Since the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the country, lockdowns and quarantine have become the norm. Now, after months of being cooped up inside, many people are ready for some face-to-face interactions. However, while you may be itching to socialize with others, you need to be sure that you’re doing it safely.

In this article, we’re going to outline the best recommendations for hosting a party during the pandemic. Overall, the goal is to minimize the risks as much as possible. With that in mind, here’s what you can do.

As a note, please consult your local guidelines and restrictions to ensure that you are staying compliant. Because things can change quickly, it’s crucial to keep in mind that plans may be in flux for the time being.

Keep it Small and Intimate

Even as local lockdown restrictions start to ease, hosting a big party with tons of people is not the best option. Ideally, you will be able to maintain social distancing guidelines or at least have the ability for guests to stay spread out during the event. According to the CDC, the biggest risk factor for spreading COVID-19 is close contact with others in an indoor setting.

As a rule, you’ll want to plan for half capacity wherever you decide to host your event. So, if the place can hold 50 people, book 25. This tactic will make it much easier to manage the party and mitigate any potential dangers.

Utilize Single-Serving Options

Another way to minimize the spread of COVID-19 is to reduce the number of touchpoints. For example, a buffet is dangerous because multiple people are handling the same utensils and serving from the same dishes. The more areas where people can congregate and touch the same items, the more likely that the virus can move between hosts.

So, you’ll want to make everything as single-service as possible. Instead of cloth napkins, use paper towels. Instead of buffet-style catering, everyone should get an individually-wrapped dish. While you may not be able to do this for everything, you can get creative with workarounds. Also, it helps to have plenty of hand sanitizer around so that guests can wipe down after touching various surfaces.

Host Your Event Outside

Because indoor venues can be riskier, it’s better to host your party outdoors. Fortunately, with the summer heat, an outdoor shindig can be quite pleasant. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a public park, or a rooftop bar, staying outside is going to be your safest option for hosting a COVID-free event.

When hosting an outdoor gathering, keep these elements in mind:

• Shade – Standing in direct sunlight is never fun. Be sure to provide canopies or shelters for guests to use.
• Food – If you’re serving hot food, you have to keep it at a safe temperature. Store food in either a cooler or an ice bath so it doesn’t spoil.
• Fans/Misters – When the weather really heats, up, guests need a way to cool down. High-velocity fans and misters can make a world of difference.

Use a Signal System

Although safety is a priority, some guests may be more casual about it than others. While some individuals may choose to socially distance the whole time, others might prefer to shake hands or give hugs.

An easy way to help guests know what is appropriate is with a signaling system. This system can be as easy as multi-colored wristbands. For example, red bands mean “stay six feet away,” yellow means “elbow bumps only,” and green means “all interactions are welcome.” You can give these out to people as they arrive so that there is no confusion or conflict throughout the event.

Wear Masks

Because COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, wearing a mask is the best defense. According to the CDC, if all guests wear masks, the chance of spreading the virus is minimal, particularly when following social distancing and cleaning guidelines. These days, most people are used to wearing them in public, but we recommend offering masks to guests if possible. This way, everyone can have fun without worrying too much.

Hire the Professionals

Finally, if you want to have a party that everyone will remember, it helps to have hosted games. Fortunately, the Party Team is qualified to provide clean and safe entertainment for your event. With masks, temperature scanners, sanitizing stations, and UV wands, we can keep you and your guests safe while you’re having fun.

By following these recommendations, it is possible to host a party during a pandemic. Call the Party Team today to see what options we can offer.