As the world begins to open back up slowly and carefully, one of your first priorities might be connecting with friends and family and getting back to making memories. Events that have been put on hold for months can finally come to fruition and you can finally see your loved ones again — just throw a socially distant party.
In order to slow the spread of COVID and keep the world situation moving in a positive direction, your gathering still needs to be responsible. You can still hold the bash of the century, but there are a few precautions you should keep in mind.
And who knows? Maybe following social distancing guidelines for your upcoming gathering can help you get creative and explore brand new ideas.
1. Get Outside
Staying outside is one of the best ways to maintain social distancing, which is perfect for a summer party anyway! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a fashionable garden party, you can swing an outdoor gathering to any preference. If you don’t have a large outdoor space, you can keep your gathering small or even find park or beach to host your bash.
Outdoor parties are all the rage for summer, and it makes sense to enjoy the sunshine after months of being cooped up inside. Really, the outdoor option is a total win on all fronts if you’re throwing a socially distant party.
2. Call Ahead
If you’re planning a smaller celebration for a few friends and you’re itching to go out, it’s especially important to call establishments to set up reservations and ask about their options for large groups. From restaurants to hotels, things may have changed since your last visit, and they may need time to prepare for a party of your size and purpose.
3. Have Guests Bring Their Own Supplies
Having guests bring their own supplies can mean less work for you as the host in addition to an overall safer party for everyone invited.
That could mean having guests bring their own picnic blankets, snacks or even drinks. It’s up to your comfort level. If you’re hosting a pool party, have guests bring their own towels and sunscreen to minimize the spread of germs from shared objects.
It may seem like a small change, but it can make a world of difference. Plus, it’s less responsibility for you as the host.
4. Get Creative
Maybe you and your friends are celebrating an occasion that would normally take you to bars and clubs. While those spots aren’t the best option anymore, all hope is not lost for your bachelor party or 21st birthday extravaganza!
In fact, thinking outside the box might just make your celebration even more memorable than before. Why not go axe throwing or take a lake trip? Go camping with your closest buddies or host a boozy game night. The possibilities are truly endless.
5. Get — or Make — Takeout
If you’re hosting from your own abode, the food situation might be a bit of a challenge. It’s important to eliminate shared touch points, which means buffets are out. This still leaves you with plenty of options. You can order takeout with portions that cut down on everyone sharing — though this may get expensive. You can even host a pot luck style party where guests bring their own food and eat what they came with.
However, if you’re looking to get back in the kitchen, the tray dinner is back! Simply set up the meal on trays or pre-planned plates so guests aren’t digging into the same dishes and sharing touch points constantly.
6. Be Selective
When you’re forming the invite list, it can be easy to spread the word to the whole town. Of course you want to spread the love — it’s been so long! But throwing a socially distant party is not as simple as calling up your hundred closest friends and getting to it. You need to tailor your guest list to the space you have, which might mean cutting back on the numbers a bit.
You can take stock of how many people can truly fit in your space by measuring out socially distant seating and planning your guest list accordingly. It might not be the whole crew you want, but it’s a great start to kick your social life back into gear.
Throw a Socially Distant Party
Whether you and your pals are heading out in pursuit of celebration or you’re throwing a socially distant party in your own backyard, seeing your friends and loved ones will serve as a welcome change.
While parties aren’t the same as they used to be, they still have every possibility of being fun, adventurous and satisfying. All you have to do is get planning.
Dylan Bartlett is a men’s lifestyle blogger from the City of Brotherly Love. He runs the site Just a Regular Guide, looking at other topics related to health and wellness, relationships, the outdoors and DIY. You can follow him on Twitter @a_regular_guide to get frequent updates on his work.
