With the holiday season nearing and the COVID-19 pandemic still wreaking havoc across many nations, celebrations are bound to be slightly different this year. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s cannot just be canceled, and families need to think about how they can still have memorable parties while staying safe from the virus. At this time, going DIY is the best option. Here are some tips to help you pull this off successfully:
Choose a Safe Location
If you plan to have an out-of-state holiday celebration, you should carefully choose your location. It should be in a place where there are few cases of COVID-19. In short, it should not be a hot state. In the U.S., Hawaii has maintained a low case level. As of writing, there are only a little over 100 new cases, meaning it is still a safe state where you can host a small party. You don’t have to worry about the location because Maui event planners can easily get supplies that you can use for your DIY party planning. Plus, you can even have an outdoor venue where guests can adequately distance themselves from each other, and they don’t have to inhale airborne viruses like when they are in an indoor space.
Limit the Number of Guests
As much as possible, you should limit the number of guests that you invite. Ideally, it should depend on your venue’s capacity. Nowadays, venue capacity has reduced significantly because they have to allow for appropriate social distancing. Say, a venue can usually accommodate 50 guests before the pandemic. Today, their capacity can only be 20 to 25 guests, as they should have enough distance apart from one another to help reduce the risk of virus transmission. You might want to consider inviting only a few people.
Factor In Seating Arrangement
You also have to consider the seating arrangement with social distancing in mind. A usual table for four can now only seat up to two people, and a six-seater can only accommodate three guests. Keep this in mind when planning out the layout of the tables and chairs during the party.
No Buffet Dining
Health experts are discouraging buffet dining for now because it increases the risk of disease transmission. Guests lining up and getting their food, touching the serving spoon, plates, and other items can easily spread COVID-19. For simple parties, you can ask your guests to bring their own food that they can eat during the party. The same is true for their drinks. Bringing their own bottle reduces the risk of handing over the bottles to anyone who may have the disease.
Plan for an Outdoor Party
As mentioned, having an outdoor venue is ideal in reducing the risk of transmitting the disease. Experts have categorized COVID-19 as an airborne virus, meaning it can spread through the air via droplets. When people stay in an air-conditioned room, without masks on, the rate of transmission is higher. Whenever possible, your party should be done outdoors.
Encourage Wearing Masks and Proper Hygiene
As a host, it will be your responsibility to remind your guests about the minimum health safety requirements, such as wearing masks and hand washing. Whenever you see guests talking without their masks on, gently remind them. Alternatively, you can also include these reminders on your decors, so you don’t have to call them out for it repeatedly.
While it can be difficult to hold parties during a pandemic, it can be done. All it takes is careful planning. You have to consider health and safety, along with your design, food, and drinks.
