Since I’m not in the industry, I’ve never really been into the Oscars, not even for the red carpet action. But I have attended a few Oscar viewing parties simply for the camaraderie, gambling and food. Food was usually the Trader Joe variety not that there’s anything wrong with that. But I’ve got a couple of suggestions to follow up those baby quiches and chicken wings that’ll have you looking like a superstar host.

Sprinkles Cupcakes gussies up its popular red velvet (and the red velvet winner of last year’s CoC cupcake challenge) with a shiny gold star. ($3.25 or $36/dozen) Remember to call ahead at least 24 hours in advance if you’re ordering a dozen or more. Also you can purchase a cupcake tower with a ribbon kit ($15) if you plan on getting 2-3 dozen cupcakes and want a pretty display. The Academy Awards cupcakes are available February 22-24. (310) 274-8765

SusieCakes offers two cute cakes: a red velvet topped with cream cheese buttercream and sprinkled with red sanding sugar and a chocolate cupcake with vanilla buttercream frosting and gold sanding sugar ($3 each). Or hand your guests their own sweet gold statues in the form of awards statue sugar cookies topped with royal icing and gold sanding sugar (these have to be pre-ordered and cost $5 a piece). Call in your order now and you can pick it up by 7pm on Saturday the 23rd. (310) 442-CAKE

And for an extra swank party, serve these 2008 Best Picture Cocktails.