Lights, Camera, Action! How to Throw a Film Noir-Inspired Oscar Party

Irene Lee
Feb 12, 2017

When I lived in LA, a joke I often heard was that there is only one season in Los Angeles: Awards Season. (It’s true, by the way!) I’m from Northern California, but my love for movies and the Oscars is very LA. I’m definitely that person who fills out a ballot, reads entertainment news and watches the nominated movies before the big show. Some people have Super Bowl parties, but I have Oscars parties. Any other cinephiles with me? Well today, we’re showing you how to put together an Oscar viewing party inspired by Old Hollywood film noir!

The Inspo

Directors of film noir movies seem to really like dramatic shadows, especially ones that cast black stripes on the characters, like in the movie poster for The Big Heat. We decided to really play up the high contrast black and white throughout the setup of our party.

Bold Stripes

Start with laying out a black and white tablecloth. Then set out treats in black and white colors. Don’t forget to hang a little sparkle on your wall as a party backdrop!

We loaded up our spread with blackberry-infused sparkling water and lots of sweet treats.

Black And White Donuts

Like the black and white cookie, but better.

Ingredients:

For the black half

  • ⅔ cup cocoa
  • 1 ¾ cups flour
  • 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 teaspoons vinegar
  • ½ cup butter

For the white half

  • ½ cup butter
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 ½ cups flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions for the Black Half

Whisk together cocoa, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla and vinegar. Add this mixture, along with the melted butter, into the dry ingredients and stir until well-combined

Instructions For The White Half

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and mix well. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg and add mixture to butter mixture. Blend in milk and mix well.

Instructions for Baking

Fill two piping bags with both batters. Pipe one half of a greased donut pan with the chocolate batter and the other half with the vanilla batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Once cooled, drizzle your donuts with a light glaze. We just melted down store-bought frosting to use as our glaze. Donuts, I think this the beginning of a beautiful friendship.1

Say “hello” to my little friends.2

Giant Clapboard Piñata

Is a party really complete without a piñata? (I think not!) We made this guy out of cardboard, streamers and felt. Brit + Co has a lot of awesome piñata tutorials (like for this ice cream truck piñata) to follow for you to DIY your own!

Here’s lookin’ at you, kid.3

Printable Black And White Popcorn Holders

Popcorn and movies are like Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn, a match made in heaven! Serve your friends popcorn as they watch the show in these printable popcorn holders. For extra film-noir drama, make this black and white popcorn for the party!

You had me at hello.4

I’m ready for my close-up!5

This is the stuff that dreams are made of.6

Mmm mmm mmm… I’m on top of the world!7

And that’s a wrap!

BTW, Did you catch any of the movie references in this post? Here’s a key for all the quotes sprinkled throughout the article: 1. Casablanca 2. Scarface 3. Casablanca 4. Jerry Maguire 5. Sunset Boulevard 6. The Maltese Falcon 7. White Heat

How will you throw an Oscars viewing party? Share photos with us on Instagram using the hashtag #britstagram!

DIY Production and Styling: Irene Lee
Photography: Chris Andre
Recipes: King Arthur Flour and Food

50 Ideas To Plan An Epic Galentine’s Day With Your Girlfriends

Valentine's Day is almost here, and whether you're single or happily taken, you can always have an amazing time celebrating the season with your best girlfriends. We're channeling our inner Leslie Knope this Galentine's Day with 50 ideas for spending it with your squad. From gathering your girlfriends for a Galentine's Day party or embarking on an epic road trip, now is the time to plan your February weekend with the best of your friends, near and far.

Scroll on for 50 Galentine's Day ideas to celebrate with your girls!

