Oscars Viewing Party

If you're hosting an Oscars viewing party this Sunday, chances are you've already thought about the food and drinks. Thus, it's time to figure out the decorations! With a few simple steps you can transform your everyday living room into a set worthy of the stars. I asked celebrity floral designer Jeff Leatham for his tips on creating the ultimate Oscars look. Jeff is the artistic director of the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris and stars on TLC's Flowers Uncut. He's arranged flowers for everyone from Eva Longoria to Kylie Minogue, and now I've got his secrets to share with you, after the break.

There's only one thing to pour at an Oscars viewing party, and it's bubbly. While I'm a huge fan of sparkling rosé, sometimes it's fun to make your own pink champagne. It doesn't involve grapes, but simply your favorite sparkler and a little purple-hued liquor called Chambord. A splash of the raspberry elixir will turn a glass of bubbly into a blushing pink concoction that's slightly sweet. It's an easy-to-make, sophisticated cocktail that pairs well with gourmet pizza, so get the recipe after the jump.

On Sunday evening, the stars in attendance at the Governors Ball, the official afterparty to the Oscars, will be enjoying baked Alaska with espresso glace, Guittard L’Etoile du Nord chocolate sorbet and toasted meringue for dessert. Although it sounds incredibly fancy, a baked Alaska is quite simply an ice cream cake topped with meringue. Take some help from the grocery store and you can serve this elegant treat to friends at your Oscars viewing party. All you have to do is follow this easy — yes, easy — recipe for individual baked Alaskas. Use your favorite flavor of ice cream, or to be authentic, a rich chocolate sorbet. Sound delish? Here's the recipe.

The Oscars are this Sunday and every year I like to invite friends over to watch the show with me. It's easy to get creative with an Oscars viewing menu — you could do modern movie foods (like truffled popcorn and goat cheese nachos) or a spread of upscale appetizers (delicious enough to feed the celebrities!). Then there's always Wolfgang Puck's recipes (he is the chef for the Oscars afterparty) or a meal inspired by one of the nominated movies.

While these are fun options, I've decided to take a tip from Puck and serve the signature dish he created in 1982, the gourmet pizza. A pizza menu is not only easy to prepare in advance, but it's also ideal for eating; no utensils required.

I'll be making three crispy, thin-crusted pies: sausage, red onion, and wild mushroom; herbed mascarpone, smoked salmon, and asparagus; and artichoke and fontina. To take a look at the recipes, read more