{Collaborative content} 2020 has been a tough year for people all over the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought both illness and tragedy to virtually every country on the planet. Not only has this affected people’s physical health, but it has profoundly impacted from a mental health perspective too. From limited social interaction to the loss of jobs and income, a lot of people’s lives have had to be put on hold.
Although we are still dealing with COVID, it seems that most people are eager to learn how to live with the virus. Without returning to full-blown normality, many are keen to get back to doing some of the things they’ve always enjoyed doing. Whether this involves incorporating a virtual slant to their regular hobbies or it means keeping two metres apart from their friends, a “new normal” seems better than no normal.
While it’s important that you remain responsible in the current climate, it’s equally crucial that you don’t lose your ability to socialise and enjoy life. People have already lost so much during this pandemic, so why continue to miss out over the coming months?
Something that most people enjoy to do in life is to celebrate important occasions. Traditionally, celebrations take place in the form of social events. Whether they take place in a home or a public setting, celebrations generally involve close human contact. Although parties and celebrations like this are not recommended, there’s no reason why people can’t find alternative ways to enjoy themselves socially.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to celebrate and socialise while socially distancing. While government restrictions may change from week-to-week, some of the following ideas are compliant no matter the circumstances. With this in mind, here are some fantastic ways to celebrate while socially distancing.
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels.
Keep the crowd numbers low
If you do happen to have a gathering of people at your home or a venue, ensure that you keep the numbers low. Involve only the most crucial people for the event. Elderly and vulnerable people are recommended to stay home and avoid gatherings like this.
In the current climate, people are usually quite understanding when it comes to attending gatherings, so don’t hesitate to reach out to explain the situation.
You should also respect how people feel about meeting up socially. If someone declines your invitation, don’t take offence. Those in attendance might be a little stand-offish or nervous.
Keep the numbers low and enjoy the event as best as you can.
Use hand sanitiser
To keep things as sanitary as possible, make sure to leave out ample sanitiser for your guests. Display signage around the room reminding people to use the hand sanitiser.
A lot of hand sanitiser has a strong alcohol smell. A great way to mask this smell is to light scented candles around the area. Not only does this block out the chemical odour, but it also creates a pleasant mood and can enhance the vibes.
Hire a professional cleaning service
You or some of your guests might be worried about having adequate cleanliness at the party. Cleaning services are now completely up to speed with what it takes to minimise the potential spread of illness. Whether you hire them to clean before, during, or after the celebration, having a professional cleaning service on-site can put your mind at ease that all the necessary sanitation procedures are taking place.
Use disposable cups, plates and cutlery
Although single-use and one-off items are often harmful to the environment when they’re not disposed of correctly, they are essential for social events at the moment. Disposable plates and cutlery allow people to eat and drink socially, with minimal contact.
Wash your hands thoroughly before laying out the equipment and leave a bag or box for used items. Research the recommended way to dispose of your used items.
Spaced out seating
Ensure that your seating arrangement is compliant with social distancing recommendations. Maximise the room that you have and space out the seating as much as you can. An excellent approach to this is to create a seating plan so that you ensure safety while making it possible to socialise.
Take the party outdoors
While indoor gatherings are permitted currently, the outdoors are likely to be the safest and most comfortable setting for a party or gathering at present. With an outdoor party, you have much more room to work with. Outdoor events are also permitted to hold larger gatherings of people.
Invest in some weatherproof speakers so that you can entertain the masses without worrying about damaging your sound equipment. Consider setting up a marquee or gazebo for some added cover. As we wave goodbye to the summer months, you’ll need to find outdoor heaters or fire pits to keep guests warm.
Although an outdoor celebration might be tricky to organise, it could be the best way to host a large celebration.
Consider using catering services
If you’re worried about preparing food or sharing food with groups of people, a professional catering service could be a great option. As well as supporting a local business, using a catering company brings a professional approach to the cuisine.
Catering companies have the use of professional kitchens and can create large batches of food in a safe and clean environment. Find a company that specialises in your favourite type of food and make a query about catering your event.
A food truck or pop-up restaurant could be another quirky option to add some flair to the party.
Organise a virtual party
Sometimes, a physical gathering is completely off the cards. In such scenarios, a virtual celebration is the best option.
The 2020 lockdown saw the use of video calling and conferencing hit an all-time high. People all over the world have been using Google Hangouts, Zoom, and other technologies to communicate with family and friends.
Put together a party itinerary and get people to join you on camera for a virtual party. Encourage people to stock up on snacks and drinks, and let the festivities begin.
There are several great games and activities that you can take part in virtually. Some fun virtual party games to enjoy include trivia quizzes, charades, Pictionary, bingo, and cards against humanity (for the adults).
Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to celebrate and have fun. Take the necessary safety precautions, adapt, and go the extra mile to make it work.
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