The Best Galentine's Day Ideas For 2025

Brit + Co

Add Some Pink With These Taylor Swift Fuzzy Dice

Pink is always a good idea when it comes to Valentine's Day decor, so for any of your Galentine's Day parties this year, DIY these Taylor Swift fuzzy dice inspired by "Cruel Summer"! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Make DIY Galentine's Day Candy Boxes

Send your best friends home with adorable candy boxes that may or may not be used as trinket trays later on. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A Bachelor Marathon

Calling all Bachelor fans! Catch up on new episodes from your favorite season by hosting a marathon viewing party. Not a Bachelor fan? Try one of these Netflix originals that are perfect for Galentine's Day. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

DIY Galentine's Day Fort

Camp out with your BFFs in this homemade fort that's just as much fun to make as it is to relax in! It's the perfect Galentine's Day idea at home. (via Brit + Co)

A Beautiful Mess

Host A Nail Pampering Galentine's Day Party

Pamper yourself and your BFFs with a nail design party! Put out bottles of their favorite polishes and create a fun playlist of your favorite love songs. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host A Galentine's Day Bake-off

BFFs stand together even when they're single or happily taken. Host a delicious bake-off with your gals to see who can get the most creative in the kitchen! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Make Conversation Heart Care Packages

For friends who live near and far, make these sweet care packages filled with their favorite things. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host a Galentine's Day Party Game Night

Play Gin Rummy with your favorite gin cocktail, dominoes, charades, whatever floats your game-loving boat! Don't forget the candy charcuterie! (via Brit + Co)

Taylor Simpson

Plan A Girl's Getaway

Here are the happiest cities in the world. Grab your girls and escape winter for an amazing Galentine's Day weekend you'll never forget. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Take a Class Together

Film photography is cool again. One reason to get creative with your gals with a day of fun learning and doing. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host a Brunch

Our epic Galentine's brunch menu has everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine's card writing stations. Thisgem-inspired brunch is a fun idea, too! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A DIY Party With Planters

Get a jump on spring decor with an easy DIY planter party! With a few basic steps, you and your girls can create living wall decor to decorate your space for February and even all the way through the summer months. (via Brit + Co)

Shutterstock

Host a Cookie Party

Check out our list of 30 Valentine's Day cookie recipes and start a holiday cookie tradition, G-Day style! (via Brit + Co)

Element5 Digital

Go On A Road Trip With Your Gals

You don't have to spend your Galentine's Day party inside. If you're not near the beach, you can take a day trip instead. Some ideas include visiting a ski resort, going for a hike, or exploring that small town you've been meaning to hit. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A Puppy-Love Play Date

Galentine's Day isn't just for humans. Invite your BFFs and their furry friends over for a puppy-love playdate. If you want to keep things a bit more relaxed, host a movie night and ask your friends to bring their dog beds, too.

Aww Sam

Host A Mean Girls Movie Night

Prepare for a cozy night in with your ladies by catching up on one of the most classic flicks (or the newmusical update!). Set the tone for the night with a DIY burn book vase that doubles as a hilarious take-home treat. (via Aww Sam)

Sasha • Stories

Have A Beach Day Picnic

If you live on the coast, host your Galentine's Day gathering at the beach. Make sure you bring your favorite beach bag, a pair of sunglasses, and perhaps some bubbly!

Kelsey Chance

Have A Wine Tasting

You and your girls love your wine, so use the day as an excuse to host your very own rosé tasting party.

Brit + Co

Hit The Slopes

An adventurous way to get outdoors and spend time with your ladies is to take advantage of the snow. Go skiing or snowboarding, or build a snow(wo)man. Then enjoy après ski cocktails!

Brit + Co

Have A Pool Party

If you live in a warmer climate (or have a heated pool), throw a fun G-Day pool party complete with all of the essentials like vino, floaties, and sunhats.

Brit + Co

Host A Parks & Rec Marathon

The best way to celebrate Galentine's Day is by honoring the creator, Leslie Knope, with a Parks and Rec marathon viewing party. Ask your ladies to supply the booze, and you can serve up the snacks and the show — or any of our other favorite feel-good TV shows.

