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We know--Brad Pitt will probably be calling you any minute now with the news that Angelina has a cold and he needs you to stand in for her on Sunday night... but it's good to have a back-up plan just in case. Settle in for a long evening of ballgowns and tears with some fabulous food inspired by the nominated films, whether it's a Southern spread inspired by The Help or a French dinner a la Midnight in Paris. Here, a few ideas to get you started—and be sure to check out our Oscar Party Menu, which includes 16 cocktails, snacks, mains, sides and desserts that you can eat on the couch, with one hand holding your ballot. (Oh wait, is that Brad's publicist calling?)

The Help
Brothers Matt and Ted Lee, who are from Charleson, S.C., have based their recipes on ones they've found in slender church pamphlets, spiral-bound fundraisers for the Junior League and other sources. Their Lansdowne Punch and Shrimp and Deviled-Egg Salad Sandwiches will bring you right into one of the film's ladies' bridge party scenes.

Midnight in Paris
Channel your inner Parisienne and serve gougeres, little cheese puffs that go perfectly with chilled white wine; beef stew with cognac and horseradish mustard, perfect for a February night; and lavender creme brulee, which we can totally picture Owen Wilson's character lapping up with gusto as he goes on about la vie en rose.


The Descendants
Knock back a few Tiki drinks like this riff on a classic Trader Vic's mai tai; nibble on tropical popcorn, which includes dried pineapple and mango; and then enjoy coconut shrimp with mango-mojo dip. All of a sudden George Clooney's character's sorrows seem a little less dire.

The Artist
To evoke Hollywood in the 1920s, go with Champagne-based cocktails that get a bright hit from pear or raspberry. Another option: this Absinthe Breeze Martini, which combines a classic drink with one of the most iconic spirits of the early 20th century. And it wouldn't hurt to wear a cloche while enjoying your drink.

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