Primetime Emmy Bash

Pick a Theme

1. Don't worry if you’re not a TV junkie — parties with a theme (such as Mad Men) are definitely in style. "Guests love the idea of being able to participate in a group activity, and that’s why it's great to come up with a theme to your party," says Cowie, whose clients include Demi Moore and Oprah.

An Intimate Group Is Best

2. To balance the Dexter fanatics and the Mad Men fans, keep the guest list to a manageable size: 10 to 12. "You have to have comfortable seating for everyone," says Cowie. "If you don’t have a ton of seating, I suggest throw pillows and floor pillows so that everyone has a clear vision of the TV screen."

Focus and Get Creative

3. Your party should have a single show theme, and then you can really focus your creativity. "For True Blood, for instance, you can serve Bloody Marys or Sangrias. Maybe you serve a big tray of steak tartare as one of the appetizers with triangle chips. Then, of course you can get those fabulous play fangs."

Keep All Eyes On The TV

4. Take a cue from Modern Family: Shared food is no-fuss and fun. "The coffee table will be your focal point because then people don’t have to get up and go to the dining table or the kitchen to get food. You bring it to them."

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Nosh at Each Break

5. Channel your inner Good Wife and bring out a different food tray at each commercial break. “For starters you could do a fabulous crudités tray with lovely vegetables and dips,” says Cowie, who suggests following up with mini cups of popcorn, small salads and a “one-pot wonder like lasagna. You can make it in advance or order it from your local Italian restaurant.”

Have A Contest

7. Set the mood with a raffle or a game for people to play during the commercials, or when they first arrive. For example: "Who can guess the number of Emmy's that The Office will win?"

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Catch The Best Dressed

8. Don't forget to tune in for the red carpet to catch Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin, and play who’s hot and who’s not. "People love the idea of celebrating their favorite shows, watching the red carpet and getting dressed to see who wins."

Join the Fun

9. Be an active host, instead of a kitchen slave. "The key is serving interesting communal foods that can be prepared in advance. That allows you to be glued to the living room sofa and not chained to the kitchen stove." And remember to have fun, says Cowie. Drink plenty of champagne like the stars and party long into the night.