Brit + Co

Host An Outdoor Dinner + Movie

Your ladies deserve a get-together that's sure to give each gal the much-needed fun she deserves. Host a movie and dinner for your ladies, outdoors if the weather permits. Step up your party with favors, swag bags, and a night of unlimited drinks.

Shutterstock

Have A Karaoke Party

What better way to start off your Galentine's Day shindig than by belting out a few tunes with your favorite ladies? Yep, we didn't think we'd have to tell you twice.

Brit + Co

Go on A Hike

Keep up with your health goals with an active day outdoors. It's a great way to bond with your girlfriends and with nature.

No Revisions

Book A Spa Day

What better way to show self love than to book a much-deserved spa day with gal pals. You'll feel refreshed and recharged.

Brit + Co

Zoom With Surprise Takeout

Bestie live in another state? Plan an evening Zoom call and send each other dinner delivery for a fun gab session and thoughtful Galentine's Day gift. Oh, what a night!

More Galentine's Day Party Ideas

A pom pom and lantern wall is literally the perfect way to add some texture to any Galentine's Day party! Plus, you can reuse them for upcoming bachelorette parties and baby showers.

Take a simple white table cloth (bonus points if it's paper) and paint "XOXO" across it for a personalized, romantic addition to your table.

Never underestimate the power of gold letter balloons. They're our favorite!

In lieu of flowers, fill some of your favorite vases with all kinds of red and pink candies.

If a pure candy charcuterie board is overwhelming, opt for a mix — supplement chocolate, marshmallows, and strawberries with meat and cheese for a board that's both lunch and dessert.

Mix up your Galentine's Day party mimosa bar by providing different juices and different garnishes that your guests can choose from.

Letter boards are a super easy and super fun way to add spunk to your party. Plus, they don't take up a lot of room, so that's a win-win for us!

Grapefruit juice is the perfect addition to your Galentine's Day party's pink cocktails — or to sparkling water for a low-key mocktail.

Candlesticks, jars, cake trays, oh my! The more dishes, the better as far as we're concerned.

It's easier than ever to find super cute, super sassy napkins. It's a small touch that goes a long way!

Mini bottles of champagne aren't just good for your Galentine's Day party — have everyone write a goal on their bottle, and wait to pop it until that goal is achieved!

Find heart-shaped plates to add extra romance to your tablescape.

Galentine's Day Party Favor Ideas

Miniature potted plants are as cute as can be, and when they're wrapped in pink napkins? To die for.

Cupid would totally approve of these red candy kabobs.

If you have a collection of white bags for your Galentine's Day party favors, go crazy with the designs! Draw hearts, arrows, or write a little note to each of your friends.

Nothing says "I love you" like knowing your friend's favorites — which means you'll knock beauty product gift bags out of the park.

Red lollipops get a fruity upgrade when you wrap their sticks in green tape. Voilà!! The cherry on top of all your Galentine's Day festivities.

Wall envelopes are the perfect place to stash all your candy — or a super artsy Galentine's Day note.

Less is more with a Galentine's Day party favor that lets your BFF know how much she means to you.

A little bit of thoughtful wrapping makes a colorful bouquet even more beautiful than it already is!

Add tiny bows to all your champagne bottles for a true coquette party theme.

Use a pair of scalloped scissors to turn regular gift bags into something even more eye-catching!

Galentine's Day party favors don't *just* have to be candy and cards — celebrate your friends' hobbies with thoughtful gifts, too!

We'll literally never say no to chocolate, especially when it includes flower petals!

Looking for more reasons to get together with your girls this Galentine's Day? Follow us on Pinterest for even more ideas!

This article has been updated from a previous post with additional reporting by Sarah Koller and Theresa Gonzalez.

