Entertaining : InStyle.com What's Right Now

Entertaining Idea: Oscar-Inspired Cupcakes for Your Viewing Party!

Feb 23, 2013 @ 2:00 pm

If you’re throwing an Oscars viewing party tomorrow, consider this for your spread: an Academy Awards-inspired cupcake! Our favorite bakeries around the country are just as excited as we are for the biggest red carpet of the year, so they whipped up these Hollywood-inspired treats for the occasion. Magnolia Bakery created a decadent red velvet “Red Carpet Cupcake” (right) with cream cheese frosting dusted in gold ($3.50 each at all locations). Sprinkles Cupcakes thought of the nominees for their star-topped treats (center), also with a red velvet cake ($3.50 at all locations). And national chain Crumbs looked to the man of the night, Oscar himself, for their chocolate-iced “And the winner is…” cupcake (left) with a statuette cookie popped right in its middle ($4.50 at all locations). Delicious—and so on-theme! And they’ll only be in their shops until tomorrow, so get snacking!

Plus, prep some more with the best Oscar gowns ever.

BEST OSCAR DRESSES

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• Oscars: Best Beauty Moments
• The Oscar Parties Have Begun!
• Who’s Bradley Cooper’s Oscars Date?

— Rose Walano

Courtesy Photo (2)

Going to a New Year’s Eve House Party? Hostess Gifts Ideas for Under $100

Dec 30, 2012 @ 12:00 pm

If you’re headed to a New Year’s Eve party and need a hostess gift for your favorite festive party-planner, we’ve rounded up stylish finds for under $100. From gifts for the home and the table, like candles and chocolate, to products that pamper, you’ll be the hit of the party! Click through the gallery to see all of our selections.

hostess gifts

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• Stress Free Party-Tricks
• Make your LBD Holiday Ready
• The Sexiest Holiday Hairstyles

Courtesy

Time for Dessert! Recipes for Holiday Sweets Everyone Will Love

Dec 24, 2012 @ 4:15 pm

It’s the time of year when your sweet tooth seems to be in overdrive! That’s why we asked Kelsey Nixon, chef and star of Kelsey’s Essentials on Cooking Channel, to share her favorite festive confections to sweeten up your next holiday celebration. “One thing that makes the holidays so special—and that everyone looks forward to—is they give you permission to be a little bit indulgent,” Nixon says. “It’s liberating to know that you can have that piece (or 2 or 3!) of pie, or 8 cookies on Christmas.“ We couldn’t agree more! Click through to see her favorite sweet recipes.

holiday sweets

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• Gifts for Under $25
• Holiday Hostess Gifts
• See our Entire Holiday Gift Guide!

Corbis (2)

How to Have the Healthiest Holiday Ever: Follow These 10 Tips!

Dec 21, 2012 @ 2:00 pm

With the endless array of treats, busy schedules, and dehydrating drinks it’s tough to stay healthy during the holiday season. But have no fear! If you want to stay on track during the most wonderful time of the year, follow these 10 simple tricks. From ways to snack smart at your next fête to how to get glowing skin, you’ll be feeling your best all the way through to the New Year. Click through the gallery to see all of our tips for your healthiest holiday yet!

Healthy Holiday Tips

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• 4 Festive Wintery Cocktails
• 6 Party Perfect Appetizers
• Stress-Free Holiday Party Tricks

— Jennifer Davis

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Going to a Holiday Party? Hostess Gifts Ideas for Under $100

Dec 15, 2012 @ 10:00 am

If you’re headed to a holiday party this weekend and need a hostess gift for your favorite festive party-planner, we’ve rounded up stylish finds for under $100. From gifts for the home and the table, like candles and chocolate, to products that pamper, you’ll be the hit of the party! Click through the gallery to see all of our selections.

hostess gifts

MORE:
• Stress Free Party-Tricks
• Make your LBD Holiday Ready
• The Sexiest Holiday Hairstyles

— Jennifer Davis

Dyad Photography (2)

Merry Friday! Try These Festive Holiday Cocktails

Dec 14, 2012 @ 3:45 pm

It’s the holiday season, which means it’s time to be drink and be merry! If you’re headed to a holiday happy hour, move beyond the eggnog and test out a new wintery cocktail. Spice it up with Mexican Hot Chocolate, a grown up version of a childhood classic, or sip herb and plant infused cocktails in festive holiday colors. Click through the gallery to see all of the recipes for each of our favorite festive drinks!

Wintery Cocktails

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• 6 Party Perfect Appetizers
• Holiday Sweets for Everyone
• Stress-Free Party Tricks

— Jennifer Davis

Christopher Baker (2); Michael Vang

Need a Recipe for Thanksgiving? We’ve Got a Few…

Nov 21, 2012 @ 9:45 am

Still struggling to find the perfect recipe to contribute for your Thanksgiving feast? Look no further! We’ve got plenty of delicious recipes from celebrities and world-renowned chefs that will make you the star of your get-together. Click through the gallery to find out to make the perfect turkey from Maria Bello, scrumptious recipes from Christina Hendricks, and many more. You’ll be Thanksgiving ready in no time. Gobble, gobble!

Thanksgiving Recipes

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• 6 Party Perfect Appetizers
• Stress Free Party Tricks
• 4 Festive Wintery Cocktails

— Jennifer Davis

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Your Next Holiday Party Playlist: Here It Is!

Nov 12, 2012 @ 10:15 am

‘Tis the season for tons of preparation—from recipes to décor and invites—and we want to lighten your load by prepping the playlist for all of your festive gatherings. Set the mood with these indie tracks courtesy of DJ Yung Skeeter (he’s toured with Katy Perry, so he totally knows the formula for getting people grooving). Click below for the smile-inducing songs that will spice up any holiday party. You’re welcome!

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• Stress-Free Party Tricks
• Party Invites for Every Occasion
• Festive Wintery Cocktails More