How to Host a Socially-Distanced Party

Now that we’ve all been in quarantine for about six months, the need for human connection is stronger than ever (can you remember the last time you hugged a friend?!). And while social distancing rules are still very much in effect, we’ve found some ways to bring friends together, apart. Read on to see how you can host friends and family in a safe, healthy and fun way. 

Step 1: The Menu

The key to developing a menu for a socially-distanced party is individualized servings. While throwing together platters and dips is usually common ground for cocktail parties, these days it unfortunately breaks the sanitary “rules”. One-bite hors d’oeuvres and snacks are the best way to limit the amount of time that your guests are touching food, while still enjoying a pre-lunch or dinner bite. Think mini sandwiches and tarts, deviled eggs, or our savory everything macarons.

For the main event, avoid self-serving buffets where possible and either a.) plate your guests’ meals with a mask on or b.) if you choose to cater your meal, have a server manage the buffet and serve your guests to cut down on the amount of people touching serving utensils.

Step 2: Drinks & Glassware

Mixing up whose glass is whose at a party has forever been an issue (especially after a cocktail or three), but now in the times of Covid, we need to take extra precautions to make sure that doesn’t happen. Thankfully, with the help of products like Vino Markers, you can write each guest’s name right onto their glass. This not only is a great way to avoid the problem of your friends taking sips from the wrong glass, but if you have nice penmanship, it can be a very cute way to add a decorative touch to your party. 

Step 3: The Set-up

The best way to set up a truly social-distanced party is in a giant circle with chairs centered around your drinks and snacks. However, if you don’t want your guests to feel as though they are reliving a summer camp drum circle, use long outdoor tables and space your guests an arm’s length apart at each setting. While it isn’t “technically” following the 6-feet rule, you will have ample room for your guests to enjoy their own space while also comfortably speaking (not shouting) across the table.  

Be sure to have hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes handy throughout the night, as your guests will likely need them before and after eating. You may find yourself needing extra serving and eating utensils than usual, so if you are stocking up on disposables, grab one more pack than you normally would!

Step 4: A Takeaway

To make light of the fact that these times are in no way normal, a little takeaway gift is a nice way to keep the party going after everyone goes home. Some ideas: a small hand sanitizer, a little treat wrapped in cellophane, or if you really want to wow them, a personalized face mask.

Interested in some help with setting up your first socially-distanced party? Send us an email at hello@peppercornevents.com and we will walk you through everything from food to decor and so much more.