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This Wild 'The White Lotus' Theory Actually Brings Back A Major Fan-Favorite: "Insane"

It's probably safe to say that most fans of The White Lotus were heartbroken over how Tanya McQuoid, played by the iconic Jennifer Coolidge (A Cinderella Story), met her end in Season 2. After delivering a riveting performance as an insecure and arguably unstable rich heiress, Jennifer's character was killed off, and no one saw the murder coming.

And now that Season 3 is underway, most people have understandably shrugged off the possibility that Tanya may make a comeback because, well, she's dead. However, fans online may have found a workaround for this problem.

Here's how some fans think Tanya could return for The White Lotusseason 3...

HBO

One TikTok user posted a shocking yet potentially plausible The White Lotustheory on their account @longmirelp. They call attention to the monitor lizard that keeps showing up in Belinda's storyline and suggest it could be the reincarnation of Tanya trying to protect her.

"The lizard is not random; it's not just some throwaway thing. It keeps popping up and following specifically Belinda," the TikToker said.

HBO

Remember, Belinda is one of the only two characters who returned from Season 2 for the series' latest season, along with Greg/Gary. It's also worth underscoring how both Belinda and Greg/Gary played critical roles in relation to Tanya's Season 2 storyline.

Then, following Tanya's tragic death, Natasha Rothwell reprises her role as Belinda and travels to Thailand for a wellness training exchange. It was during her tour of the latest The White Lotus hotel that she first saw a monitor lizard and got startled, to which her tour guide responded, "In time, the lizards will become your friend."

Later, Belinda calls her son, Zion, who will soon be arriving at the hotel, and during their conversation, she hears the trees rustling. She thought it could be snakes, but it actually could've been a lizard, given they're excellent climbers.

HBO

Another clue surfaced more recently after Belinda called Greg/Gary out for knowing Tanya, and he initially denied it. Following that interaction, Belinda was in her bedroom when, again, she heard rustling.

Pornchai, who'd previously given Belinda her tour when she encountered a lizard for the first time, proceeded to move a dresser and (shocker) reveal a lizard inside her bedroom. Is it just a coincidence that the camera then showed Belinda's laptop, and she'd been researching Tanya's murder the night prior? Some fans don't think so.

HBO

And even though Belinda is in Thailand for the wellness training exchange, it's no secret that she is a spiritual character. This has led many to speculate that Tanya's spirit might've been reincarnated as the lizard and is attempting to protect Belinda as she navigates the Greg/Gary situation.

Finally, since Tanya dreamt of being on an Asian mountain with a cyanide pill back in Season 2, fans think that could've been foreshadowing, and Tanya in lizard form may help Belinda in her showdown with Greg/Gary.

HBO

If this theory seems totally out there, we get it. But the first episode of Season 3 was entitled "Same spirits, new forms" — and prior to the season's premiere, HBO's EVP Francesca Orsi even noted it was "an exploration about spirituality versus the ego, and it's set against the Eastern religion."

HBO

The TikToker's video has amassed more than 884,000 views and over 64,000 likes, with plenty of commenters commending their detective work.

"This is actually the best fan theory I've ever seen. Even if it's wrong, it's insane," one user wrote.

"I'm gonna try, this is such an amazing take," echoed another.

What do you think about Tanya making a possible comeback as a lizard? Is it too out there, even for The White Lotus, or an idea that's worth considering?

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14 Shots You’ll Actually Want To Take This New Year’s Eve

If there’s any holiday where you’re encouraged to take shots, it’s New Year’s Eve. But, that doesn’t mean you should limit your NYE party beverages to champagne. These sparkly, glittery and all-around enticing shots are sure to please and won’t induce any bad-idea hangovers from too manytequila drinks. You can let your resolution ideas start when the calendar reads 2025. Meanwhile, cheers to enjoying these shots you’ll actually want to make (and take) this New Year’s Eve.

The 14 Best New Year's Eve Shots To Throw Back For 2025!

