by Jessica Wong, CBCNews.ca

After a seemingly endless run of movie award shows, it's finally time for the grand-daddy of them all: the Academy Awards.

Famed chef Wolfgang Puck holds up a display of chocolate-covered Oscars on Thursday at a preview of food and decor for the post-Oscars Governor's Ball. (Getty Images).

While I've never been enamoured of the red carpet parade, one of my guilty pleasures come Oscar-time is searching out and poring over the details of the fabulous food and drinks served at the myriad parties afterwards (gotta love Wolfgang Puck's Governor's Ball menu and pastry chef Sherry Yard's oh-so-cute individual, gold-dusted chocolate Oscars).

With inspiration like that, the party-planner in me has always wanted to host a chic Academy Awards-watching shindig, despite the fact that my day job means that — come Oscar night — I'm usually writing about the whole shebang. The menu: usually a sammie, chips, carrot sticks and ginger ale, all scarfed down during slow points in the evening.

This year, however, early reports are painting a sober picture of the festivities surrounding U.S. moviedom's annual celebration, with fewer events, drastically slashed party budgets and organizers opting for pared down guest lists, more intimate gatherings, recycled decor and menus packed with comfort foods rather than lavish foodie creations.

Plus, all this also comes after last year's subdued tone Oscar celebrations because of the Hollywood writers' strike.

Are you planning an Oscar party, be it casual or cocktail? What will you serve?