How to Have a Covid-Safe Thanksgiving
Oct 15, 2020don't invite covid to thanksgiving
Trying to figure out how to host a socially distanced holiday party? You’re not alone! Unlike summertime barbecues, traditional indoor gatherings like Thanksgiving dinner with the extended family are harder to pull off, especially as Covid-19 and flu season overlap. The tried-and-true steps of frequent hand washing and keeping a safe distance will reign supreme this holiday season, but there are lots of other ways to host a fun, Covid-safe holiday get-together.
#1 Picnic Party
If the weather allows, an outdoor gathering is one of the safest ways to get a group together. For a multi-family party, have each family bring their own picnic blanket or folding table and chairs. CDC guidelines acknowledge that members of individual families can group together, but each family group should maintain the recommended 6-foot distance from others. Instead of gathering around one large table, use the backyard firepit or grandma’s favorite flower bed as your centerpiece, and reconnect with friends and extended family outside.
#2 Use All the Furniture
If an outdoor holiday party isn’t an option, make sure guests have room to spread out for indoor parties. Set up multiple seating areas before guests arrive so they can easily sit to eat and catch up knowing they’re safely distanced from others outside their family group. For informal gatherings, try spreading out blankets to protect furniture and floors from spills. Place bottles of hand sanitizer in easy reach of each seating area to encourage guests to keep their hands clean.
#3 Food Truck-Style Supper
This option is great for eliminating the germ-spreading risk of passing serving dishes and utensils from person to person, or if you or your guests aren’t keen on spending extended time together. Dinners in carry-out packaging (pre-portioned with love, of course), make it easy to hand each guest a full meal they can enjoy on their own. Add some fun by serving meals in a drive-through fashion, or grab-and-go through the kitchen window like a Thanksgiving food truck!
#4 Potluck Presentation
Potluck dinners make the holidays fun and easy by spreading the cooking responsibilities among the whole guest list. A Potluck Presentation Party gives families another way to reduce the number of hands that touch each dish and serving spoon. When dinner is ready, have each person share a story about the dish they brought while serving it to the other guests. That way, everyone gets everything they want to eat, but only one person’s hands touch the serving dish. Odds are high for hearing some great stories and memories too!
Covid-19 might make this holiday season look different than years past, but don’t let social distancing turn into social isolation. However your family gets together this year, these tips can help ensure a safe gathering. And if having holiday guests remind you of the updates you need to make around the home, ImproveIt is here to help!
