Finding Togetherness While Apart
Even when we can’t be together physically, we can be together virtually. During this trying year, you missed out on countless in-person happy hours, lunch dates and dinner parties. But, being separated by distance doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun and stay connected with your friends and family.
Put the social back in social distancing with these get-togethers that you can pull of remotely. All feature everyone’s favorite pastime: food and drink. Because what’s a party without them? After you pick your video platform of choice — Zoom, Skype, Facebook (the list goes on) — and invite your guests, start the preparations.
If you prefer fine wining and dining ...
Host a wine and cheese tasting.
Before your event, ask each participant to decide on a different type of wine and a cheese to taste. You don’t have to be experts to find a delicious combination. If you’re looking for some guidance, we recommend these pairings:
Establish how you’ll start the tasting: white to red, youngest to oldest or driest to sweetest. Then, follow the five S’s of wine tasting: see, swirl, sniff, sip and savor. We understand wanting to skip to the sip, but a good swirl to your glass will enhance the aroma and flavor. After your tasting, pick and rank your favorites. The next time you uncork a bottle of wine, you’ll fondly think of your friends who tried it with you.
If you want the fun of a wine and cheese tasting without the coordinating, check with your favorite wineries to see if their sommeliers are hosting virtual tastings.
If nothing sounds as good as a home-cooked meal ...
Swap recipes and cook together.
Whether you’re apart because of the circumstances around the pandemic or living far away from family, you can find connections to your home and the people you love through food. Bring traditions to the table by swapping recipes with family members.
Share a recipe you want to try or your favorite holiday dish, and find a time to all log on virtually. Then, prop up your phone or tablet in the kitchen and bring your long-distance loved ones into your home as you cook your favorite meal together.
If you’re toasting to the weekend ...
Make cocktails and hold a themed evening.
Start by choosing a spirit and recipe; then, share it with your attendees. Keep it simple, so the ingredients and tools are easy to purchase and prepare in advance. Or, choose a drink you wouldn’t normally make so you and your guests can try something new.
To add more ambiance to this get-together, pick someone to play DJ for the evening and choose a theme for everyone’s attire and a digital background for the event. On the beach, in a speak-easy or in the mountains — anything is possible with a virtual backdrop. Or, use this virtual get-together as an excuse to break out your favorite cocktail attire for a dapper evening.