The Glitz and Glam of Hollywood on a Budget

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- With the movies' biggest night happening this weekend, millions of people will be glued to their TV sets, wondering who will win Hollywood's top honors. On Sunday, family and friends will gather to celebrate their favorite movies and actors over food and beverages. To make such a soiree possible on a budget, Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market has teamed up with Fingerprint Communications, a leading Hollywood event planning firm, to share tips on how to party like the stars without paying A-list prices.

"I can tell you from experience of hosting many Hollywood events that it doesn't have to be expensive," says Carrie Wick, West Coast Publicity Director for Fingerprint Communications. "With Fresh & Easy brand products, you get high-quality products at budget prices so you don't have to compromise."

To set the menu for any awards night party, Wick suggests using the nominated films as inspiration. For appetizers, serve Indian food to represent "Slumdog Millionaire." For the main course, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" can be represented by Cajun/Southern-Style cuisine. Saving the best for last, dessert can be inspired by the movie "Milk." All the suggested items below are available exclusively at Fresh & Easy.* All Fresh & Easy brand products contain no artificial colors or flavors, no added trans fats and only use preservatives when absolutely necessary.

Indian-Style Appetizers -- Onion Bhajis $3.79/8 oz. pack -- Vegetable Samosas $3.79/8 oz. pack Cajun/Southern-Style Cuisine -- Jambalaya $4.99/15 oz. pack -- Southern Fried Chicken $4.99/1.5 lb. pack -- Mashed Potatoes $2.99/1 lb. pack Milk-Inspired Desserts -- Milk (Whole, 2%, 1%, or Fat Free) $2.69/gallon -- Chocolate Chip Cookies $2.99/14 oz. tub -- Brownie Bites $3.78/8 oz. Wine - Sparkling Wine for Entertaining -- Montcadi Cava Rose $7.99/750 ml bottle -- Dreamstone Moscato $7.99/750 ml bottle

Because mood is important, decorating the home is a must for the movies' biggest night. And it can be done affordably: Wick says people just have to be creative and use items they already have around the house.

-- Ask friends and family to dress up for the party. A nice top, slacks or skirt and dressy shoes bring sophistication to any party. -- Literally throw a red carpet event. Place a sheet, rug or towel that's red out by the entrance of your home to make a great first impression. Your guests will feel like stars when they walk in. -- Lighting is key. Why not illuminate the home with candles you already have or tea lights that can be usually purchased for as little as 99-cents for a 10-pack. The other option is to use holiday lights. It's all about keeping the lights low and warm. -- To get your dinner or buffet table ready, why not use black and gold or silver tableware, placemats, chargers and napkins? Some discount stores sell them for as little as 50-cents each and they bring out the glitz of a Hollywood party for not a lot of money.

For other meal ideas and for a store near you, please visit http://www.freshandeasy.com.

*Prices do not include tax and are subject to change.

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market

CONTACT: Tatum Wan of Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, Office,
+1-310-473-4422, Cell, +1-818-590-1530

Web site: http://www.freshandeasy.com/