Thanksgiving is almost here and we’re in the middle of a spike in COVID. Gathering together with family and loved ones is one of the best parts of the holidays. It’s something most of us look forward to all year. Like everything else this year, Thanksgiving will have to be different.
The CDC has released guidelines for celebrating the holidays and minimizing risk at the same time. You can find their complete guidelines here.
If you choose to host a small thanksgiving gathering, please do it outside with a limited number of people form your immediate household or quaranteam. Keep the risk low by following the CDC’s guidelines. While none of this sounds great to anyone, we’ve compiled a list of some ways to make these outdoor gatherings a little better.
Heaters
Fire pits or heaters. Check your local restrictions on open flames but fire pits and outdoor chimineas can be great sources of heat and help cast a warm glow on your space. Gas and electric heaters are also another great option. It’s California winter so you never know if the night will be warm or cold.
Décor
While it may not be the same as gathering around a table, it doesn’t mean you can’t still go all out. Orange, brown, white, green colored tablecloths, plates, napkins, cups, and even utensils. One of the upsides of using single use plates and utensils is that they come in a rainbow of colors and endless designs.
Layout
Get an outdoor rug (or one you don’t care about getting dirty). Use it to help define the space and break up the monotony of a large open area. Add some chairs (6 feet apart) and tables to add ambiance. Defining different spaces in a backyard will help it feel more comfortable and welcoming. Be diligent about sanitizing surfaces especially between uses.
Lighting
Lighting is key for setting the mood. String lights hung across an outdoor space are a great addition to any backyard. They not only create a nice warm light, they help enclose the space and make it feel more welcoming without actually closing anything off.
Outdoor candles are another great option. Be sure to keep them away from anything that can catch fire. Citronella candles are a good thing to have on hand if you have a problem with mosquitos. Even though it’s not summer, those pesky bugs still like to bite.
Music
A good playlist is KEY to creating a festive and comfortable mood. Get a Bluetooth speaker and take requests from guests ahead of time to make it more collaborative. If you need some inspiration, check out our Spotify Ultimate Thanksgiving Playlist.
Cannabis
Single serve packaging of edibles is a great option for “sharing” cannabis with your guests. Sanitize the packs, put them out on a table, and let your guests pick! Chill Chocolates, Camino, and VCC are a great option for single serve. Choose a CBD ratio for guests who may not be too experienced with cannabis.
Drinks
BYOB and single serve are the way to go. Try THC drinks alongside the normal assortment to add some chill vibes to the night. Try Dixie Elixir or Cannabis Quenchers for some delicious options. If you want to make it more festive, get some fun Thanksgiving themed cups and straws.
Hand Sanitizer
Have it out and available for all of your guests. The more convenient you make it, the more likely your guests are to use it.
Masks
Get Thanksgiving themed masks. Remember to wear them when you aren’t actively eating or drinking. We know it’s not the most comfortable but it goes a long way in keeping your germs to yourself and helping to stop the spread of Covid.
Clear Communication
It’s best to set the expectations for guests ahead of time. Let everyone know that they should wear a mask, practice social distancing, and keep their hands clean and sanitized throughout the night. If you want everyone to bring their own food and drink (which is recommended by the CDC), let everyone know ahead of time. Recommend bringing warm clothes since you’ll be sitting outside and ask anyone that may be feeling under the weather to stay home.
We realize none of this is an ideal situation for anyone. Our goal is to make the most of the situation and be thankful for the friends and family we have in our lives, even if we can’t see them as often as we want.
For more information, please go to the CDC website here.
An additional article we think you will enjoy is our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide.