The Academy Awards start at 8:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, and that means there’s still time for you to put together a viewing party, if you’re so inclined. Stock up on champagne, get your evening wear pressed, do some quick housecleaning, prep some snacks, and — OK, it’s actually quite a bit of work. Are you sure you want to do this? If so, here are some techy ideas to add some glitz to your event.
Make it a party
Text and Facebook both work for invites, but you may also usePaperless PostorPunchbowlfor something a bit more formal. And what’s more formal than the Oscars?
Set to stream
The Oscars are airing on ABC, but if you don’t even get the basic networks on TV, you can stream them onABC’s websiteor by using the network’s official mobile app and a login address from a cable provider. If you haven’t seen many of the nominated films, there are quite a few available to watch onAmazon,Google Play, andiTunes, includingHell or High Water,Moonlight,andArrival.
In terms of of predictions, Amazon’s Alexa can give you her views on who will win Best Actress, Best Director, and so on. She had to flip a coin to choose between Denzel Washington and Casey Affleck, however, just in case you’re curious. The virtual assistant can also run through the nominees for several categories, and if you enable the Ultimate Hollywood Trivia Skill, Alexa will ask five questions in a row.
Get competitive
Give a swag bag
The company that gives out unaffiliated Oscar swag bags is notorious for the six-figure price tags on its loot. This year’shaulhas a few tech items, from vaporizers to smart-home systems. If you can’t afford to give luxury vacations to your guests, just stick to candy, popcorn, and a ballot.
Famous food
Francis Ford Coppola recently paired with Sun Basket, and the meal-kit delivery company hosts some of the iconic director’s recipes on its site, includingPizza Sofia, named in honor of his daughter and maker of our favorite champagne in a can.
Although it’s totally un-tech related, you may also go punny, and make food inspired by the nominees:Emma Stone Fruit Salad,Dev Pateled eggs,Zootopizza,Raviola Davis, andHell or High Watermelon bites. For drinks, you could serve dark and stormies with RyanGosling’s ginger beer.
Keep it on ice
If you’re going to pour champagne instead of cocktails, a dedicatedBuy at Amazonthat keeps it at perfect serving temperature is a nice way to go. It works better than a bucket, at least.
