream & smoked paprika
• Radish slices, fresh fennel fronds & sesame seeds
• Spiced fried chickpeas & fresh cilantro

 

There’s two toppings that you’ll need to make separately, but they’re both a snap to prepare! 

 

First is a Chermoula Sauce that’s s a snappy herbal combination of fresh parsley, cilantro, lemon and ground cumin.  It truly is a lovely compliment to a bowl of Garlicy Israeli Hummus!

The second is a Smoky Sour Cream that’s just a matter of stirring some smoked paprika into sour cream.  It’s just that simple!

 

But then, you place a big dollop of the Smoky Sour Cream in the middle of a bowl of hummus.  Surround it with fried garlic slices and add a bit more smoked paprika, and it’s nirvana!

CLICK HERE TO READ THE RECIPE POST: 

Garlicy Israeli Hummus with Assorted Toppings

 

ROASTED SHRIMP WITH SMOKY CHIPOTLES COCKTAIL SAUCE

Roasted Shrimp with Smoky Chipotles Cocktail Sauce has chipotles chilies in smoky adobo laced throughout the sauce.

A “grown-up” version of shrimp cocktail, Roasted Shrimp with Smoky Chipotles Cocktail Sauce is truly tasty party fare!  Plump, marinated shrimp are broiled to perfection and then chilled. They bring their own flavor to the party, but the real magic happens in the sauce!

It’s a fabulous combination of finely chopped chipotles in adobo sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, garlic powder and onion powder.  That’s it!    

But first, you’ll start by marinating the raw, peeled shrimp in a spice rub with a touch of olive oil. 

Not for long, a half hour in the refrigerator will do just fine.  

 

What if someone doesn’t really care for the Smoky Chipotle Cocktail Sauce?

No worries, these Roasted Shrimp bring their own flavor to the party!  

Please don’t be tempted to skip the quick dry rub marinade, it really makes a difference, I promise.  

It truly is the choice between a lovely shrimp cocktail, and a superb party appetizer!

Since this recipe was created for this Movie Awards Party, I knew they would be served on the gathering’s buffet.  You could make individual servings, or have appetizer plates for self-service by your guests. It’s entirely up to you, and the occasion, of course!

CLICK HERE TO READ THE RECIPE POST: 

Roasted Shrimp with Smoky Chipotles Cocktail Sauce

 

BAGNA CAUDA WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

In Italy, this is an annual Winter ritual!  Bagna Cauda with Roasted Vegetables is really a ‘hot bath’ for an amazing array of roasted Winter vegetables and crusty breads. 

BAGNA CAUDA WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

My Bagna Cauda with Roasted Vegetables is a fabulous mixture of garlic and anchovies, kept warm in a chafer or fondue pot.  And that makes it perfect for a crowd! 

Your guests will go crazy for the Deep-Fried Artichoke Hearts too!  They’re perfectly crunchy and so delicious after a “dunk” in this garlicy, anchovy-laden dip.  

 

NEVER ENJOYED BAGNA CAUDA? Oh My, What You’ve Been Missing!

Literally translated as “hot bath,” Bagna Cauda is a dipping sauce for vegetables and crusty breads.  It often appears in Italian homes as part of their traditional Christmas Eve dinner.  

Being Polish, we have other traditions for the holidays. But I do try to enjoy a big pot of Bagna Cauda with Roasted Vegetables every Winter.  It’s the perfect alternative to a fondue on a cold February weekend!

And what happens every year, just around this time?  It’s the beginning of the Movie Awards Season!

 

DEEP-FRIED ARTICHOKE HEARTS REALLY ARE SIMPLE TO MAKE

Do Not Skip This Item In The Recipe!  I know it may be tempting to skip making these delectable nuggets of vegie goodness, but don’t.  

 

When I throw a party, I strive to make every recipe I serve truly “party worthy”.  Adding an unusual item like these Deep-Fried Artichoke Hearts to your Bagna Cauda with Roasted Vegetables does exactly that. 

They really up the ante when serving this dish to friends and family at a festive soiree.

