Get your glitz on: How to add pizzazz to your Oscar party this year

(BPT) - Awards season will soon come to a crescendo with the airing of the Oscars March 2. Celebrities are gearing up to hit the red carpet and crossing their fingers that they come home with an award.

In keeping with traditions of years past, people across the nation will gather with family and friends to see who’s with who, who’s wearing what on the red carpet and to see the stars collect their trophies. You and your guests can feel like part of the experience too. Bring the elegance and excitement of the Academy Awards into your home this year by kicking your party up a notch with just a few small tweaks.

These party prep and hosting tips from national best-selling author Ross Mathews, host of E!’s hit talk show “Hello Ross”, will help you take your party from simple to sophisticated in just four steps. Not only will you impress your friends with your pop culture knowledge, but you’ll create a star-studded night they’ll never forget.

*Catch up on the nominees. If you haven’t seen American Hustle or you have yet to experience the wonder that is Lupita Nyong’o on screen, get your friends together and watch the most-nominated movies in advance of the awards show. It will greatly increase your enjoyment when it comes time for the statues to be handed out, as you’ll actually know what’s going on and who to root for.

*Do your homework. Doing an Oscar ballot pool at your Oscars party? Prepare ahead of time by searching on sites like Bing.com to help predict the winners using past awards shows, news and buzz as a guide.

*Get your glitz on. If there’s any time of the year to go glitz and glam, Oscars night is it. Take your party to the next level with a black and gold glitter theme – start with formal invitations and encourage your guests to dress the part in their best red carpet wear. With so many do-it-yourself sites and easy crafts, there’s no excuse to skip creating some awesome decorations for the bash – get out your glue gun and glitter.

*Dine like the stars. Go beyond just the chips and dips and add some pizzazz to your party. The Bing Food & Drink app on Windows 8.1 has a library of fantastic recipes for appetizers, entrees, desserts, custom cocktails and more. Get inspired with dishes like smoked trout blinis with crème fraiche and dill. Your guests will feel like stars themselves with the right menu and libations.

Whether you’re one or 1,000 miles away from Hollywood, you can still create your very own red carpet experience in your own home. Follow these tips from Mathews and visit Bing.com/awards for all your Oscars needs and you’ll be well on your way to creating a night to remember for you and your friends.