Idea Lab

2019 Award Shows Party Planner

VMA Awards

Party Planner

From Britney’s performance with a python in 2001, to Cardi B fooling the audience in 2018 with her baby-that-turned-out-to-be-her-VMA-trophy, the MTV Video Music Awards are known for being wild, unpredictable and always memorable. On August 26, 2019, create a night to remember at home by hosting your own MTV Video Music Award Viewing Party, with a theme that celebrates the most memorable moments in VMA history.

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Make a Winning Playlist

Obviously a VMA Viewing Party must have incredible music! Create a playlist packed with songs from the winners of the 2018 VMA Awards such as Camila Cabello who won both Artist of the Year and Video of the Year; Cardi B who won Best New Artist; Ariana Grande who won Best Pop Song for ”No Tears Left to Cry;” and Nicki Minaj who won Best Hip Hop Song for “Chun-Li.”

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Create a VMA Vibe

No one can predict the winners of the VMAs in advance, but one thing is always guaranteed: Unconventional style on the red carpet! No VMA Viewing Party would be complete without asking guests to come dressed in their wildest outfit, or as their favorite VMA winner. Give out a prize at the end of the night for Best Dressed and download a free karaoke app should any guests feel inspired to do a performance of their own.

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Serve a Memorable Menu

Since the VMAs first aired in 1984, there have been so many surprises that we can’t possibly list them all. Instead, we’ve identified our most memorable VMA moments throughout the years, and used them as inspiration for your viewing party menu and wine pairing suggestions.

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Get in the Mood – Literally

Kissing was involved in several standout moments at previous VMAs: Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley had their first public kiss as a couple in 1994; Madonna kissed Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in 2003; and Colombian legend Maluma was taken by surprise when he was grabbed and kissed by one of his dancers during the show in 2018. This makes it perfectly appropriate to kick off your party with an aphrodisiac to get everyone in the mood for love! Although there’s no medical evidence that oysters are actually aphrodisiacs, this recipe for steamed oysters is a perfect party starter. Pair with Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Sauvignon Blanc.

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Serve a Diva-Worthy Main Dish

Who can forget Lady Gaga’s dress made of meat? Besides being one of the most memorable moments in red carpet history, it’s also excellent inspiration for your party’s main dish: Make pop’s biggest diva proud by serving this stunning Tomahawk Ribeye with Blue Cheese Bone Marrow Butter, and pairing it with Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret

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Make a Side Dish that Miley Would Love

Whether you watched Miley Cyrus twerk on stage in 2013, or cringed and looked away, her performance goes down as one of the most shocking moments in VMA history. For a side dish at your VMA Viewing Party, show Miley how much you respect her fearlessness — and her vegan lifestyle — by making a vegan version of this Farro and Roasted Red Pepper Salad. Simply leave out the feta cheese to make it vegan, and serve with Francis Ford Coppola Director’s Cut Cinema.

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A Dessert Fit for a Virgin

In 1984, Madonna writhed across the VMA stage wearing a wedding dress while singing “Like a Virgin” – a full two months before it was released on the radio. Needless to say, the crowd went crazy and a wedding dress was never looked at the same way. Take a cue from Madonna’s wedding themed performance and make a dessert that would fit in at any wedding: Hazelnut Macarons with Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Ganache.

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2019 Award Shows Party Planner
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Printable Award Ballots
Printable Award Ballots

Download our printable award ballots for your upcoming viewing party.