A Hollywood Event Planning Pro on How to Plan the Best Viewing Party for the Oscars and Beyond

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You don’t need an invite to a star-studded soirée to create your own awards-worthy Oscars viewing party. The 97th Academy Awards are this Sunday, and there’s still time to pull together your own event for watching Hollywood’s biggest night at home.

For those in need of Oscar party planning tips, we’ve reached out to Mary Pat, an executive producer at 15|40 Productions, the event studio that recently handled Wicked‘s Los Angeles premiere (among many, many other red carpet events) and has dreamed up immersive events for Disney, Netflix, Apple, Amazon, Sony, Paramount+ and other entertainment giants.

“We specialize in crafting unforgettable experiences that go beyond the expected. From intimate gatherings to massive corporate events, our team combines boundless creativity and meticulous attention to detail to deliver immersive environments that truly wow,” Pat tells The Hollywood Reporter over email. “Whether it’s designing custom theaters on a Hawaiian island, hosting a party at the Kennedy Space Center, or producing red carpet experiences for premieres like Barbie multi-city touring activations like Paramount+ The Lodge, our goal is the same: to leave guests amazed and saying, Did you see this? Did you see that? With creativity, passion and precision, we create memories that exceed expectations and delight at every turn.”

Pat notes that you don’t need a Hollywood budget to create stunning scenery. “When it comes to online resources, I love supporting small businesses through platforms like Etsy — it’s perfect for custom invites, unique collateral, and one-of-a-kind decorations. For chic and timeless décor, CB2 and West Elm are my go-to favorites for effortlessly elevating any space,” suggests Pat.

“Locally, in Los Angeles, the L.A. Flower Market is a treasure trove for fresh florals and greenery that can create stunning arrangements. Rolling Greens Nursery is another favorite for stylish arrangements and unique centerpieces,” she adds.

Ahead, keep reading for more of Pat’s tips, plus our own party decor picks inspired by her recommendations.

When it comes to awards season viewing parties, how do you to take decor from average to A-list-worthy?

For awards season viewing parties, themes are a great way to take your décor up a notch and create a more immersive experience. At 15|40, we’re all about crafting memorable experiences, and a good theme helps set the tone by placing your guests into the story.

Old Hollywood Glamour is always a classic choice. Picture red carpets, a chic black-and-gold color scheme, and soft, ambient lighting that gives off the vibe of a movie premiere. You can even ask guests to dress in formalwear or as their favorite stars to really set the mood. For something a bit more playful, think vintage film reels, marquee signs, striped popcorn bags and sepia tones for that nostalgic flair. And to spark conversation, display movie posters of this year’s nominees — it’s a fun way to get people talking.

The secret to any memorable party is creating an atmosphere that reflects the excitement and sparkle of awards season!

What are the most common décor items that people tend to reach for (e.g., cheaper Amazon products), and what’s the easiest way to elevate them? 

At 15|40, we know that even the simplest décor pieces can be elevated into something extraordinary with a little creativity. Those budget-friendly Amazon finds don’t have to feel ordinary — just a few tweaks can make them look polished and high-end. Simple glass vases with floating candles can be transformed by layering floral petals, foliage or beads underneath for added depth and texture. You can also dye the water with food-safe metallic pigments for a reflective effect and enhance the glow with submersible LED lights.

String lights are another versatile favorite. Wrap them in tulle or gauzy fabric for a dreamy, diffused effect, or place them inside vintage lanterns, glass jars or large wine bottles to create a soft, intimate glow. Even artificial flowers can shine if you choose high-quality silk or paper blooms and arrange them in cascading designs mixed with greenery or twinkling lights for a natural yet elevated look.

And let’s not forget about tableware. Add decorative napkin rings, elegant chargers or placemats to bring a polished finish to your table settings.

The key is to layer textures, play with lighting and tie everything back to your theme. With a little creativity, those everyday items can feel luxe and event-ready.

How early should people start planning and what should they focus on?

In a perfect world, you’d have months to plan your event, but as we’re quickly approaching awards season, don’t stress! There’s still plenty you can do to throw together a fabulous viewing party. Focus on the essentials: your theme, food and tech setup. 

You can pull together a stylish awards season party with items you already have or can easily find. A red tablecloth, gold accents, and a DIY photo backdrop — like metallic streamers or black-and-gold balloons— are quick ways to set the tone.

For the menu, keep it simple and on theme. A popcorn bar with gourmet toppings, champagne or sparkling water stations, and finger foods inspired by iconic movies are always crowd-pleasers.

Don’t forget your tech setup! Test your TV or projector ahead of time to avoid any last-minute streaming issues, and if you can, add surround sound for that full theater vibe.

Even with limited prep time, a little creativity and attention to detail can turn a last-minute gathering into a night your guests won’t forget.

What elements should party planners skip? 

This is a tricky question because every great event is built on thoughtful details and intentional design. While adding more can enhance the experience, it’s all about balance. Every element should serve a purpose and add to the story of your event.

Instead of focusing on what to skip, ask yourself, Does this really add value to the theme and experience for your guests, or is it just extra? By cutting out anything that feels random or unnecessary and focusing on quality over quantity, you can create a more cohesive and impactful event. It’s not about doing less —it’s about doing the right things.

Party favors: Yay or nay?  

At 15|40 we love to lean toward favors that are meaningful, purposeful, and relate back to the overall experience you created. Favors lacking thought or intention risk being quickly tossed out, and no one wants that!

For something that plays into awards season, you could send your guests home with mini awards they can keep on their desks. Interactive photo opportunities are another crowd-pleaser — renting a photo booth or setting up a makeshift step and repeat for guests to capture memories allows them to create their own keepsakes from the evening. 

Ultimately, the best favors are the ones that leave a lasting impression and tie back to the story of your event. If it feels intentional and thoughtful, it’s a definite win.