How to Entertain Safely this Summer

The warm weather is slowly coming in and we know you can feel it. Not just the warmer days, but the sights and sounds of people coming out to enjoy what bit of normalcy they can get their hands on. We’re talking fully occupied outdoor restaurant seating, sun-filled coffee walks, playdates, birthday parties, and all the events your Pinterest board has you prepared to host.

However, the reality is that we are still very much in the midst of a global pandemic and from state to state, the safety restrictions vary. But don’t let that discourage you. Instead, let it inspire you to get creative. Regardless of how strict your state’s health & safety mandates may be, we have a few tips to help you host the best get-togethers this season, while still maintaining a healthy environment for your guests:

Set a theme. Creating a theme is a fun way to help your guest take their minds off focusing on just the safety dos and don’ts, to enjoy a good time. Decorate with lively accents to tie the theme together from room to room. Create zones for games or themed activities and even ask your guests to wear something related to the theme. Keep everyone occupied and enjoying the moment. Safety doesn’t mean boring. Tip:Set guidelines for the party and notify your invited guests before then. By the time they arrive, everyone would know what is expected of them to help keep the party comfortable and safe for all in attendance. 

Set up sanitizing stations.Think about the now common set-up at the entrance of every retail store: a huge bottle of hand sanitizer, cart wipes, and a factory size roll of brown paper towels. Borrow that concept and put your own twist to it. Use a tray to display your favorite natural hand sanitizers, some disinfectant wipes, and disposable masks or shoe covers. Place a few of these trays around your home, especially in high traffic areas to keep these items available to everyone throughout the day. Tip:If your home is smaller, try using a bar cart for your set up. It can easily be rolled to the areas where your guests need it most.

Swap the hand towels for disposable tissues.Keep your restroom simple and well stocked with sanitary items for your guests. Instead of one hand towel that would be shared over and over, place a neat stack of disposable hand towels in a dish for a luxury feel. Make sure to have hand soap (not the fancy bar or any bar) and hand lotion. Tip:Use soap and lotion sets, or items from the same brand. Similar labels are a simple way to create a minimal and chic display for your restroom.

Keep food & beverages covered.When the food is not being served, keep it covered with food tents or covers to keep them germ-free and bug-free for outdoor parties. Opt for food covers and food tents from the same brand. That way when they’re not being used you can stack them away without adding additional clutter. Tip:Think about your guests’ dietary choices. Use place cards and holders to clearly label food and key ingredients to help guests avoid any food allergy accidents.

Be eco-friendly.If your event is indoors, keep your windows open for several minutes at a time to allow fresh air to circulate and promote healthy ventilation. When it’s time to clean up, reach for natural and eco-friendly surface cleaners to get your place in order. Try limiting the usage of products with harsh ingredients that can be dangerous to your health as well as the environment. Tip:Try aromatherapy. Light a natural candle with essential oils such as lavender, lemongrass, Spanish rosemary, or tea tree. These essential oils are excellent for cleansing and disinfection.

Have fun.If these times have taught us anything, it’s that time spent with friends and family is valuable. This summer, as you host and attend parties, don’t think of all the things that you can’t do. Think of all the things that you can do. Wear your mask, use sanitizer, and stand six feet apart where applicable. Then get to the fun stuff and stay in the moment as you create special memories with the ones you love.