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The Weekend Cook: Host an Impromptu Oscars Party!

By , About.com Guide

Roast Beef Filo Cups

Roast Beef Filo Cups

Linda Larsen
If you don't have plans to watch the Oscars award presentations, throw a last minute party. Make some calls today and this evening to invite people. Clean up your house and do a bit of cooking and you'll be ready in a flash. These appetizer recipes are all best if made ahead, so while Saturday dinner is cooking in your crockpot, you can prepare the treats for your party on Sunday.

As long as you have a television set in working order, you can host this party. Arrange comfortable seating facing the television, and scatter large pillows or beanbag chairs around for your guests' comfort. Tie bunches of helium filled balloons to chairs and lamps around the living room or den, and lay down a red carpet for your guests to follow to the party center. Set up a buffet table with the appetizers arranged one type to a platter, and offer small plates for eating. Have a cooler filled with ice and packed with soft drinks, sparkling water, beer, and champagne. As your guests arrive, hand them ballots with the nominated films and actors listed and have them vote for their favorites. Dim the lights and your party is ready!

Because you'll be working to get food ready on Saturday, your crockpot and five ingredient recipes are the perfect assistants. Enjoy your weekend!

Friday Dinner

  • Spicy Fish Tacos
    These flavorful tacos are a great choice for meatless Fridays during Lent, or just a delicious quick dinner.
  • Coconut Fruit Salad
    Just four ingredients combine to make this cool salad that complements the spicy tacos.
  • Chewy Gooey Bars
    Refrigerated cookie dough is the base for these decadent and super easy bar cookies.

Saturday Breakfast

  • Swiss Eggs
    Today is a working day, so you need a hearty breakfast! This simple and delicious recipe is a great way to start your day.
  • Crescent Hearts
    Have your kids make these cute and fun little pastries.
  • orange juice, coffee, milk

Saturday Lunch

  • Chicken Waldorf Sandwiches
    Double this recipe and you can offer this sandwich filling as an appetizer spread tomorrow or as a topping for Crostini.
  • baby carrots, celery sticks, apple wedges
  • sparkling water, pop, tea

Make Ahead Appetizers

  • Roast Beef Filo Cups
    Make the filling ahead of time, then fill the cups just before serving. These are delicious!
  • Sugared Crockpot Nuts
    This is a great nibble that everyone loves.
  • Crab Spread
    Any kind of seafood appetizer is an indulgent treat. Serve this spread with water crackers and Crostini.
  • Orange Mint Slush
    This is a refreshing, sweet, and cool punch that kids and grownups love.
  • Mini Bacon Pinwheels
    Go ahead and freeze these savory and crisp appetizers and bake them from the frozen state tomorrow.
  • Brie with Cherry Chutney
    This beautiful appetizer will be a huge hit with your guests. Make the chutney today and then heat the Brie and assemble the appetizer just before your guests arrive.
  • Pesto Torte
    Here's another gorgeous appetizer that feeds a crowd.
  • Devils on Horseback
    Assemble these delicious bites today, then broil them as your guests start to arrive.
  • Gingery Fruit Dip
    Serve this excellent dip with the best fresh fruits you can find in the market.
  • Layered Reuben Dip
    This super simple make ahead appetizer recipe is hearty and flavorful.
  • Roasted Corn and Lobster Dip
    Assemble this recipe today, then bake it as your guests arrive.
  • Blender Pots de Creme
    Make two of these creamy little desserts per person just in case!
  • Old Fashioned Chocolate Dessert
    This super easy dessert recipe will feed a crowd - make two!

Saturday Dinner

  • Crockpot Greek Stew
    This stew will cook to perfection while you're busy getting ready for the party.
  • bakery breadsticks
  • ice cream sundaes

Sunday Breakfast

  • Crockpot Cobbler
    This hearty and comforting breakfast is ready and waiting for you to start your busy day.
  • Apple Glazed Sausage and Bacon
    This sweet and spicy recipe is the perfect complement to the simple eggs.
  • orange juice, grapefruit juice, milk, coffee

Sunday Lunch

  • Beef Avocado Pockets
    Deli roast beef is the secret ingredient in these hearty and super easy sandwiches.
  • potato chips
  • fruit juice, sparkling water, tea

Party Time!

Set out all of the appetizers you made yesterday and put the finishing touches on the party space. Then relax and enjoy your party!

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