14 Ways to Throw the Ultimate Fiesta

Invites

May we have the envelope, please? Every great party has to start with some glam invitations. (via Twig and Thistle)

Oscar Gold Backdrop

This backdrop takes about 5 minutes to get up but really makes an impact in any room or photo. (via Brit + Co)

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Channel 1940s Olympic swimmer turned movie star Esther Williams with these adorable swim caps. (via Brit + Co)

Ticket Roll Bowl

Yes, that really is just a roll of tickets. This is such an innovative way to make a fun movie-themed bowl. (via Buggie & Jellybean)

Gold Heart Piñata

Getting sick of commercial break after commercial break? Take a breather and take turns hitting this shiny beauty! We recommend filling it with some movie theater-esque treats for the ultimate themed party. (via Studio DIY)

Popcorn Bar

Though this awesome popcorn bar is more fit for an outdoor party, you could easily create your own on a decorated table indoors. While you're at it, check out some tasty popcorn hacks to add to your spread. (via Hostess With the Mostess)

Printable Popcorn Boxes

Printables are definitely a dream come true for any busy DIYer. These bright and colorful boxes would be a perfect addition to your popcorn bar! (via Design Eat Repeat)

Vintage Photo Booth Backdrop

A photo booth that's both vintage and movie-related? Yes, please! (PS: We're huge fans of the popcorn cones she's holding. Those would also be great for the popcorn bar.) (via Kelly Golightly)

Paper Oscar Statuettes

If you're going for a sophisticated viewing party, this elegant statuette will feel at home on your table. (via Twig & Thistle)

Glitter-Dipped Bottles

Glitter is always a welcome addition to any affair. Add some pizzazz to your drinks with these glitter-dipped bottles. Our super adaptable tutorial would work well for wine and Champagne glasses as well. (via Brit + Co)

Gold Star Garland

Are your walls looking bare? Sparkle them up with this festive garland. (via Green Wedding Shoes)

Balloon Awards

If you feel like the Oscar statuette is way overrated, give awards to your guests with these festive balloons instead! (via Studio DIY)

Film Reel Cupcakes

These tasty treats are perfect for those with a hankering for something sweet. (via Make Life Lovely)

Award Show Gift Printable

Make like the real thing and send all your guests home with a swag bag — these printable stickers are the perfect finishing touch. (via Elegance & Enchantment)

Oscars Bingo

Keep everyone focused on the ceremony no matter how long it drags on with these v. entertaining Bingo cards. (via Julie Blanner)

Awards Season Tablescape

For a swanky affair, set a stunning tablescape: Lots of gold and black silk are in order, and maybe some confetti. (via Pizzazzerie)

Oscars Viewing Cocktail

Keep the drink menu simple with a cocktail that you can make in batches. The gold sugar rim really drives the glam home! (via Blissfully Domestic)

Printable Temporary Tattoos

Add these to your gift bags, or stick 'em on your guests as they arrive! (via Squirelly Minds)

DIY Celeb Confetti

Little. Tiny. Celebrity. Faces. (via Sugar and Charm)

1. Keep the theme light

You don’t have to have some elaborate theme to make a dinner party classy, but a theme does make the evening seem a bit more put together (plus, it’s fun!). “I keep it pretty light,” Venita explained. “I usually always say, [a] Garden Party in the daytime.” This allows your guests to have some breathing room when it comes to attire—such as sandals and flowy dresses.

For an evening gathering, the reality star recommends advertising the theme as an “Evening Under the Stars,” indicating that the event requires elevated clothing and accessories (heels, long dresses, accented purses). The theme is sure to be a hit no matter which you choose.

2. Match your tablecloth to the invitations

It’s the little details that will take your dinner party from good to great. “If I have an image of the tablecloth, I use it as the background of the invitation so people can know the vibes of the dinner party and have it all set,” Aspen told Brit + Co.

3. Curate flower arrangements based off of the tablecloth colors

Take it from us — you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a flower arrangement for a table to look Instagram-worthy. Greenery and flowers easily elevate the table without having to put in too much effort. Venita has even clipped some flowers from her neighborhood for a gorgeous arrangement at a low cost, as she continued, “I typically will create a flower arrangement based off of the tablecloth colors.” Colors like yellow, white, and green, shouldn’t be that difficult to find in your own backyard!

4. Your plating doesn’t need to match

You may think that you need to buy all new utensils, glassware, and plateware for a memorable dinner party, but you most definitely do not. “When it comes to decorating a table on a budget, utilize the things you already have first in the house and remember that those things don’t have to match each other,” the Bravo star explained.

Lean into the Pinterest perfect tablescape that encourages playfulness and creativeness, versus overanalyzing matchy-matchy details. Grab different colored wine glasses. Go crazy with unique plates. No need for unnecessary spending here—especially when you likely already have such exciting pieces hiding in your kitchen cabinets!

