November 22, 2020
Sitting around a table and enjoying a meal with friends and family seems almost impossible these days. This 2020, it is important to celebrate, but stay safe, during the holidays. Here at The Monarch, we want you to enjoy the holiday season, safely.
Safely Serving
If the weather is nice, hosting Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving dinner outside could be a nice, safe change to your holiday. If inside, consider opening the windows to allow fresh air in and out of the room. Make sure there is plenty of soap, paper towels, and hand sanitizer for guests to help get rid of germs.
Any single-use option, like paper plates or utensils, is ideal during this pandemic. If potluck style is your go-to, have each person bring their own dish, but have one person serve the food to the guests while wearing a mask. Have the dishes spread out to decrease potential contact with those waiting to fill their plates. You can find cute, fall-themed decorations to fill in the cracks on the table in between the different dishes.
Place settings are cute and can solve any seating confusion. Place settings are a fun way to direct traffic, which is necessary during this pandemic. Communication on menu, seating, and procedures are key to any Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving during this pandemic. Read more tips on how to host Thanksgiving this year from the CDC.
Friendsgiving? Thanksgiving? General Hosting Tips and Tricks
One of the easiest ways to be a good host is to take the lead! Make sure you have clear communication with your guests. Whether that is through email chains or group messages, the more detailed you are, the smoother the event will be! For example, create a list of items/dishes needed for the event and have each person volunteer on what they want to bring. This keeps everyone happy, feeling included, and makes your life as host so much easier.
Don’t fret decorations! Simple table clothes, scented candles and a few adorable small pumpkins or gourds go a long way. With some twinkling lights and a table full of food, you can turn your home into the perfect Thanksgiving scene for your guests. Get some décor ideas here.
Even if it is different, there are still plenty of ways to host and enjoy the holidays this year. Separate, but still together, stay safe and eat some delicious food with your family and friends at Monarch Waugh Chapel.