• You’ll prepare a traditional three bowl dredging station of seasoned flour, beaten egg & panko crumbs
• After draining and drying the artichoke hearts, a quick dip in each bowl, and they’re ready for frying in hot oil
• Serve them warm with your Bagna Cauda with Roasted Vegetables

 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE RECIPE POST: 

Bagna Cauda with Roasted Vegetables

 

PROSCIUTTO, GOUDA AND SHALLOT FOCACCIA

Prosciutto, Gouda and Shallot Focaccia has a sophisticated combination of flavors that take it to the next level of YUM!

But, it’s really a super-simple frozen bread dough focaccia recipe disguised as a gourmet Happy Hour nibble.  Prosciutto, Gouda and Shallot Focaccia is perfect for feeding hungry guests upon their arrival.  Cut into bite-sized morsels, they’re an absolute hit at cocktail hour!

Since this recipe begins with frozen bread dough, it’s fast and easy to prepare for an amazing snack for friends and family.  It’s a pretty big recipe, using two loaves of dough, but can be easily cut in half for just a few people.

 

Don’t worry about thawing the frozen dough, though.  Place the loaves in a high sided glass casserole, cover with plastic wrap and pop into the refrigerator overnight.  When you’re ready to bake off your focaccia, the dough will be ready for you!

CLICK HERE TO READ THE RECIPE POST: 

Crispy Prosciutto, Gouda and Shallot Foccacia

 

MICROWAVE MOCHA “CUP” CAKES

The perfect combination of coffee and chocolate. These Microwave Mocha “Cup” Cakes are a decadent dessert for one, done in mere minutes.

Take a little oil, cocoa, brewed coffee, sugar, vanilla and flour… then whip them up in a 2-cup measuring cup.  Pour the batter into a mug, ramekin or even a fancy demitasse cup, then microwave.

 

Quick as a bunny, grab a fabulous Chocolate Covered Cherry with it’s luxurious red coating. Then push it into the piping-hot “cup” cake. 

Who could refuse a dessert served with the proverbial “cherry on top”?

I used Marich brand Chocolate Cherries which are crafted with perfectly ripe, West Coast sweet Bing cherries under several layers of creamy milk chocolate. 

 They were delivered right to my door from Amazon in plenty of time for my party!

That’s it.  Grab a spoon and start enjoying this amazingly delicious hot cup of chocolate cake goodness.

 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE RECIPE POST: 

Microwave Mocha “Cup” Cakes

 

And I couldn’t resist making this fabulous recipe for caramel popcorn again!  I featured this recipe for my New Year’s Eve Party this year, and it was a huge hit!  I updated the Chinese take-0ut container party labels for my Movie Awards Party, and voila! 

Check out how fabulous the containers of Bourbon Caramel & Cashew Popcorn with Maple-Bacon Dust look on the table too!

 

BOURBON CARAMEL & CASHEW POPCORN WITH MAPLE-BACON DUST

Coated in a dreamy bourbon caramel sauce, fresh popped corn and cashews are then liberally sprinkled with Maple-Bacon Dust!  Bourbon Caramel & Cashew Popcorn is just one more fabulous Movie Awards Party recipe for a fabulous and festive time.   OMG, your guests will go nutty for this special occasion treat!

I made a bunch of fun Movie Awards Party Printables to use as decorations for your chinese take-out packages too!

• They just need to be cut out, pasted to a paper straw, and they’re ready for the party!
• I made them 2-sided, so they can be placed anywhere on your buffet

 

(KEEP READING TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET YOUR OWN SET OF MOVIE AWARDS PARTY PRINTABLES!)

YOU CAN READ ALL ABOUT THIS FABULOUS RECIPE BY CLICKING THIS LINK:

Bourbon Caramel & Cashew Popcorn with Maple-Bacon Dust

 

MOVIE AWARDS PARTY TABLESCAPE

This is a list of items I used to create a fun and festive atmosphere for my Movie Awards Party this year:

