Times have changed. We all know this. During these times we need to make our own personal assessment of what we’re willing to do or not do during social distancing.
Many families have started to get creative with gatherings by practicing social distancing parties.
These are not your normal parties, nope, rather they’re more of a social distancing gathering where you can be six feet apart but talk to each other and laugh to enjoy each other’s company.
If you’re someone who’s thinking about hosting a party while social distancing, then here are some tips to make it the safest event possible.
It’s important to be safe, and respect friends or family who choose to not attend.
This is a time when we all have to make our own decisions, so please don’t be offended or let down when someone declines attending your social distancing party.
Creative Ways to Host a Party While Social Distancing
Set Up the Driveway
If you don’t have a large yard, you can set up the driveway. Get some chairs, disinfect them, and set them 6 feet apart.
Have these chairs in a pattern that will allow every guest to see the other and hear each other during your social distancing party.
Be sure to have plenty of beverages and treats, or have guests bring their own food and drinks.
Have a Virtual Party
If you’re not quite ready to gather in person, you can create a virtual party while social distancing.
Pick the video chatting service that all of your friends and family can use, select a good date and time, and then have each household get their backyard ready for this party.
When the time arrives, you’ll all get online with a laptop or webcam and have a virtual party.
Rent an Event Hall
If your local area is open for business and allows event halls to be rented, perhaps you can rent a hall and have it set up so that everyone is seated 6 feet apart.
Depending on where you live (and your comfort level) you may wish to only gather outdoors. Here are some guidelines around social distancing.
Have food options placed on each table so that there’s no buffet-style food, which could increase the risk of getting sick.
Enjoy gathering in a large open space with the windows and doors open and people seated all around to enjoy some social distancing partying.
Ask Friends and Family
Lastly, the best way to host a party while social distancing is to talk first with your extended family members and family.
Get a feel for what they’re comfortable with and plan an outdoor event at your home where everyone can enjoy each other’s company without being right on top of each other.
You can supply face masks and hand sanitizer for guests to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable. Or perhaps guests are more comfortable bringing their own.
These are just some ways you can host as a party while social distancing, I’m sure you can expand upon my ideas to craft up a new way to enjoy the company of friends and family while social distancing.
The number one key is to follow your local guidelines and make it a safe event where everyone feels comfortable.
More Things to Think About Before your Social Distancing Party
Providing Food
How do you feel about providing the food for everyone? How do your guests feel about eating food prepared by someone other than themselves?
You may find some guests are fine with you preparing food for them; others may want to bring their own food.
It’s important that everyone feels they can do as they feel best, with no judgements!
The best thing to do is provide families and couples with their own small tables for their food to be placed on. This will help to prevent any possible cross contamination.
Games for a Social Distancing Party
Some games will be a bit of a challenge if you are social distancing. But, it’s not impossible!
Here are some fun backyard games for you to check out and decide how many of these your guests can play safely.
Washroom Facilities
If you’re holding a neighborhood party in your driveway, it is acceptable for guests to return to their homes to use their own washrooms.
However, if you’re holding a backyard outdoor party for friends and family who do not live right around the corner, you need to think about washroom facilities.
You simply cannot expect party guests to not use your washroom – as a host, it really is unacceptable.
You have two choices: either rent a portable toilet (personally? YUK) or ensure your own bathroom is completely clean and sanitary.
Then, leave Clorox Wipes or some type of spray cleaner and a roll of paper towel out on the counter. Include a garbage can with a lid for used paper towel to be discarded into.
Of course, ensure there is a liquid soap dispenser for guests to wash their hands. And a bottle of hand sanitizer as some people do prefer using both.
Guests will not mind ensuring they leave the washroom spotless for the next person. They want to know for themselves upon entry that the washroom they are about to use is clean.
And if they are concerned, they can use these cleaning items to clean the washroom before they use it. And again afterwards.
With some forethought, a friendly gathering can be a great opportunity to catch up and visit with friends and family.
Just think it through and be sure to do everything you can to make your company feel comfortable.
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