With the Oscars around the corner, I was looking for a few easy, affordable ideas to make my viewing party special. One of my favorite caterers - Mary Giuliani - known for her upscale comfort food, offered these three festive suggestions:

Suggestion: Treat your guests like Hollywood royalty- have gold foil bags lined up with everyone’s name on them when they arrive.  Create a fun popcorn bar so that guests can customize their popcorn with their favorite theatre candy. Pop a big bowl of microwave popcorn and have little glass bowls alongside filled with iconic favorites- m&m’s, raisenettes, goobers, milk duds, snow caps, etc., which can be used as toppings for your popcorn or can be eaten alone- nothing beats a sweet and salty combination to kick off the night. 

Why I love it: Because my favorite thing to do at the movies is pour gummy bears in my popcorn, and I have a feeling I'm not alone.

Suggestion: Serve a signature black tie drink, like the Black Licorice Martini (recipe below).

Why I love it: Because everyone will love a little taste of Oscar gold, and Sambuca is deliciously decadent.

Gold Dusted Black Licorice Martini
2 parts Vanilla Vodka
1 part Black Sambuca
Shake with lots of ice and Serve
Garnish with Black Licorice and Gold Dust
(Gold Dust can be found at any craft store in the baking section)

Suggestion: For those rooting for Slumdog Millionaire, opt for an Indian inspired menu. A Curry Bar is a great way to go. Place the curry rice (recipe below) in the center and in smaller bowls, and have your guests customize their own curry to be as spicy or mild as they would like. Possible mixers include: peanuts, apple, mango & cucumber chutney, shaved coconut, spicy yogurt.

Why I love it: Because guests serving themselves makes my job much easier during the party, and Slumdog is by far my favorite film this year.

Curry Rice Recipe
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup chopped green peppers
1 cup uncooked rice
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:
Cook onion and green peppers in butter in large pan until tender. Add rice, pepper, turmeric and curry; brown slightly. Add chicken broth; stir well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; stir in parsley.

Happy Viewing!