So your invitation to the Academy Awards 2015 got lost in the mail. That’s no reason to forgo the glamour of the evening. It’s easy to host your own telecast bash, complete with eats and an atmosphere fit for the stars. Here, an easy (and dare we say, last minute) 6-step fête plan for this Sunday’s Academy Awards viewing.

1. Guest list. This is a glued-to-the-couch proposition, so keep it small enough that there’s seating for all. Plump up the sofa and be sure to have lots of floor cushions. While your good friends might comprise the core of your invitees, include others who will inject some fresh interest into the mix. Think about whom your guests would want to meet.

2. Invitations. Use evite.com to spread the word (and save the paper) and track RSVPs. Remember the date: Sunday February 22!

3. Dress code. The Oscars are as much about fashion as they are about film. Depending on your group of friends that could mean a chance to dress up in their own gorgeous frocks and glammed-up costumes. If you’re going for more of a girls’ night in atmosphere, couch-potato luxe is the way to go: your finest yoga gear or jeans, with dressy touches like jewelry plus full hair and makeup.

4. Menu. Keep it simple and elegant with nibbles and drinks.
• Beverages: Break out the champagne, and provide ginger ale or sparkling water for nondrinkers. Give bubbly champagne a fruity punch with pomegranate juice and raspberry and orange liqueur. Adding an edible flower petal, raspberry, or strawberry slice will give any beverage an easy cocktail-style upgrade.

• Nibbles: Given that the party spans much of a cold and blustery midwinter Sunday evening, food is a given. However, the nature of Oscar night (glitz and glam, in case you’d forgotten!) calls for relatively simple to prepare finger foods.

Easy to make, readily available choices that look great plated include these (some you can get frozen):
• deviled eggs
• mini samosas (serve with mango chutney and other sauces)
• egg rolls (serve with plum sauce and soy sauce)
• gourmet popcorn
• chocolate covered strawberries

Round out the selection with some spiced nuts or chips and a fruit platter. A tiered cupcake stand holding mini cupcakes or chocolates is a nice touch.

Budget-friendly tip: You can cut your costs and prep-time by going potluck. Use email to communicate among invitees and avoid overlap or allergy issues.

5. Decor. Create a chic, elegant vibe and sophisticated ambiance with the same basics you’d use for any party:
• Flickering votive candles
• Fresh cut flowers
• Real china (not paper plates), stemware and napkins
• Finally, make guests feel like VIPs with an end-of-the-night swag bag filled with inexpensive but fun freebies like packs of candy, chocolates, playing cards, bubble wands, notepads and other inexpensive dollar store finds.

6. Show time! Test your red-carpet knowledge during the pre-show with InStyle‘s Hal Rubenstein’s book, 100 Unforgettable Dresses. The winner receives accolades for their prowess in fashion history. Print off Oscar scorecards with this year’s nominees and have guests mark their pre-show predictions. Sugar and Charm has a really cute one that you can download and print. Track results along the way and the guest with the most astute Oscar nose wins. (Prizes could be a betting pool, movie tickets, a gift card, or just bragging rights.)