Yesterday, Carly Cylinder of Flour and I had the opportunity to shoot a fun spot about hosting the perfect Oscar party. The stylish and stunning Suzanne Marques from KCAL9/CBS2 came by to shoot our top tips, and we had a blast! Carly created gorgeous floral pieces, and we collaborated on an event design that reflected this year’s runaway Oscar favorite, The Artist. Silent film, Hollywood glamor, retro style…it’s all here.
Our spread was focused on black and white (just like The Artist!) with hints of silver. Silver is actually a component in film stock itself, so it seemed fitting. Also, I love metallic, reflective surfaces – they have a large presence and a gleam of luxury (even though these votives topped out at just $6 a piece). I also found a huge LIFE Magazine coffee table book at a book closeout store, with retrospective pictures from days gone by – and mounted the photos on the wall with double-stick foam.
Coffee-table-book pics mounted on foamboard make for risk-free temporary art
Carly added feathers for a fun, 1920s touch – and her how-to was so impeccable. She and Suzanne showed viewers how to put together an arrangement in less than five minutes – and look like it cost so much more than it did.
Carly workin' her how-to segment!
Carly added feathers for a true 1920s feel.
We also had martinis and canapes with black and white touches (white pearl onion garnish in the ‘tinis, goat cheese with black caviar for our munchies), spreading the theme far and wide. If you can’t change the walls and overall decor with lighting and rentals, just carry that theme all the way home – even into your food!
Glamorous florals, ticket-stub style Oscar ballots, and an iPad for last minute research...
Hit up the iPad to watch clips of nominated movies and check the odds...
We had so much fun, and our friends and colleagues Katie and Christine joined in as well. Their help was invaluable. Carly and I are always cooking up good, time-and-money-saving party tips, so stay tuned for more. Happy Oscar Party-ing!