Holiday entertaining is going to be a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun and memorable. In fact, custom built homes are ideal for times like these, and if you own one you’ve got some big advantages when it comes to holiday entertaining in the time of COVID.
At Classic Living Homes, for example, we design our homes to include large, open areas that are perfect for parties. They’re also made with high-end, sustainable building materials and feature excellent air filtration systems for cleaner, healthy air.
Of course, this year, even if you’re hosting a party in a custom-built home, you’re going to need to follow a few new rules. But don’t worry, fun has not been cancelled. Here’s our tips on how to throw a holiday soiree during the coronavirus.
Pay attention to the mandates. Let’s get the not-so-fun stuff out of the way first. It’s essential, for your health and the health of your guests, to observe the state’s mandates put in place to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Don’t wait until the last minute to let your guests know about the safety precautions you’re intending to follow, like having sanitizing stations and masks on hand for their use. This is also the time to ask your guests what they’ll need from you in order to feel safe and comfortable at your event.
Avoid last minute shopping. Have you ever made a trip to the grocery store on Thanksgiving Day? If you have then you know it’s filled with shoppers who’ve waited until the last minute to buy what they need or who have forgotten something essential – like cranberries for the cranberry sauce (we’ve all been there!).
This is not the year to put holiday party preparations off. Start buying everything you need for November and December soirees now. Shop online if you can and try to balance that with some purchases from local businesses who would love your support during this challenging time.
Take it outside. One of the many benefits of having an outdoor area designed for entertaining is that it opens up more possibilities when it comes time to throw a party. Yes, we know it’s going to be cold outside in December, but that’s where outdoor fireplaces, custom fire pits and outdoor heaters come in.
Not only can you put your grill to good use, but this most-unusual holiday season is also an excellent time to invest in something you’ve always wanted, like a woodfired pizza oven, custom outdoor furniture, or an outdoor kitchen.
Go ahead – take it inside, too. While it’s harder to for coronavirus to spread outdoors, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a party inside this holiday season. You do need to be more careful, however. Not only should you have sanitizing stations within easy access, but you should also have proper air ventilation and follow social distancing guidelines.
We (and most health experts) recommend limiting the number of guests so you can be sure there’s enough room for everyone to maintain six feet of distance.
Skip the buffet. Although buffets can be a low-maintenance, simple way to feed guests, this year it’s probably better to serve individual meals instead. This will prevent people from crowding around the buffet table or standing too close in line, and it will prevent multiple guests from touching the same serving utensils, as well.
Opt for elegant individual charcuterie, vegetable, and antipasti boards. Or, if you’re only entertaining a handful of loved ones, make this the year you host a more formal, sit-down dinner party.
Volunteer together. If throwing a party this year seems a bit too daunting given the world we’re currently living in, consider spending a day volunteering with loved ones instead. Animal shelters, for example, are always in need of help, especially during the holidays. You could donate items to the shelter and spend time with adoptable (and adorable) cats and dogs.
Many non-profits have their own protocols to follow during coronavirus, so check with the ones you’re interested in helping to find out exactly how you can help them this holiday season.
After the year we’ve had, a party (or two) maybe just what we need, even if it’s a more intimate affair than we had in mind. Just remember to stay safe and healthy, so you can enjoy this special time of the year with friends and family.
