For those of us who love the glitz and glamour of Hollywood – Oscar Night is the night of the year. It’s an opportunity to lust and hate over celebrities, their attire, dates and speeches. Oh, and there are awards for movie performances, direction and some other stuff, as well.

Whether you’re watching it for the films and performances or the gossip on who wore what designer, throwing your own Oscar Night party can enhance the experience tenfold. But while the idea of an Oscar Night party sounds awesome, you might be wondering where to begin.

First, the invitation. The invitation sets the tone of the party. Think wedding invitation but on a lot tighter budget. Try to make it as fancy and elegant as possible. Make sure you send them out with enough time for people to RSVP. On the invitation ask guests to dress for the night in glamorous attire, which could be anything from an old prom dress to that wedding dress you thought you’d only wear once. Someone has to get on the worst dressed list, right?

Then, set the scene. Go to any fabric store and get a long piece of red cloth for your “red carpet,” which all your guests will walk down before they enter the party. If you live in an apartment, this “red carpet” can be put in the entryway or if you don’t think your neighbors will think you’re crazy, the hallway. You can select a friend to act as the Joan Rivers or Maria Menounos and have them interview your guests as they arrive. Your “Joan” or “Maria” should ask guests whom they’re wearing and why they chose this designer, etc.

After your guests arrive, you can hand out ballots that list all the nominees for that year’s Oscars so everyone can vote. You can even have people toss in a few dollars into a pot and make it a betting game before the ceremony starts. Official ballots can be found on Oscar.com.

Make sure you have enough seating for those who want to watch the ceremony. Bring in oversized pillows and beanbag chairs to fill up the space and offer people a place to sit. You could even set up the seating as if your guests are sitting in an auditorium.

Then, the food. Do a buffet style with simple hors d’oeuvres that look fancy like crab puffs; shrimp cocktail displayed around martini glasses on ice, mini quiche and savory pinwheels. You could also make a cheese fondue and offer bread and vegetables for dipping.

Make sure you use real dishes, glasses and cloth napkins. Would celebrities eat off paper plates with plastic silverware at the Oscars? We don’t think so. Decorate the table, as well, with a mixture of tall and short candles.

For dessert, offer some chocolate treats like chocolate dipped strawberries and truffles. You can also bake cookies in the shape of Oscar, himself.

Be sure to provide both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for your friends. Champagne is a great option – looks fancy and elegant. For those on a budget, try buying some Prosecco, which is Italian sparkling white wine, or Cava, Spanish sparkling white wine. They’re both cheaper but just as tasty. You can also create signature cocktails inspired by the best picture nominees.