LETS GET READY TOGETHER
As Christmas and New Year’s holidays are approaching, and we are entering one of the most festive times of the year, we are also entering one of the busiest times of the year. Preparations for the holidays include, but not limited to, deep cleaning, holiday shopping, cooking and party planning. And whilst this is the time of the year when our friends and families gather to relax, catch up and celebrate we still need to remember that there are certain precautions to be taken that make these holidays a bit different than what we have been used to.
Different however does not have to be a negative term. Look at it as a challenge to get more creative and create a unique experience for you and your guests. Whether you are planning a big or small party here are a few things to consider:
Firstly, make sure that there are some windows even slightly open to help the air circulate around the rooms. This is a common rule during the colder months. If you have any people who are sensitive to cold, you could have some throws or blankets lying around to help them adjust and feel even cozier!
An area to gather
Secondly help your party, especially if it’s a larger one, to mingle around by creating multiple small gathering areas. For example, a bar table with barstools, 2 armchairs with a corner table, a sofa with a table, some dining chairs all placed in different corners of the living and dining areas of your house will create pools of two to four people. You can also create a separate corner for kids with a table and coloring books, board games or a laptop with a holiday movie to keep them busy. By creating these “hot spots” you avoid overcrowding in one area and help people mingle by having more free space to move around.
Thirdly, if possible, keep your guest list small. It is great to be able to come together but it is even greater being able to do that safely. Have two gatherings, one for your family and one for your friends. If cooking a whole dinner twice is too much of a hassle, keep one of the two as a dinner and the other as an afternoon tea or an early brunch.
The holidays are almost here! We hope you enjoy them safely and have lots of fun!