Know the Key Details
Before you can plan a party, you need to know what you're celebrating. The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards are set to take place on Monday, September 14, 2026. The ceremony will air live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT on NBC
and will also be available to stream on Peacock. This year's host is Mariska Hargitay, star of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," making her the first woman to host the event solo in 15 years. Be sure to check out the nominations, which were announced back in July, to get a sense of the big contenders. Knowing the schedule and the key players will help you plan activities and conversation starters for your guests.
Set a Star-Worthy Scene
You don't need a Hollywood budget to make your space feel special. A classic gold, black, and white color scheme always screams elegance. Create a DIY photo wall with gold streamers or foil fringe where guests can snap their own red-carpet-style photos. For an easy centerpiece, group together some simple flower arrangements or use candlesticks of varying heights. You can even lay a long red tablecloth or runner by your entrance to serve as a makeshift red carpet. To set the mood as guests arrive, create a playlist of theme songs from nominated TV shows. It's a simple touch that immediately gets everyone into the spirit of the evening.
Curate an A-List Menu
The key to party food is to keep it simple, delicious, and easy to eat while lounging. Think bite-sized appetizers and finger foods. You can offer classic crowd-pleasers like sliders, a charcuterie board, or homemade guacamole. For a more creative touch, design a menu inspired by the nominated shows. You could serve mini English sponge cakes for a nod to a period drama or fiery "dragon's breath" chicken wings for a fantasy epic. For dessert, cupcakes with small toppers or chocolate-covered strawberries are elegant and require no plates or forks. The goal is to let guests graze throughout the night without missing any of the big awards.
Serve Show-Stopping Sips
Every great party has a signature drink. You can create one special cocktail for the night and give it a clever, Emmy-themed name. A sparkling wine cocktail is always festive, or you could create something tied to a nominated show. It's also essential to have a non-alcoholic option that feels just as special. A fun, colorful punch or a mocktail with fresh fruit garnish ensures everyone has something celebratory to sip on. If you want to go the extra mile, set up a self-serve wine or drink station so guests can help themselves, freeing you up to enjoy the show.
Plan Commercial-Break Entertainment
The Emmys broadcast is long, and commercial breaks provide the perfect opportunity for a little interactive fun. The most classic Emmy party activity is the prediction ballot. Before the show starts, have guests fill out a printable ballot with their picks for the major categories. Whoever gets the most right at the end of the night wins a prize. You can offer a small trophy, a bottle of wine, or a gift card for a streaming service. TV trivia is another great way to keep the energy up. The competition will keep everyone engaged, even when their favorite shows don't win.
Consider the Dress Code
Setting a dress code can make the night feel like a true event. You could encourage guests to go full glam and dress in their red-carpet best. Alternatively, a more playful option is to have guests come dressed as a character from their favorite nominated television show. This can lead to some creative and hilarious outfits. If you go this route, consider offering a small prize for the best costume. Or, you can simply keep it casual and tell everyone to come in their comfiest loungewear, ready to settle in for a night of great television. Whatever you choose, just be sure to note it on the invitation so your guests know what to expect.
