05/28/2020
Who’s ready to party?!
When I had a small party for my sons graduation this May I was a bit worried. Everyone coming had different comfort levels due this pandemic. My friend said, “relax! It’s not your job to make everybody comfortable!” That is true to an extent but that is largely the part of a good party host!
Having a party during this time of social distancing can be tricky. Below are some tips on how to be a good host in this time and also how to be a good guest.
INVITATION: A neighbor of mine has a Kentucky Derby Party every year. Despite there being no Derby this year, she was determined to recognize it in some way. She chose 10 friends to invite and sent a clearly worded invite adding something to the effect:
“We are all friends and no one is going to judge you. If you are uncomfortable coming or not the only answer needed to the RSVP is yes or no.”
And truly, that should always be the case. You never need to explain why you choose not to attend an event. Yes or no.
The chart below shows the different levels of comfort folks are in. I’m a +2 to a -3. Maybe you’re a 4 or 5 but have friends who are a 1 or 2, or vice versa. Respect where one another is at and if you simply can’t tolerate being with a 2 or a 4 then don’t invite/except an invite to the party.
SPACE: Summer will be great for parties because we can be OUTSIDE! My patio has hosted parties of 30-40 people before. If we social distance...I’d say 15 is my max. 8 is very comfortable. Before your party, pre-arrange seating 6 feet apart. That will give you a good idea of how many you can fit.
FOOD AND DRINK: Honestly, I think the safest and easiest way to have food and drink right now is to ask everyone to bring their own. If you are serving others, having packaged plastic ware (like you’re getting from all the restaurant curbside pick up you’ve been doing....) available is fantastic. Make sure there’s a serving utensil with everything. Avoid communal finger foods. My friend likes to serve dips in individual containers to squash the double dippers.
MASKS: This varies from state to city to county and from person to person. I would say half the guests at the grad party wore a mask. We all found it tricky to eat or drink with them on. Some chose to eat farther than the 6 feet spacing and when done, put their masks back on and re-entered the party area. Masks do work best if everyone wears them but people have varying opinions on that. If the host wants masks you should state so in your invite. Ultimately, at this point it’s then up to the guests. You can always say no to a party invite!
GUEST RELATIONS: Being a good guest is just as important as being a good host. It is absolutely ok for you to ask in advance how many guests are coming, is the party inside or out, will guests be wearing masks? It’s smart right now to find out what you’ll be walking in to. If the invite requires masks and you can’t tolerate wearing one, than you should stay home. If you arrive to a party that is not distancing to your level of comfort or not wearing masks or are wearing masks and you are not comfortable, go home. OR stop by, wave, say “we can’t stay but we just wanted to say Happy Birthday/congratulations/we miss you and to see your face! Thank you for inviting us!” And the host and the other revelers should graciously smile back/blow a kiss and thank them for stopping by!
KIDS: if your little one is not able to social distance consider a pack and play and lots of entertainment for her/him. iPad to the rescue! Right?
BATHROOM: If you are having a party outside to keep the traffic out of your house there is still the issue of the bathroom. Make sure you clean it well, as you would anyway if you were hosting a party. I suggest leaving Clorox wipes out on the counter with some signage asking guests to wipe door k***s, flusher, and faucet. Have pump soap, not bar, available for hand washing and paper towels for drying hands.
PARTY IDEAS: We’re seeing them all over social media! So many creative ways to party right now! Parade birthdays and graduations are big. Have the guests decorate their car and ask them to drive by at a certain time. Tailgate parties!! So fun and easy if you’ve got a space that will allow it. Everyone brings their own food and the cars space gives clear guidelines of where you’d like guests to be. Drive in or outdoor movie theater. Hang up a sheet and project a movie on the garage or wall of house. Let the kids sit on top of the cars! Have fun!
You got any other fun ideas? Share them with us! Need help planning something special? Call or PM me! We’ll figure it out together! No charge!*
*If I shop, set up, or clean up for you, then the party planner fees are charged.
