The Oscar For Best Party Goes To...

You’ve made it through the first few months of 2007 and spring is right around the corner. But before we can call this winter season officially over, there is just one more award show to get through. It’s time to critique the designer duds, check out the bling, spot the botched Botox, and ask the age-old question, “Who is Oscar?” While it’s not likely you’re attending the Academy Awards, you can still partake in all the Oscar fun before the last red carpet of the season is rolled out.

Go Glam. Treat yourself to a little luxury on Oscar day. Grab your girlfriends for manicures and pedicures at your local nail salon. Don’t forget that many celebs turn their luxuries into charity. After your nails are buffed and polished, head over to the M•A•C cosmetics counter for the new Viva Glam lipstick. Every cent of the $14 lipstick goes to the M•A•C AIDS Fund to support people living with HIV/AIDS.

Time To Party. The best part of any Hollywood award show is the after-party! Amy Palanjian, assistant editor of Hallmark magazine, says space is essential for your party pals. “Pull the cushions off the couches and chairs from other rooms,” to make the floor as comfortable as the couch in the TV room, said Palanjian. Consider movie food like popcorn, Raisenettes and Milk Duds to keep the fans happy.

Make a Toast. No award show is complete without champagne toasts. While your budget probably doesn’t allow for Dom Perignon or Cristal champagne, pop open the Prosecco or go bubbly with Asti Spumante. Every time a winner thanks their publicist, pour another round for your friends.

The Gift Bag. The most coveted part of the Oscars is the gift bags. Unless your last name is Hilton or Kardashian, you probably can’t afford Harry Winston jewels and Prada shades for your party guests. Instead, fill your gift bags will some gag gifts including double-sided tape for added cleavage for the girls, and shoe lifts (ala Tom Cruise or Jeremy Piven) for the guys. Grab some chocolate Oscar statues and DVDs of an Oscar-nominated movie as parting gifts. Bonus gift: Hand off the coveted DVD of “The Departed” to the party guest who does the best Jack Nicholson impression.