Not everyone is a Paris Hilton, actor/actress, Oprah, "The Donald," or a Grammy winning singer, but our friends are the stars, in our eyes. I've thought of a way to show my friends how much they mean to me by planning a "knock off" Red Carpet awards-themed party. Showing our friends how much they mean to you in my opinion is priceless. These are some of my components to an award-themed party.
The carpet is a must. It can be red felt, purchased a a fabric store or any other inexpensive fabric or runner that screams "glamour." I would measure tape into short lengths-approximately the width of the runner or carpet-and tape down the carpet in about four inch intervals for safety. One side would adhere to the felt, the other the walkway. You can place luminaries for drama and to weight the carpet down along the walkway!
The Master of Ceremonies is so important. He or she has to have that "it" personality to make your guests feel special. They should also have a great sense of humor to make the event fun! A cordless microphone, and a camcorder person or, as they say "in the business," the camera guy or girl, should be a well-accomplished amateur video/photographer. Some of the questions that could be asked are:
- What's your name?
- Where are you from?
- How long have you known the host or hostess?
- What are you wearing? (In my case, it would be a brand Dillard's department store carries.)
The cameraperson should know how to hook up the camcorder to your big screen television. Stars are always seen on the big screen! If you can employ one or two servers dressed in black and white, that would make the event more red carpet-like and it would also allow you to enjoy your guests more.
The drink of choice is bubbly, of course! Have a variety, from Martini and Rossi Asti Spumante for those who like it sweet, to those who like a true champagne, which is only derived from France. Offer alternatives like my "mock champagne," which is Sprite or Ginger Ale in a champagne flute with a strawberry or stemmed cherry at the bottom of the glass. To make a "mock rose`" sparkling cocktail, add a few drops of Maraschino Cherry juice! All should feel like they are sipping bubbly, whether it's alcoholic or not. For the guys or gals who like beer, I've seen beer glasses that can rival the classic look of a champagne flute. If you don't have enough glassware, rent it or go to Target; Target carries a brand of glassware called Luminarc, which has flutes that can be purchased in sets of twelve for under $20.00.
The food for the party can include popcorn, bunches of thin crispy fried French fries wrapped in white paper cones, and appetizers that go well with champagne. I love oyster appetizers with champagne. In the May 2005 issue of my newsletter, which you can find at life's little luxuries, I have several oyster appetizer recipes. Don't let the month or year fool you. These were written before Hurricane Katrina, but the recipes and tips are timeless. I charge $3.00 a download, but it is a great newsletter, several pages in length. Great music is essential. Whatever you and your guests like to listen to will make the event a hit. Have special CDs made, so you will have enough music for the evening.
What red carpet (or, in my case, my recipe for my Friendship Awards Evening) would not be complete without an awards ceremony, complete with trophies? Call and visit trophy shops in your area, and find classy, but affordable trophies with their names and maybe a saying. I think the inscription on mine will read "Friends for Life."
I love napkins with quotes on them. Go to a printing business, like the ones that people who plan weddings use, and put the name of your event in gold text. Are not all stars gold?
We can't forget the goodie bags. Fill them with lots of small things that your friends would appreciate. I might even ask local shops to donate to the event, and in turn have a poster made with their companies name as a donator. Have one made at a place like Kinko's, and put them on an easel. Party planning means just that; it may take you months to be able to afford and gather all of these things, but this plan will take the sting out of your wallet.
Also, take lots of photos, so the memories can be shared with guests! I'd like to add one last note and that is to have a sign in book; nothing says "star" like a guest's signature! The last thing you need to do to have a successful red carpet event is enjoy! Life is so precious; I like to live as well as I can, one day at a time!
Cheers,
Lorrie
