Summer’s here and quite frankly, we cannot wait to get out and about, visiting friends and family after all this time… Which is why we’ve compiled a list of safe summer party ideas; just for you! Due to COVID-19, 2020 stopped dead in its tracks and we all made a LOT of sacrifices to stay afloat! There’s a lot to be said for our resilience as a human race, and now it’s time to celebrate our freedom – somewhat! Although, until this pandemic is announced officially ‘over’, we must remember one thing: safety comes first, parties come second.
With that being said, there are many safe summer party ideas we’ve come up with to make sure you get to spend quality time with your loved ones; whilst using ample social distancing rules to maintain everyone’s safety. It’s totally okay to get together, we just have to be safe. You know we’re all in this together girl, so we got you! No one wants to spend summer indoors now, do we? So, follow this step-by-step guide to a socially-distant summertime, and you’re guaranteed to have some fun!
Create A Socially-Distant Game Plan For All Safe Summer Party Ideas
Follow these guidelines to make the most out of these safe summer party ideas, and how best to execute them at home or away:
“Ensure there’s a designated sanitizing table; think disposable face masks, hand sanitizer and a temperature gun – just to be sure!”
- Host outdoors; scroll down for some of the best safe summer party ideas to choose from…
- Ensure there’s a designated sanitizing table; think disposable face masks, hand sanitizer and a temperature gun – just to be sure!
- Design your safe summer party setup with each seating area six feet apart from the next; use balloons or something else that’s pretty to pinpoint the ‘safe’ zones.
- Set the scene; candles, lanterns, hanging lights and of course, music! Just because there’s a little distance between you and your guests, does not mean the vibe has to suffer, right?!
- As sad as it is for us to say this: skip the hugs. Try out a welcome wave or an elbow greeting instead – it may not be as strong in connection, but it’s definitely the safer option!
- Show your guests where they can go to safely wash their hands; ensure there are disposable hand towels and more sanitizer at the ready in the bathroom.
- Have one person serving the food; hand out individual platters ready-made for each family group, and the same goes for snacks!
- Limit firsthand contact with frequently touched surfaces; this is near impossible with kids around but try your best!
- Stay on top of the drinks; yes, it’s summer and we all want to unwind… However, unwinding a little too much can mean forgetting social distancing rules and jeopardizing the safety of others. Have fresh juices and soft drinks at the ready so there are plenty of options available for your guests!
- When it’s time for everyone to go home, ask your guests to wash their hands and sanitise once more; this will help ensure their families go home safe, and germ-free!
Picnic In The Park
Okay, so you’ve got your game plan at the ready, and it’s time to work through some of these safe summer party ideas to choose your favorite! Let’s get started with a pretty sweet one: the good, old picnic in the park number! Just imagine: your favorite people, picnic foods and the sweet sounds of the forest – or your local park!
Although some of the game plan rules may not apply here, you definitely need to remain conscious of social distancing, along with regular hand sanitation. Be sure to pack a pretty huge picnic basket – as sharing food is not really an option, you’ll need many options!
Another great way to have fun connecting at your picnic is to have some Convokins at the ready; the ultimate conversation-starter for any summer party! If ice breakers and napkins had a baby, they would create Convokins!
Must-haves: The picnic basket, a few blankets, some battery-powered fairy lights and lots of yummy snacks and ice-cold refreshments!
Backyard BBQ
Here comes another classic, yet safe summer party: the backyard BBQ! This is where your social distancing game plan comes into full swing, and you’ll be more than ready for it! Set up your backyard with a bunch of lights, candles and other pretty hanging things to create a space of cool, calm and collected; despite the obvious challenges.
Light up your grill, have a variety of meat and veggies at the ready; oh, and don’t forget the salads! This may be a little tricky to navigate as you’ll have to provide separate salad bowls per group, but hey! At least everyone will get their fair share of delicious food!
Must-haves: The grill (yep, you guessed it!), music and speakers, balloon or seated place-makers for spacing purposes and all the food you could possibly think of!
For more backyard BBQ inspiration, check out another Cotier party post here
Pool Party
Must The next on our list of quarantine-approved, safe summer party ideas is, of course, the infamous pool party. Though it came to fame in its 60s prime, the all-American pool party has become a household name in its own right; more power to it! Many of you might be wondering if it’s safe to have a pool party given the current climate… Girl, have we done our research!
As long as the recommended six feet distance is kept, you’re able to swim in a pool with other people. This can be hard when you’ve got kids of course – perhaps this is better suited to an adults-only party instead! Either way, if you stick to your game plan as best you can, there’s no reason one epic pool party can’t be on the cards for you this summer! Cocktail o’clock it is, ladies!
Must-haves: Your favorite bikini, many, many towels (one for each guest!), cocktail shakers galore and a regular reminder to your guests to keep their distance; in a loving way, of course.
Wine Tasting
Okay, so now we’re branching out a little bit… But hear us out, okay?! Wine tasting is a really safe summer party idea as it’s based in a space where social distancing is already a thing and established as common practice in any professional workspace. Google wine farms and vineyards in your local area, give them a call to check the opening times and gather a group of your best girlfriends to join in the fun!
Worried about getting home later on? Never fear: Uber is here! Under normal circumstances, it’s fine for lift-shares and even party vans to be organised for the day out, but we don’t recommend going down that rabbit hole just yet! Stay safe and conscious of your surroundings; even when that Cab Sauv is going down a treat!
Must-haves: Transport to and from the venue (if you’re drinking, otherwise drive!), a face mask and some sanitizer in your bag, snacks for this day-drinking cravings and most importantly, a big bottle of water to keep your hydrated! Remember: wine tasting is a marathon, not a sprint!
Camping Weekend
Last but most certainly not least on our list of safe summer party ideas is without a shadow of a doubt, the camping weekend. Best suited for outdoorsy people and families who love nothing more than wide, open spaces, birds tweeting in the morning sun and a campfire to roast marshmallows on as the sun sets on the day. Sounds idyllic, right?
Right! However… This is 2020 and we still gotta keep to those social distancing rules – as frustrating as they are at times! Before setting up your camping trip, pack the car with this trusty list to make sure you’re more than ready for one amazing adventure:
- Soap, hand wash and body wash
- Hand sanitizers and face masks – plural
- Plenty of towels, change of clothes and socks
- Warm jackets and blankets
- A whole bunch of washing up liquid and cleaning utensils
- Cooler boxes filled with food and drinks
- Disposable wipes for that quick cleaning fix
Once packed, be sure to wear masks whilst travelling; a car is still considered as a confined space and the less oxygen shared the better! When you’ve set up your tent and are ready to relax around the campfire, be sure to find some wooden stools and space them accordingly to your safe summer party game plan! After that, sit back and relax to the soothing sounds of nature. Trust us, it’ll be worth it!
Must-haves: The tent (of course!), blankets in abundance, firewood and lighters, plenty of food and lastly, your favorite people!
The Future of Safe Summer Parties
Now we know the very idea of ‘safe summer party ideas’ poses a bit of a contradiction, but we hope you’ve seen the light the same way we have! You can absolutely still enjoy your summer surrounded by family and friends – even with a little distance!
So, which summer party idea are you most drawn to and what will you do to keep your distance from others? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to see some photos of your summer parties, too!
For more inspiration, party ideas and tips and tricks of navigating 2020, join our mailing list here and follow us on Instagram @cotierbrand
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