5. Set the ambiance with music

Music will eb and flow with the theme of your dinner party, as it creates an ambiance that is a bit more stature (and background music avoids awkward silences, especially when guests first arrive). If you're going with the Garden party trope, Venita recommends that you include “some beautiful ambiance jazz style music playing in the background—something light and airy.” This tip is up to your discretion and what music you think your guests will enjoy!

6. Let guests pick their own seats

To sidestep any drama that you may or may not have been informed of, let guests pick their own seats. While name tags are cute and all, assigned seats are so drab and can force unwanted interactions. Plus, it’s one less step for you to worry about as the host (or hostess)!

7. Decide on a killer appetizer

Don’t forget — dinner parties need tasteful decor, but they are also all about the cuisine. Appetizers are the first food that invitees reach for, so do your best to cook up something mouth-watering. “I think that when people get to you, they're so hungry that the first dish is what they remember the most.”

8. Don’t go too overboard with the main meal

When it comes to the main dish, go for something that is hearty but also light. Venita opts for seafood as the protein — over meats like chicken and steak — paired with a well-seasoned grain. “Taking something as simple as some fresh herbs and adding that to the grain with a little salt and lemon juice—it will literally make people think that you've gone out and got this whole meal catered and you made it.” Seafoods like salmon, tilapia, and cod are great go-tos and garner a relatively low cooking time.

9. Always serve your guests

In this house, we don’t do buffet style. Often what happens when you let guests fill up their own plate is that you often overbuy food that ultimately goes to waste. Make it simple for yourself — chef up enough food for each attendee and serve the meal pre-plated. “You don't know how many times someone's going to get up, at least when you're basing it off of the fact that I know I have four [or more] people, you can buy for five versus buying for eight if you were doing a buffet style.”

10. Keep the dessert to finger food

By the time your guests have sat down throughout the first two courses, they are going to want to stand up and walk around while socializing. According to Venita, “people get sick of using the silverware,” at this point in the party. That’s where finger foods come in—pastries that you can grab with your hands exert little to no energy and are completely delightful. Head to your local bakery to see what they have on display. Mini eclairs, cookies, and cheesecakes are some of the best handheld desserts money can buy (and the sweets are a great way to wrap up your dinner party!).

Lea Michele as Rachel Barry

Without a doubt, the most notable thing Lea Michele has done since the end of Glee is FINALLY starring as Fanny Brice in Broadway's Funny Girl. It was a super meta moment that brought reality and Glee lore together, and the entire internet lost their minds. You can also watch her in Scream Queens and New Year's Eve. Lea is currently expecting her second child with husband Zandy Reich, and has been very vocal about her struggle with PCOS.

Corey Monteith as Finn Hudson

Before he was on Glee, Corey Monteith had roles on Smallville and Supernatural. He's also reportedly the inspiration behind Taylor Swift's "Mine" from Speak Now. You can also see him in Monte Carlo and Final Destination 3. Corey passed away on July 13, 2013.

Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel

Chris Colfer is one of my personal favorite members of the cast of Glee, especially since Kurt is such a sweetheart. You can see him in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie and RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars, and you can read his The Land of Stories book series! The actor and author has been in a relationship with Will Sherrod since 2013.

Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester

Jane Lynch is one of the most iconic members of the cast of Glee thanks to her portrayal of Sue,and since the show wrapped, she's been involved with a number of other hit projects. You can see her in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Wreck-It Ralph, Selena Gomez's Another Cinderella Story, and Only Murders in the Building. The actress lives with her wife Jennifer Cheyn, who she married in 2021.

Jenna Ushkowitz as  Tina Cohen-Chang

Jenna Ushkowitz joined the cast of Glee after her run in Spring Awakening on Broadway. She's done a few other Broadway shows like Waitress, and won Tonys for as a producer on Once on This Island and The Inheritance! You can also see Jenna in Lady Gaga's "Marry the Night" music video, as well as Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj's "Swish Swish," and listen to her And That’s What You Really Missed podcast, which she co-hosts with Glee star Kevin McHale. Jenna married David Stanley on July 24, 2021 (Kevin was her "man of honor" — cute!!) and in June 2022, gave birth to their daughter.

Kevin McHale as Artie Abrams

In addition to starring in Glee (and listening to his And That's What You Missed podcast, of course), you can see Kevin McHale in Bratz, Zoey 101, and American Horror Stories. He's been in a relationship with actor Austin P. McKenzie since 2016.

Ali Stroker as Betty Pillsbury

Ali Stroker was a finalist for The Glee Project (a reality show that gave contestants the opportunity to appear in the show) before guest starring in season 4. Since the 2013 episode, Ali has starred in Lifetime's Christmas Ever After and also had a small role on Only Murders in the Building. The actress also became the first person with a disability to both receive a Tony nomination and award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for portraying Ado Annie in Oklahoma!

