6 days until the Oscars

6 days and counting; are you ready for the Oscars. The 82^nd Academy Awards show is Sunday, March 7th. Whether you are planning for a small family gathering or for 1500 guests, the same number of guests as the actual Oscars, you need to start making your final preparations.

Start by revisiting your guests list to determine you final count noting any special request i.e. vegetarian, Diabetic or food allergies. Finalize your menu; make your shopping list and food prep timeline. Don’t forget to pick up the bubbly, Moet & Chandon Champagne. The official 2010 Governor’s Ball Menu is listed below for last minute menu ideas.

Shop for your party’s decorating items and party favors early. The décor for the Oscar’s is 1930 “Streamline Moderne”. The color palette is charcoal iridescent taffeta with platinum and cognac matte satins with amethyst tulle overlays and champagne glitter dots. The evening’s floral design include purple Lizzy –Anthus, Rothschild Orchids, aubergine rust Callie Lilies, Clearwater roses and hydrandreas.

Display the Oscar’s 2010 poster by the party’s entrance. You can order the official poster at http://www.oscars.org/academy/posters-books/posters/82awards.html .

Roll out the red carpet. Use indoor/outdoor carpet, or red fabric; just make sure that it is color-fast. Have someone interview and video tape your guests as they arrive. Then play the video during the pre show cocktail hour and at the after party.

Mail each guest an Academy Awards ballot for them to complete and bring to the party or hand them out as your guest arrive along with a pen. Go to http://oscar.go.com/nominations?cid=10_oscars_primaryNav for the printable ballot. Also print the complete list of nominees and facts for yourself.

If you haven’t seen all of the nominees for best movie yet, there will be a Best Movie Screening on March 6^th at Kent Station 14 (Seattle) starting at 10:30AM: An Education, 12:45PM: The Hurt Locker, 3:15PM: Up in the Air, 6:00PM: The Blind Side, and 8:30PM: Inglourious Basterd. On the same day at the Woodinville 12 (Seattle) the following movies will be showing: 10:30AM: Up (in 2D), 12:45PM: A Serious Man, 2:45PM: The Hurt Locker, 6:00PM: An Education and 8:00PM: District 9. For other locations go to http://oscar.go.com/oscar-night/screenings?cid=10_oscars_landingCallout_oscar-night or visit AMC Entertainment at http://www.amcentertainment.com/bps/.

The most important element of your Oscar party night is your and your guests enjoyment so recruit help if needed and do as much as possible before Sunday. Have fun and email me at mardeesdesigns@mardees.com and let me know how your party turns out.

The Official Oscar’s Governors Ball Menu

Tray Passed Hors d'Oeuvres

• Tempura Shrimp and Lobster
• Mini Kobe Burgers with Aged Cheddar and Remoulade
• Wasabi Pea Crusted Crab Cake with Mango and Thai Basil
• Smoked Salmon Pizza with Caviar and Dill Creme
• Black Truffle & Ricotta Cheese Pizza
• Vegetable Spring Rolls with Sweet & Spicy Dipping Sauce
• Chicken Pot Stickers with Ginger Black Vinegar Dipping Sauce

Dinner

• House Smoked Salmon, Potato Galette, Creme Fraiche and Baby Greens with Butler-passed Warm Brioche
• Chicken Pot Pie with Yukon Gold Potatoes, Baby Heirloom Vegetables and Homemade Pastry Crust

Dessert

• "L'Etoile de Oscar"
• Baked Alaska with Espresso Glace, Guittard L'Etoile du Nord Chocolate Sorbet and Toasted Meringue