• Tinsel Curtains in Glittery Black and Red for my tablescape’s backdrop (I used 3 sections of each color, layered with the red behind the black)
• Ingredients For A Fabulous Life Movie Awards Party Printable Tabletop Cutouts – Cinema Tickets, Comedy/Tragedy Masks/Gold Stars
• Confetti  Tubes in black, white and gold (Michael’s Crafts)
• Assortment of Plain and Confetti Balloons, Helium, Balloon Weights & Bicycle Pump (No worries, I’ll explain later!)
• Votive Candles
• Themed Table Glitter (I used film reels & motion picture cameras from Amazon)
• Matching Colored Cocktail Napkins &  Flatware (if using plasticware)
• Coordinating Patterned Scrapbook Papers
• Coordinating Table Linens/Toppers/Runners
• Table Risers (this can be anything that provides height on the table, think boxes, bowls, etc.)
• Lengths of coordinating fabrics to cover table risers
• Theme Props – Like my fully operating TABLETOP POPCORN MACHINE
• Themed Decor Items:  Movie Scene Clapboard (purchased from Shindigz)
• DIY THEME PROJECTS –  Ingredients For A Fabulous Life Film Reel & “Winner” Trophy Centerpiece Projects              

 

The whole Movie Awards Party’s tablescape, decorations and themed decor cost less than $60!

Especially since I made my own DIY FILM REEL & “WINNER” TROPHY CENTERPIECE.  That really helped keep the cost down.  Plus, I already owned the balloon weights, table linens, risers (cardboard boxes) and lengths of fabric.

Take a walk around your home before you start snapping up your party supplies.  It’s true, I do entertain, A LOT, so I do tend to have a substantial selection of party supplies in-house.

But I’ll bet you have more items that you can integrate into your Movie Awards Party than you actually realize.

This is one of my most valuable LIFESTYLE DIVA ENTERTAINING TIPS, EVER! 

• ALWAYS shop your garage, cabinets and closets before buying A SINGLE ITEM for your upcoming gathering.  It will save you a ton of cash, and will help get your creative juices flowing, I promise!

 

NAN’S PARTY BALLOON TIPS – How to Blow Up Glitter/Confetti Balloons Correctly

It’s a given that lots of you will want to use helium balloons as part of your Movie Awards Party decorations.  But it’s not always as easy as just pumping some helium into colored-rubber receptacles!

  Here’s my best tips and advice for keeping your helium balloons in the air, and the confetti stuck to their sides! 

 

Inflating Confetti or Glitter Balloons with Helium: 

1) Use a mixture of air and helium 

The best way to fill this type of balloon is to start with a few puffs of air from a balloon pump.  You’ll finish the balloon with helium. The air will help the confetti cling to the sides of the balloon and the helium will allow it to float. You’ll find that using 100% helium will allow the confetti to pool at the bottom and won’t stick to the sides.

2) Make sure the balloon is properly inflated

If a balloon is not fully inflated, it may not float due to the weight of the confetti inside.  This is one of the most common reasons for confetti balloons not floating. But, conversely, don’t over-inflate it either, as the balloon will pop.

3) Get the contents moving

Shake the balloons and rub all sides with a natural fabric such as a wool scarf or sock to create static and spread the confetti evenly. If you are struggling to get the confetti to stick, you probably have not added enough H20.  Once you get the hang of the right balance, it’s really a snap.

 

Here’s some of the common questions I get about these types of balloons:

Why is my balloon misty or cloudy inside?

I really recommend using a balloon pump to prevent the build up of condensation inside your balloons. If you have inflated the balloons by blowing into them, they will most likely appear misty due to the condensation. But the balloons should be clear after 20-30 minutes.   

Why are my glitter/confetti balloons starting to drop so soon?

Confetti balloons have a shorter float time due to the weight of the confetti.  Be sure to note that they won’t last nearly as long as your empty balloons. I recommend inflating them just before the event. You can do the empty balloons earlier, and just add the glitter balloons closer to your party time.

Different temperatures and humidity can also reduce a balloon’s float time. Try to keep your party room at a fairly even temperature whenever possible. COLD air and excessive HEAT can cause the helium to expand and burst the balloon. Oh, My!

DURING-PARTY EMERGENCY TIP:

IF YOU’VE GOT ONE BALLOON IN A BUNCH THAT’S DROPPING, USE A PIECES OF ROLLED SCOTCH TAPE TO LIGHTLY ADHERE IT TO THE OTHER BALLOONS.  TRY TO STICK  IT ONTO 2 OTHERS SO IT WON’T WEIGH THEM DOWN TOO!  Yes, this happens sometimes, especially when I catered parties in HUMID Florida!

