Family Oscar Parties 2011

With the Academy Awards less than a week away, many people are making final preparations for their own Oscar parties. But how can parents with children make this a family friendly affair with so many of the top titles earning an R rating?

Rather than focusing on the films up for best picture, check out the nominations for Animated Feature Film. This year’s picks included How to Train Your Dragon, The Illusionist and Toy Story 3. Other family-oriented movies that received recognition in Art Direction are Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I and Alice in Wonderland. The animated production Tangled also received a nod for "I See the Light " in best original song category.

Start the celebrations well before bedtime by casting your own ballots and counting up your choice for the winner. Hand out your own awards. Every party needs great food so make child-friendly appetizers and let your little stars dress up for the event. If that sounds like too much work, pop a big bowl of popcorn, put on pajamas and settle in to watch your favorite film from the past year.

For families with teens and young adults, we’ve found some great suggestions for an evening of Oscar celebration including food ideas dedicated to this year’s nominees. If you want to make a statement at the party but don’t have a slinky evening gown or tux to wear, you may want to show up as Oscar himself.

Regardless of how you choose to recognize the 83rd Academy Awards, have fun!

More details about the movies mentioned in this post…