When it comes to awards season, celebrities are known for hosting and attending amazing after-parties. These lavish affairs cost thousands of dollars and attract some of the most famous people in the world. While the rest of us may never make the A-list guest list, we can still party like the stars, even on a budget. Taking a cue from some of the most famous hosts with the most, we've compiled our own star-worthy yet budget-savvy tips and tricks.
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The Celeb Way:
When guests entered Sir Elton John's 2009 post-Oscar bash, the tables were decked out in elegant, crisp black-and white linens, expensive rentals no doubt.
Your Way:
While those linen rentals probably cost a pretty penny, yours don't have to. Head to the local fabric store with your table measurements in hand and pick up fabric remnants. Go for a solid cotton or even felt (which is really inexpensive) in black and white or, if you're more daring, choose a few bold prints too. Often, you can find discontinued pieces at a fraction of the cost. If the fabrics have frayed edges, simply trim them with a pair of pinking shears for a clean finish. To dress up your fabric (or to hide any visible stains or tears) apply sparkly crystal iron-ons or rhinestones.
The Celeb Way:
Also in 2009, Madonna and Demi Moore teamed up to throw an over-the-top post-Oscar bash inspired by the winning movie, "Slumdog Millionaire." No doubt the menu, packed with classic fare from India, was provided by an exclusive (and expensive) caterer.
Your Way:
Borrow their idea and plan your menu around one of the nominated movies. It could be inspired by the movie's locale or perhaps by one of the characters. Better yet, after you've researched your menu, make your party a potluck and have everyone bring one of the dishes. Assigning your guests a "task" helps spread the cost around. Have some fun with it and name each menu item (special cocktails and desserts included) after the nominees--actors, actresses, movies, songs, have fun with it!
The Celeb Way:
The tables at Elton John's bash were topped with a gorgeous centerpiece bursting with beautiful white hydrangeas and sturdy green leaves, which can be quite expensive, especially when arranged by a top florist.
Your Way:
If flower arranging is not your thing, try this easy centerpiece. Bunches of white carnations from the grocery store make an elegant yet inexpensive stand-in for pricier hydrangeas. Cluster the carnations into large bouquets, trim as needed and tie a rubber band around the stems to keep the bunch together. Insert the bunches into short square glass vases, add a few green leaves and you're done! Surround your centerpieces in elegant candlelight with plain white votive candles set in juice glasses from your kitchen. Candlelight takes any type of decor to a whole new level.
The Celeb Way:
Elton performed live and Madonna and Demi hired Sean "Diddy" Combs to DJ their party. A-list celebs can afford A-list entertainment. You? Not so much.
Your Way:
If you like the idea of having a DJ on hand to keep the tunes playing all night, especially if you're hosting a party for a music award show, think local. Take a leap of faith and invite an up-and-coming DJ from the neighborhood or ask a neighbor's music-loving teenager to come and handle the tunes. Offer to pay a small fee or perhaps they'll say the gig (and free food and drink) is reward enough. Supply them with a "must-play" iTunes playlist ahead of time and you'll have nothing to worry about.
