With awards season almost upon us, below is an entry from guest blogger, Susan from BusyBeeLifestyle.com, with tips on how to throw glamorous awards season parties. Yes, just because some of us mommies run around in yoga pants at home doesn’t mean we can’t glam it up for awards season, right?

Susan, mom of three, is the co-founder and author of BusyBeeLifestyle.com, a site dedicated to sharing unique ideas for entertaining and decorating.

Bring Some Hollywood into Your Home

You may have just finished putting the holiday decorations back in the closet, but it is time to roll out the red carpet and bring out the glamour, because awards season is here! Movie awards shows are the perfect opportunity to bring some Hollywood into your home, and gather your friends to watch the excitement.

Here are a few easy steps you can take to bring the glitz into your home and make your guests feel like celebrities.

1. Make it black tie, not optional. Having your guests dress up will make your party a one-of-a-kind affair and boost the glam factor. Snap photos as your friends arrive for a true red carpet feel.

2. Give your guests the power to vote! Create a ballot for all the top award categories and have your friends vote for the winners. Make a “Best Movie Critic” award, and, at the end of the night, give it to the guest with the most correct votes.

3. Don’t forget the food. For a themed party like this one, presentation is key. Get creative with plating by offering desserts like ice cream in champagne flutes. Consider choosing some menu items that offer a nod to the nominated movies!  For example, with everyone’s favorite French foodie film last year, we made brie served on baguettes a perfect appetizer!

4. Clean up and plan ahead. Clean out your refrigerator to make room for the food you’ll be serving. Wipe fridge shelves down with a solution of ¾ cup regular bleach per one gallon of water. One hour before your guests arrive, turn down the thermostat. No one wants to be overheated in their red carpet best!