Brit + Co

Apple Cider Shooter

That caramel vodka you bought on a whim once can finally be put to good use with this spiked apple cider shooter. Whip it up as a shot or a large punch that will last all night long. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Root Beer Float Shooter

This soda shop classic gets an adult upgrade with ROOT, a traditional alcoholic Native American tea. And tea is healthy, right? ;) (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Rainbow Shots

Meet your new party trick! All five of these shots come out of one shaker. Prepare to amaze your guests with your bartending skills this NYE. (via Brit + Co)

Sprinkle Bakes

Champagne Chantilly Shooters

Be sure to add these cake-inspired shooters to your after-holiday to-do list to start 2016 with a little bit of deliciousness. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Feast + West

Champagne Jell-O Shots

Turn your champagne into a shot! If you’re hosting a large party, these are a way more affordable option than a case of champagne. (via Feast + West)

Dine and Dish

Blackberry Gin Shooters

This shooter is *almost* too pretty to drink. Plus, we can all pretend that the blackberries are doing you some good. (via Dine and Dish)

A Year of Cocktails

Butternut Rum Lifesaver

A shot that tastes like candy is a sweet way to start your year off right. (via A Year of Cocktails)

Holly's Cheat Day

Tipsy Spritzer Shots

Not every shot needs to be super strong. If you’re looking for something you can enjoy throughout the night, this sweet, bubbly and tart “spritzer” shot is low in alcohol content and big on flavor. (via Holly’s Cheat Day)

Bubbly Nation Creations

Sparkling Jello Jigglers

Swap out champagne for the grape juice in this recipe to make a fancy, adult version of a JELL-O jiggler. Sprinkles and edible gold stars required. (via Bubbly Nation Creations)

Broma Bakery

Champagne Jello Shots

Awww, Jello Shots are all grown up in this festive recipe. They have a nice flavor that won’t leave you wincing afterwards. (via Broma Bakery)

The First Year

White Chocolate Champagne Cheesecake Shooters

This shot is delicious enough to be dessert. Top yours with edible glitter sprinkles to get even more festive. (via The First Year)

Cookin' Canuck

Cranberry Kamikaze Shots

NYE calls for a fancier drink than a go-to beer or wine. Ring in the new year with cranberry kamikaze shots that look pretty and taste delicious (via Cookin' Canuck)

Tablespoon

Banana Split Shooters

This shot requires five ingredients that'll send your taste buds soaring. I mean, what could be better than taking a shot of something that tastes like dessert? (via Tablespoon)

Something Swanky

Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (Non-Alcoholic)

If you want to be extra careful not to induce a hangover when you wake up in 2024, your best bet are these sparkling cider jello shots. They're made with unflavored gelatin, distilled water, cider and your choice of berries, cherries, or gummies! (via Something Swanky)

Looking for more NYE recipe or drink ideas? Check out Brit + Co on Pinterest and check out our New Year's Eve dinner ideas for more inspiration.This post has been updated.

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Woah! The 'Office Romance' Cast Is Stacked With All Your Fave Stars

Jennifer Lopez may be all over our FYPs, but she's also about to be all over the big screen as well. As some of you may know, she's producing the amazing Emily Henry adaptation Happy Place,and now she's set to work on a new romance with Ted Lasso star and writer Brett Goldstein. And guess what? The two will star in the film as well! Keep reading for all the latest information on the new movie — and Brett Goldstein's IRL crush on J-Lo ;).

What do we know about Office Romance so far?

Frazer Harrison / Getty

According to Deadline, there was a huge bidding war over the Office Romance rom-com, and Netflix ended up winning. Jennifer Lopez's production company, Nuyorican Films, is going to be working on it, thanks to Jennifer's multi-movie deal with Netflix.

As to who will star in it? Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein themselves! Both are playing dual roles of writer/actor and producer/actress. We've all seen Brett Goldstein's incredible writing at play with Ted Lasso, and now we can't wait to see how it translates in this office romance with J-Lo. Brett will be writing the film alongside writer Joe Kelly.

