Everyone has an opinion. If you love Hugh Jackman (or Jennifer Lawrence, or Tim Burton, or anyone), someone else may not. And that’s okay. Check opposing names on your respective Oscar ballots, disagree over champagne and appropriately themed cookies, and move on. This is an evening for glamour, gowns – and friendly banter.

Know Amour from Argo. Even if you’re mainly there to critique the fashion, you should have a rough idea of what’s going on. No one expects you to be an expert on every single movie, but know the nominations. Missing this detail is like going to a football party and asking who’s playing. 

Avoid spoilers. On the opposite end of the spectrum, don’t talk about major plot points or endings unless you know everyone in attendance has seen the movie. (Tip: If you’re starting a sentence with “I couldn’t believe it when…” or something similar, you’re probably giving away too much.)

Chat during commercials. Speeches are sacred in awards-show land. (Remember Jodie Foster’s at the Golden Globes? No one would have wanted to miss that.) Be respectful and keep it down until there’s a break in the action.

But most of all – have fun. The biggest night in movies only comes around once a year.

By Jess Huckins, Staff Writer

What are your awards-party entertaining tips? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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With awards season underway, one can’t help but stare with jealousy at the TV screen. From full-on ball gowns to sleek, body-skimming numbers, every celebrity looks picture-perfect. And me? In my lounge-around-the-house uniform of sweats and a tee, I don’t quite sparkle. But it’s not too late to change that. The answer: hosting a formal viewing party where getting just as glam as the movie stars on the flat-screen is required.

Cue this fete-worthy collection of floor-sweeping gowns and ultra sparkly sheaths. Simply throw one on, invite a few of your biggest movie-buff friends over, and make (or buy) a few festive hors d’oeuvres – your living room will begin to feel like a front-row seat at the star-studded venue (no interviews or paparazzi necessary).

Our Tadashi Shoji Boutique opens Wednesday, February 13, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

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