Dianna Agron as Quinn Fabray

After playing Debbie Marshall on Milo Ventimiglia's Heroes, Dianna nabbed the role of complicated cheerleader Quinn on Glee. She's also had roles in Burlesque, I Am Number Four, Ralph Breaks the Internet, and The Chosen One. In 2022, Dianna finished her third residency Café Carlyle which is sooo giving Quinn Fabray.

Alex Newell as Wade "Unique" Adams

Alex Newell stole hearts as Unique on Glee, and since the finale, they've also starred in Empire and Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, as well as Broadway's revival of Once on This Island and Shucked (for which they became the first openly nonbinary performer to win a Tony).

Melissa Benoist as Marley Rose

Melissa Benoist just starred in Max's Girls on the Bus (watch our interview with her here!), but she might be best known for the title role in The CW's Supergirl. You can also see her in Patriot's Day, The Longest Ride, and Whiplash. Like other members of the cast of Glee, Melissa starred on Broadway and made her debut as Carole King in Beautiful. After splitting from Glee co-star Blake Jenner in 2017, Melissa got remarried to Chris Wood in 2019 and gave birth to their son in 2020.

Chord Overstreet as Sam Evans

My personal favorite project from this Glee cast member is Falling for Christmas, which also stars Lindsay Lohan! You can also see him in iCarly, The Bold Type, and The Middle. The actor and singer dated Emma Watson in 2018, and in 2020, Chord released his song "Hold On," which has over 826 million streams on Spotify.

Jayma Mays as Emma Pillsbury

In addition to being a part of the cast of Glee, Jayma Mays has starred in Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Heroes, and Red Eye. She married Adam Campbell in 2007 and gave birth to their son in 2016. Most recently, Jayma starred opposite Amy Adams and Maya Rudolph in Disenchanted!

Amber Riley as Mercedes Jones

Amber Riley's Mercedes is one of the best parts of Glee (and her rendition of "Bust Your Windows" is among the best performances on the show!!). Since the end of the series, Amber has starred in The Wiz Live!, The Little Mermaid Live!, and Monster High. She won Dancing with the Stars season 17 in 2013, and released her RILEY EP in 2020.

Darren Criss as Blaine Anderson

Darren Criss won an Emmy in 2018 for his role in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, which is only slightly more impressive than his involvement in the viral, deep-cut production of A Very Potter Musical (kidding!). You can also see him in Melissa Benoist's Supergirl and Muppets Haunted Mansion. Darren married his longtime girlfriend Mia Swier in 2019, and the couple welcomed their first child in 2022.

Blake Jenner as Ryder Lynn

Blake Jenner starred in The Edge of Seventeen with Hailee Steinfeld and Haley Lu Richardson, as well as Supergirl and What/If. Blake married Melissa Benoist while they were both in the cast of Glee, but the couple divorced in 2017. In 2019, Melissa revealed in an Instagram video that she's a survivor of domestic violence + injuries she received from a past partner. Blake responded in 2020, revealing he had been the partner Melissa referenced.

Dot-Marie Jones as Coach Beiste

Not only does Dot-Marie Jones play a coach in the cast of Glee, but she's also a 15-time world arm wrestling champion IRL. You can see her in Lizzie McGuire,Material Girls, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, and Killing It. Dot-Marie has been married to Bridgett Casteen since 2013.

Naya Rivera as Santana Lopez

Naya Rivera's Santana was one of the best characters on TV, and she had incredible vocal chops to boot. You can see the actress in Step Up: High Water, CSI: Miami, and Even Stevens. Naya passed away in 2020 while boating with her son Josey in 2020.

Heather Morris as Brittany Pierce

After you've binge watched Glee (again), you can see Heather Morris in Santa Fake, Cora Bora, Raven's Home, and So Help Me Todd. She competed in season 24 of Dancing With the Stars (she was also a backup dancer for Beyoncé, slay!), and shares two children with husband Taylor Hubbell.

Matthew Morrison as Will Schuester

Matthew Morrison has been in a number of musical productions outside of Glee, including the OG Broadway casts of Hairspray,The Light in the Piazza, and Finding Neverland. Most recently, he starred in Christmas movie Paris Christmas Waltz. Matthew shares two children with his wife Renee Puente.

Harry Shum Jr. as Mike Chang 

Harry Shum Jr. starred opposite Nina Dobrev in Love, Hard on Netflix, and you can also see him in Step Up 2: The Streets and Step Up 3D, as well as Everything Everywhere All At Once. He plays a small role during the credits of Crazy Rich Asians, and will reportedly star in a spinoff about his character and Gemma Chan's Astrid. He shares a child with wife Shelby Rabara.

Mark Wayne Salling as Noah "Puck" Puckerman 

Before joining the cast of Glee, Mark Salling starred in Walker, Texas Ranger, Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering, and The Graveyard. He also released his Pipe Dreams album after founding Pipe Dreams Records. Mark passed away in 2018.