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Throw a 'Swell' Oscar® Party

By Cynthia Rowley and Illene Rosenzweig
'Swell' Oscar party ideas from Cynthia Rowley and Illene Rosenzweig
Call it the chick's Superbowl. Oscar® night has become the winter television event—a great occasion for super-easy entertaining. Make your place the destination-viewing spot. Invite friends, family and other seat-fillers to dish the fashion, rate the up-do's, defend your favorite star's speech and gossip during commercials. All you need is: snacks for three hours, good seating and a touch of Hollywood glamour to put everyone in the mood. This year, Cynthia Rowley and Ilene Rosenzweig, co-creators of the Swell collection at Target, have a few tips for adding a touch of sparkle to a star-studded night.

The Envelope, Please: Invitations
  • Use a piece of Mylar mirrored paper; address it, "And the winner is..."
  • Using a gold metallic pen, inscribe invitations with lines from Oscar®-winning films. "Leave the gun. Take the cannoli."
  • Print invites on a red carpet swatch.
  • For a black-tie invite, punch two holes in a piece of cardstock, thread a piece of thick black ribbon through the holes and tie it into a bow tie.

The Set
  • Repurpose the silver Swell Glitterati shower curtain from Target as a shining overlay for a bar.
  • The Swell ice bucket, melamine trays and pearlized pitchers and tumblers add splash, too.
  • Switch the family photos in the living room with shots of your true loved ones—this year's nominees.
  • You could also buy some new frames—try the Swell Swinging Squares Frame that looks like a mini version of Hollywood Squares and has room for four celebrities. The photos are, of course, autographed to you (or by you): "Wish I could be there! Luv, Charlize."

Ambiance, Dahling
  • Put out a red-carpet welcome mat to lead your guests to the door.
  • Deputized a best friend to snap your guests with a Polaroid as they make their entrance.
  • Dress up the powder room with props from the make-up trailer: rhinestone jewelry, tiaras, sunglasses, red lipsticks, fake mustaches, beauty marks and a wig or two that'll inspire guests to start hamming and vamping.
  • During the pre-show show, turn off the sound and play some feel-good Oscar®-winning soundtracks: Chicago, Titanic, The Godfather, Casablanca, etc.