How to Host a Safe Dinner Party Right Now

Nowadays, getting together with loved ones takes a lot more creativity than it used to, with social distancing being a necessity in order to curb the further spread of the Covid-19 virus. As a result, people are turning to social media and video chatting apps such as Zoom to stay connected with friends and family, with some even holding virtual birthday celebrations or weddings through these online platforms. Although remote parties and celebrations can help to ease loneliness and anxiety during these trying times, nothing compares to being around family and friends and sharing a meal with them. If you’re thinking about hosting a small get together with your loved ones sometime this year, you’ll need to plan it out so you can have fun and stay safe at the same time. Here’s how you can host a dinner party without disobeying social distancing rules during Covid-19.

Keep it simple

You might be tempted to go all out with your first dinner party in months, but it may be better to keep things simple to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as planned. Invite no more than three to four guests, and keep the party short and sweet – two hours is enough for everyone to catch up over a home-cooked meal, and preferably outside or in a well-ventilated room. Next, put together a comfy yet festive party-ready ensemble (think the kind of outfit suited to a festival or outdoor party rather than a formal dinner party, such as a dress paired with a thin hooded sweatshirt), and don’t forget to put on a protective cloth face mask in a matching or coordinating color. As for decor, forget about going to the store to buy decorations. Instead, work with what you have: bring out the fairy lights, and use them to add some illumination to your living room; then move a few potted plants to add some greenery to the dining space. 

Safety starts at your front door

A few hours before the dinner party, text or call your guests so you can remind them to wear protective face masks. However, be prepared, and have some disposable ones on hand so you can have them wear it upon arrival. Before your loved ones step into your home, ask them to take their shoes off to reduce the risks of bringing in germs or viruses into your abode. Provide guests with slippers so they can walk around comfortably, or if they’d rather keep their shoes on, you can give them disposable booties, which they can slip on over their own footwear. Place hand sanitizers in your living room and dining room so your guests can disinfect their hands as often as needed throughout the party, and make sure that everyone is seated at least three feet apart. Remember that social distancing rules should still be followed, even if you’re just having a simple get together in your home.

Forget the buffet

Having a buffet means people crowding around a single table, which makes it an automatic social distancing no-no. Instead of a buffet, serve pre-portioned meals at the table, and offer guests drinks from individual size cans or bottles. You can still share a bottle of wine, but to minimize contact, be sure to do the pouring for you and all your guests. After the party, wear rubber gloves before cleaning up, and use a microfiber cloth dipped in a solution made with water and mild disinfectant to clean surfaces. 

If you’re planning to have a dinner party during the Covid-19 pandemic, take precautions to keep everyone safe. You’ll ensure the health and well-being of your loved ones while bonding and having a great time.