Your Guide to Hosting an Emmy Awards Party

tv-emmy-awards-neil-patrick-harrisRoll out the red carpet because it’s award show season.

It all begins September 22 with the 65th Emmy Awards. Whether you fancy yourself a connoisseur of the small screen, or prefer to watch for the gorgeous gowns, consider having a few friends over for a watch party.

Here are just a few ideas to make the most of your get-together:

Ask your guests to arrive before show time (7 p.m.) to predict the winners. Create your own ballots using this list of nominees. Add your own questions, like “How many times will Neil Patrick Harris break out into song?” or “How many winners will hear the get-off-the-stage music?” Keep track of answers throughout the show, and at the end of the night, present the winner with their own “Emmy.”

Provide food based on your favorite TV shows and characters. Mad Men fans can use AMC’s cocktail guide, because what else is there for a Mad Men fan to serve? Celebrate 30 Rock’s final Emmy Awards with these recipes from Food & Wine. Or offer waffles, Leslie Knope’s favorite breakfast food. Just try to avoid the Parks and Recreation character’s usual amount of whipped cream.

If you want to serve a full meal, check out TV show cookbooks, including Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey and Top Chef.

Rate the red carpet runway. Once your guests are settled in and the nominees begin to arrive, pretend you’re Joan Rivers and the Fashion Police crew by creating your own best and worst dressed lists. Give guests scorecards and encourage them to argue their case with those who disagree. Just make sure your living room doesn’t turn into the set of Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Once the show begins, sit back and enjoy. And hope the acceptance speeches don’t run long.

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