‘Tis the season to be jolly – but also cautious! 2020 has shown us all just how much family and friendship means to us, and just how important it is to preserve those relationships in the middle of a global pandemic; which is exactly why contactless holiday entertaining is the way to go this year! We’re all currently scrambling around trying to figure out exactly how to have a wonderful holiday season, whilst maintaining social distancing (where possible!) and keep the festive spirit alive! It’s a little overwhelming, right?
The holidays are known for a little overindulgence (ahem!) and a lot of planning – especially if you’re the tasked with hosting a holiday event! With that being said, there is zero need to worry. We’ve figured out exactly how to master contactless holiday entertaining and we’re here to share that knowledge with you! So grab a cup of coffee (or eggnog!) and take a read through the main pointers you’ll need to focus on for a successful contactless holiday event…
Plan The Layout
First up on the list of mastering contactless holiday entertaining is, of course, your layout! Your party layout is the foolproof way to keep everyone well protected and socially distanced – without it feeling forced and unenjoyable. There are a few things to consider, such as whether you’d like to host your holiday event indoors or outdoors, how many guests you can comfortably deal with and the best part: The theme for your contactless holiday party!
Take some time to have a look through your various options that will work best for your home (or whichever venue you’ve chosen to host in) and go from there. If you’ve chosen an indoor space, make sure you have exactly that – space! The last thing you want is trying to squeeze 40 of your nearest and dearest into a living room fit for 12 comfortably. This is likely to put everyone on edge and ruin the ease and flow of the party.
If possible, it’s advised to focus your contactless holiday entertaining outdoors, with ample space for chairs, tables, blankets and all other festive-related accessories to compliment! This way you and your guests are relaxed and for those who are a little more anxious about COVID-19, this gives them plenty of distance to feel part of the fun, without risking their health. However you choose to host this holiday season, just keep social distancing advice in mind and the rest is up to you!
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Choose The Containers
Now, containers and utensils for serving food go hand-in-hand with the decor and your contactless holiday party layout. There are many available options for creative ways to serve food contact-free to your guests, but our personal favorites have to be some personalized picnic baskets! It’s such a special way to show your guests you care, and eases any tensions they may be experiencing out and about during the pandemic. Layout your party with a bunch of blankets, an ice bucket filled with champagne and a pretty woven picnic baskets filled with finger-licking good finger food, ready and waiting for your guests to devour!
Our second (and very close!) favorite is personalized platters for each family or group of guests that live together and are joining the festivities! This also works within the outdoors picnic format, but this can easily be achieved indoors – as long as there’s space for each group to breathe – and enjoy their food!
A nice little extra would be to prepare some cocktail (and mocktail!) jugs in advance, in addition to a tray of glasses, so each group has drinks on hand without the need of a crowded kitchen and everyone reaching for that last drop at once!
Decide On The Food
The food is easily (and ironically) the most enjoyable part of contactless holiday entertaining. Why? You ask… Well, it’s simple. No one expects a full dinner party service and five-course meals when we’re all supposed to be social distancing and not sharing each other’s food!
This means you have the power to be as creative as you want with your food options, whilst keeping your guests – and your kitchen – very happy! A few of our food ideas for contactless holiday parties are:
Appetizers:
Caprese Bites with Pesto Skewers: Packed with mozzarella, tomato and homemade pesto all on a little slice of bread are sure to be a winner amongst guests!
Garlic Shrimp with Avocado Crostini: What’s more satisfying than shrimp and avocado? Not much, which is exactly why this appetizer is a real crowd pleaser!
Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese and Cucumber: One for the carb-conscious guests without lacking in delicious, fresh flavors!
Mains:
Fried Chicken with Cornbread and Slaw: Sometimes there’s nothing better than a great piece of fried chicken and all the best sides, and we’re sure your guests will agree!
Mini Pot Pies with Potatoes and Gravy: For a little more wholesomeness in the holidays, consider making some mini chicken pot pies to really show your guests you care!
Turkey and Cranberry Sliders with Fries: This is just a winner in itself really. Use the leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or get some fresh slices at the grocery store and get to making these tasty sliders!
Dessert:
Mini Pumpkin Pies: Because, well Pumpkin Pie! It’s a holiday favorite for most of us and what’s cuter than a mini version? Nothing.
Festive Cake Pops: Something a little more playful and less traditional, but ideal for contactless holiday entertaining, and guests will be sure to enjoy the festive flavors!
Orange Chocolate Mousse: This is super easy to execute and hugely satisfying at parties – because who doesn’t love chocolate in little ramikins?
These are just a few of these hundreds of contactless holiday entertaining food ideas out there, but we’re confident they’re all winners! Whatever you decide, make sure they work as single-serving options – or family platters – to avoid unnecessary cross-contamination.
Build A Drinks Station
Once you’ve got your layout sorted and your food beautifully presented in whatever container’s you decided on, you’ll need to draw your attention to the other party starter: The drinks! Whether your family or friends are boozy bunch or not, it’s definitely the time of year to take a step back and celebrate, and we’ve thought of the best ways to do this while you’re contactless holiday entertaining…
Consider choosing to purchase a bunch of cocktail jugs ahead of time, so you can pre-make a whole load of cocktails and other drinks for your guests. This way they can help themselves to a nice drink without crossing social distancing rules and assists you as the host in being the only one doing the topping up. Don’t forget a bucket of ice, a small tray of glasses and any other garnishes required for your mixer and away you go!
Another option is to provide each group (or pairs) with their very own cocktail kit – essentially what you’d be doing with the cocktail jugs but giving guests the chance to make some themselves – ultimately becoming an activity in itself! Check out this Mimosa Bar Kit – it comes with a bunch of labels, straws, and other decorations so your guests can have a little fun in their distanced bubble!
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Top Up With Entertainment
Last but most certainly not least on our way to master contactless holiday entertaining is… The entertainment! Often overlooked during these crazy times, entertaining has a way of falling to the back of priorities as we assume we cannot entertain our guests in the same way we would traditionally. But, this is not the case!
Okay, you may not be able to play a massive game of football in your backyard, or even stick the kids indoors to play on their Xbox, but thankfully, there are many other ways to enjoy a contactless holiday party – without that nasty feeling of missing out!
Our favorite entertainment choice (other than DIY cocktails!) is Cards Against Humanity. It’s a very tongue-in-cheek kind of game but definitely a go-to for most friends and parties! They have a bunch of different versions to choose from and can create a lot of fun for everyone – minus the need to be up close and personal. Along with Cards Against Humanity, there are many other card games or non-interactive games such as Charades that will also keep your friends and family entertained this holiday season.
So, however you decide to host during this festive time of year, we know you’ve got the tools to get it done – and make it look and feel amazing! This may just be the strangest holiday we’ve ever experienced as humans, but we will continue to find ways to safely socialize with our loved ones – despite the circumstances! Cheers to the holidays and some good quality time spent with those we care for most!
If you’re looking for more party inspiration, entertaining tips, and prepping advice, follow us on Instagram @CotierBrand and join our mailing list here