Has cast information been shared? 

Yes! One of Netflix Film shared news about the cast today on Instagram and we're in disbelief over how good it is. Just Jared also shared who everyone will be playing which makes us even more eager to watch Office Romance. Here's the full cast list:

  • Jennifer Lopez as Jackie Cruz
  • Brett Goldstein as Daniel Blanchflower
  • Betty Giplin as Sydney
  • Edward James Olmos as Captain Jack Cruz, Jackie's father
  • Bradley Whitford as Peter Vance
  • Amy Sedaris as Julie Schatz
  • Jodie Whittaker as Lizzy
  • Mary Wiseman as Clair
  • Roger Bart as William Butten
  • Tony Hale as George Zein
  • Rick Hoffman as Carl Gunderson
  • Natalie Ortega as Heather
  • Jackie Sandler as Caroline
  • Tony Plana as Francisco Alberto
  • Michelle Hurd as Rachel Goldberg
  • Mo Welch as Debbie
  • Donald Elise Watkins as Henry
  • Brian Gallivan as Frederick
  • Ali Stroker as Maggie
  • Scott Seiss as Dave
  • Lisa Gilroy as Tanya
  • Will Sasso as Larry

How does Brett Goldstein feel about J-Lo?

David Livingston / Getty

Immediately after news was released about the two co-starring together, fans were so quick to find a clip on X from an interview in 2018 where Brett is talking about J-Lo's movie, Hustlers. He says in the interview, "She's 50! 50! I love her." He then goes on to say, in regards to a scene where Jennifer cuddles another actress in the movie, "I've never wanted to be cuddled more. That is one of the best cuddles. Give me one of your special cuddles." Based on this reaction, we just know their chemistry is about to be off the charts!

What else is Jennifer Lopez working on?

Amazon

Office Romance isn't the only rom-com J.Lo is working on! She's also working on adapting the EmHen book Happy Place for Netflix, which we all know and love (Hi, Emily. We love you!). It will be a multiple-part series on the platform with Leila Cohan from Bridgerton co-Executive producing it.

According to Deadline, Cohan will be the showrunner and co-writer for the series, which we are so excited for as Bridgerton-lovers! As for other future projects, we can't wait to see more news of projects J.Lo is working on, because if these two are any signifiers, then we know it must be good! You can also stream The Mother and Atlas on Netflix now.

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Target's New Kate Spade Collection Is The Spring Refresh You're Looking For

Spring has officially bloomed because Target & Kate Spade New York are dropping a refreshing collection that will be all over TikTok and Instagram soon. We haven't been this excited for a fashion collab since J. Crew & Christopher John Rogers, so we're aching to share all the fascinating news about it. Ready to see what's in store?

Keep scrolling to learn everything about the Target & Kate Spade New York collection!

What can I expect from the Target & Kate Spade New York collection?

Target

This limited edition collection will feature the brightest, boldest colors and prints you can think of. From fuchsia to polka dots, shoppers will can get a taste of luxury without spending an exuberant amount of money. Plus, the pieces are functional and work for an array of situations.

Hosting a spring soirée at home or plan on lounging by the pool The White Lotus-style? The Target & Kate Spade New York collection has everything you need.

Will it only have women's apparel?

Target

It brings us great pleasure to say no! Everyone will be able to find something they love in this collection because it features women's & kids apparel, home decor, chic accessories, and party decor.

How big is the collection overall?

Target

It seems like Target & Kate Spade New York are anticipating people having a ton of fun this spring because they have over 300 items shoppers can choose from. There's even games you'll be able to buy and put out for guests at the next barbecue you're invited to!

When can I shop the Target & Kate Spade New York collection?

Target

Get your carts and wallets ready because the Target & Kate Spade New York collection will be available to shop on Target.com Saturday, April 12.

Stay tuned to see our favorite pieces from the collection once it launches.

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