 

MOVIE AWARDS PARTY – Party Perfect Recipes & Movie Themed Printables

Once you’ve got the menu planned, you’ll need some party decorations to get your soiree feeling like a Hollywood movie opening!

 

Here the list of Movie Awards Party Printables that you can download to decorate your buffet table.  I’ve even made each of your guests a “VIP” Exclusive Access Pass name tag to get everyone in the celebratory spirit!

• “WINNER” Award Buffet Centerpiece Project
• Cinema-Themed Table Decoration Cutouts
• Takeout Container Movie Awards Labels (set of 6) for my “Adult Cracker” Jacks Recipe
• Food & Dessert Movie Theme Picks Cutouts
• Miniature Film Reel Table Decoration Project
• Chinese Takeout Oscar Awards Container Labels
• “VIP” Exclusive Access Guest Passes (you buy the plastic holders & some fab ribbon to finish them off!)

 

MOVIE AWARDS PARTY D-I-Y DECORATION PROJECTS

VIP EXCLUSIVE ACCESS PASSES

Your guests will love having “exclusive access” to your fabulous Movie Awards Party foods and beverages while they root on their faves!

• Download and cut out the number of passes you need from the Movie Awards Party Printables
• PURCHASE: Horizontal Card Name Tag Badge Holders – Inner Dimensions: 2.3 ” W x 3.74 ” L  (I bought a 10 pack of Keylion brand from Amazon)
• Use ribbon, cord or string to make a necklace to let your guests wear their “VIP” Passes
• Write each guest’s name on the stars
• Have fun rooting for your fave actors and movies!

 

FILM REEL PROJECT

After downloading the MOVIE AWARDS PARTY PRINTABLES PDF, here’s how you’ll make your DIY FILM REEL PROJECT:

• Print the PDF pages on a color printer (or take them to Office Depot to do for you!)
• PURCHASE 2-6 inch foam disks
• Cut out all the pieces for this project as pictured in the graphic above
• Glue together the foam disks
• Tape or glue together 2 film strips; measure diameter of foam disks; trim film strips to size, leaving a 1/2 inch overlap
• Glue or pin film strips to side of foam disks
• Using glue, attach each side of the film reel cutouts onto flat sides of foam disks.  Let dry.

 

(Mine got used as a TOY right before the photo shoot by my “adorable” Boston Terrier, April! Gotta love Man’s Best Friend!  You notice I didn’t say WOMAN!)

 

“WINNER” TROPHY CENTERPIECE PROJECT

• Print the PDF pages on a color printer (or take them to Office Depot to do for you!)
• PURCHASE 1-8 inch foam disk; long bamboo skewers; decorative paper straws; matching paper or foil basket filler
• Cut out all the pieces for this project as pictured in the graphic above
• Trace an 8 inch circle onto the harlequin printed paper; cut out; glue to top surface of foam disk
• Tape or glue together 2 film strips; measure diameter of foam disk; trim film strips to size, leaving a 1/2 inch overlap
• Glue or pin film strips to side of foam disk; the film strips will be taller than the disk
• Glue a bamboo skewer down the center of one of the “winner” trophy cutouts; glue second cutout on top
• Repeat procedure with masks and stars  (I grouped 3 star together to make a more bold statement before adding a stick)
• Try making the bamboo skewers different lengths to add interest
• The back skewer should be the longest, to be seen above the trophy
• Slide decorative paper straws onto bamboo sticks to cover the bottom portions (leaving a few inches exposed to push into centerpiece base)
• Push skewers into base, the trophy in the center, surrounded by the masks and stars
• Fill center with matching or coordinating basket filler

 

If you weren’t planning on throwing your own Movie Awards Party this season, I hope I’ve just changed your mind!   Below I’ll tell you how to get your own set of Movie Awards Party printables so you can get started planning your own event!

 

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Smoked Salmon Torte – A Showstopper Appetizer

Bourbon Caramel & Cashew Popcorn with Maple-Bacon Dust

 

HERE’S HOW TO GET YOUR OWN SET OF MOVIE AWARDS PARTY PRINTABLES RIGHT NOW!

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