This Sunday the 83rd Annual Academy Awards will be presented at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. If this year’s Oscars snuck up on you, don’t despair. You still have time to throw together a memorable viewing party.

And if you’re sick of friends using their jeans as napkins, class it up a bit. Embrace a "Silent Film Era" theme.

I know what you’re thinking: Themes are lame. But it’s a scientific fact that guests are more likely to mingle if everyone feels like a schmuck. Original costume ideas spark conversation. Plus, a friend is way less likely to ditch your party for another one if he's wearing a Charlie Chaplin mustache.

You know the old adage: Keep It Simple, Stupid (K.I.S.S.). When it comes to party planning, I’ve come up with: Keep it Simple, Tipsy (K.I.S.T.). I don't want to be saddled with any task during the party that requires more concentration than I can muster after two cocktails. The goal is to have as much fun as the guests. Participate. Otherwise, don’t bother.

According to my K.I.S.T. philosophy, most of your hosting energies should go toward setting the stage before the guests arrive. Borrow a laptop projector to play a silent film DVD on a wall near the bar area or the entrance. Print out Oscar ballots in advance. Set up a photo area where friends can pose together during commercial breaks.

It's simple. Hang a backdrop, set up a digital camera on a tripod, ask an artistic friend to take black and white photos, and print copies right there with a photo printer. The pictures will be a nice reminder of your night together.

The question of what to serve can always be daunting, especially for those of us who are cooking challenged. While you might be tempted to serve carrots and water and say you’ve been inspired by Best Picture nominee The Black Swan (think anorexic ballerinas), I suggest stocking up on pre-made platters from Whole Foods or Central Market.

If you’d like to save a dime, head to the freezer section at any grocery chain. You’ll be surprised how many fancy looking hors d’oeuvres are available in bulk. Just remember to throw away the incriminating boxes before guests arrive. And consider preparing an old-fashioned champagne punch just before the party starts.

Here are some anecdotes you can mention to keep the conversation flowing:

• While Oscar nominees usually ride the support of studio campaigns behind the movie, controversy bubbled up when Best Actress nominee Melissa Leo (The Fighter) took matters into her own hands and self-financed advertisements in the Hollywood trades promoting her nomination. In my opinion, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity so more power to her.
• Then, there’s the inspiring story of Best Screenplay nominee David Seidler (The King's Speech). Born in England, Seidler’s lifelong admiration for King George VI inspired him to overcome his own stutter and eventually write the screenplay for which he is now nominated.
• And remember, this is the second consecutive year that there are 10 films nominated in the Best Picture category. And Toy Story 3 is only the third animated film ever nominated for Best Picture.

It’s time to invite your friends — right this minute! You might be thinking: It’s too late. Everyone already has plans. They don’t. A lot of us watch the Oscars at home in our pajamas. Check out the Oscar Watch Party online invitations available at Pingg.com. E-mail is green. And green is sooo Hollywood. I hear movie producers print their private jet itineraries on recycled paper.

Have fun and remember: K.I.S.T.

Follow Ellie Knaus' blog at myprincipality.com and on Twitter @EllieInLa.