Lights, Camera – Oscars…at Home: Tips on How to Throw a Viewing Party!

Posted on February 25, 2017 by cortneybailey

Who’s attending one of the most glamorous nights in Hollywood, The Oscars … from your living room?!? Me!!! I am going to give you tips on “how to” throw a SIMPLE & EASY viewing party right from your home, but first let me rewind …

Cortney Bailey

For almost a decade I reported LIVE from the Red Carpet at one of the hottest Academy Award pre show parties and after show parties held at the famous Beverly Hills Hotel. It was exciting and I learned how to throw a stylish celebrity filled event! Guests, PR agents, Celebs and TV hosts, like myself, were dressed in gorgeous formal attire, sipped champagne and whispered “who” had their vote – off camera of course!

photo courtesy of rakuten

I don’t know about you but unless I am actually at the Dolby Theatre, the venue of the Academy Awards, or attending one of the parties I mentioned above I do NOT want to dress up in formal attire, especially in my own living room! I want to be comfy and I would imagine your friends and family do too … trust me the guys will thank you! To keep the evening festive but relaxed I would recommend everyone come dressed casual in black, white, silver or gold. Let’s be real, these colors will make your photos of the evening super cute as well. Personally, this means my trendy joggers will be making an appearance with a stylish off-the-shoulder gold or silver top.

Now what to sip and snack on? Since the celebrities have more-than-likely been cleansing weeks before the BIG NIGHT, why not start your guests off with shots of green juice? I have a juicer and love to juice fresh veggies and fruit but you can always buy green juice from your local grocery store and pre fill shot glasses or juice glasses with the concoction. Next, what is an Oscar party without bubbles? Champagne or prosecco will be perfect. To add a little glam, rim your champagne glasses with edible gold glitter before you fill the glasses with the bubbly liquid. Even though it’s not “movie night” – popcorn is a must! Set out a “popcorn bar” – it’s easy to make and your guests can help themselves. I would suggest buying red and white striped popcorn boxes that can easily be filled with the corn. Place the pre-popped corn in a large bowl and add a scoop so your guests can easily fill their boxes. Last, set out various spices, candies and sauces to be mixed into the corn. Some examples are: truffle zest (Oprah’s favorite), salt, pepper, onion powder, M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, caramel, white chocolate and chocolate.

Oscar ballots are a fun way for you and your guests to keep track of the winners OR if you want to play a game by filling out a ballot before the show starts, Vanity Fair has made it easy by providing a printable version HERE. Many local bakeries will have Golden Oscar Statue cookies or cupcakes, which would make a great prize for the winner!

If you would like to spice up the festive décor in your home for Oscars night think white flower arrangements, balloons in the black, white, silver and gold color palette and for a pop of color add a “red carpet” table runner or red butcher paper under your popcorn bar and bubbles!

Who has YOUR Vote on Sunday? Do you have a creative idea for your Oscar’s party? Please DO SHARE as I’d LOVE to hear from you! I am always looking for new ideas!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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Dallas Real Estate Agent for Real Housewives: Cortney Bailey

Posted on June 26, 2016 by cortneybailey

As many of you know I am a licensed Real Estate agent. My clients Tiffany, cast member of Bravo TV‘s Real Housewives of Dallas, and Husband, Aaron Hendra wanted to document their Dallas home search for the show. I was thrilled when they asked me to be apart of the filming. We had so much fun during the process. Tiffany & Aaron are such kind and generous people – I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with them. If you missed the two episodes I was featured in watch the video below to catch me in action, doing what I do best: Making Dallas (DFW metroplex – including Plano!) a more beautiful place to live, one home at a time!

I’d love to hear from you! If you have a Real Estate question feel free to contact me at CortneyBailey.com or leave me a comment below. It would be my pleasure to help you Buy, Sell or Lease your next property!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling…

Cheers!

Cortney

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It’s Time to Mix it Up in the Kitchen!

Posted on June 12, 2014 by cortneybailey

Are you thinking about updating your kitchen or perhaps you have the luxury of building your dream home and are working on the design of your kitchen!?! Mixing cabinetry finishes and counter tops has gained major popularity in the last few years! Not only does it create a custom look, but at times it can actually be an advantage to your design budget! I personally love this look because it adds character to your kitchen plus it can look as if you placed a piece of furniture in your kitchen – for example, if your island is stained in a dark color and your cabinetry is either white or a lighter stain, then the island pops and literally looks like a piece of furniture has been set in the center of your kitchen! If you want to take the mix of design up a notch then consider also installing a different countertop on top of the island than in the rest of your kitchen counter space! Mixing cabinet finishes and different countertops does take extra thought and planning, however if done correctly, your kitchen – one of the main rooms used in every home – will be the ultimate conversation piece and entertaining space amongst your family and friends!