Designing for the Season in the Midst of COVID

Our goal is always to enhance you and your family’s lifestyle. Here are some design practices you can apply to your day-to-day life or for those special occasions. While COVID has brought its share of challenges, there is a lot to be grateful for this year. It has been a blessing to be able to take a step back from the hustle and bustle and be able to truly reflect on what is most important. Thanks to quarantine and social distancing, we have all come to appreciate what has always been right in front of us. The holiday season is well underway, and we are all still trying to navigate it with health and safety in mind. Traditions may need some modifying, and your checklist may look a little different this year. Remember, the environment you are creating in your home will help you and your loved ones be ready for this joyous time. We have carefully planned and compiled a holiday checklist that incorporates the new health and safety paraments that we hope will help you welcome your company in the most stress-free way.

Not the Same Song and Dance

A holistic design brings peace of mind that helps alleviate the rush that always comes with this time of year. While your overnight guest list may be altered this year, it is still essential to make your guest feel welcome and safe during their stay. Here are a few little reminders that will make the transition easier for everyone. 

1. Plan and Plan Some More

Planning, especially this year, goes far beyond the usual cleaning and decorating. There are various hosting options to consider in our new normal, such as, digital meetups or socially distant in-home events. Before your visitors arrive, be sure to discuss the importance of social distancing and the appropriate time to wear a mask ahead of time. This will help keep everyone on the same page and establish the answer to any questions they may have during their stay. Also, it is best to keep your guest list to a minimum this year. I know we all want to gather with those we love and that seem so far away. There are other ways for us to gather, celebrate, and keep everyone healthy and safe.

If you have guests that are still coming home to you, discuss transportation ahead of time. Schedule with them a set times and coordinate rides, so that you can prepare for them upon their arrival.

2. Safety First

Here is a list of go-to items to have ready and waiting. Keep everyone safe but make it fun with personalized or festive masks. This will remove the awkwardness if someone forgets to bring their own. Another good idea is to provide mini sanitizing pouches as welcome gifts. You can conveniently place these in the guest room or on your entryway table. Remember to stay a safe distance from others when possible and if the weather permits, host outdoors. This allows for ample airflow and a nice change of scenery.

If the weather does not permit an outdoor gathering, consider these tips for an in-home socially distant gathering option. For a cozy and safe dining experience, set up two dining tables at least 6 feet apart. This will help keep everyone included and safe. Bring the crisp outdoor air in by opening a window with a screen. The fresh air will keep the circulation in the room fresh and prevent any stuffiness. If it is far too cold out, consider using an air purifier. Anything like this that will help with air quality control will help everyone stay in the holiday spirit in a careful manner. As the host, it is okay for you to ask your guests or family members to wear a mask except while dining. They know as well as you do that everyone is doing their best to keep themselves and everyone around them healthy. To help lighten the load of hosting order take out for you and your guests. If you are like us and you enjoying cooking, set up a buffet, and take turns getting your meals. Once everyone has settled, que that background music and open that special bottle of wine you’ve been saving, and enjoy connecting again.

Lastly, keep washing your hands and avoid touching your face. Be sure that everyone washes their hands before touching the serving utensils. If your guests see that you are dedicating time to make sure your hands are clean, they will follow suit and will make this activity second nature or a conscious habit if it is not already.

Consider what your guests will need during their stay, such as fresh linens and a private space to put their belongings. Your dwelling will be their safe space during their stay. Adding little touches will make them feel more accommodated and right at home. Make your visitor’s stay an enjoyable experience by having your home well-lit with plenty of open outlets for them to charge their mobile devices.

Don’t forget those thoughtful elements that will help to elevate the overall look and feel of your home. The feeling your guests will have as they mingle within your home should provide them a sense of safety and comfort. If you are able to hire a professional cleaning service, this is a huge plus. A deep clean will give your home a fresh new feel. Next, make sure your bathrooms are well equipped. Stock them with plenty of toilet paper, fresh towels, and tissues along with the festive touch of holiday soap. Make hosting a fun and easy for you by keeping your pantry fully stocked to allow you to indulge and celebrate more freely.

3. Show Must Go On

To bring a sense of normalcy to an unforgettable year, decorate as you usually do. Not all traditions require a change when something like COVID comes along. A good way to spread joy and cheer this holiday season is by safely volunteering or donating to your local charities and organizations. A fun activity for you and your family could be to bake your favorite recipes and play games with the little ones. Indulge in nostalgic moments that remind us how blessed we all are.

For example, host a movie night where everyone can tune in, wherever they are, and whatever they feel comfortable in—like those infamous matching pajamas. If gifts are your thing, send them to your loved ones in the in the mail and of course, don’t forget letters or those holiday cards. This is the perfect way to let your favorite people know that no matter the distance, you are thinking of them and they hold a special place in your heart.

4. Virtually Anywhere

Be with your loved ones from virtually anywhere. Keep everyone healthy and safe, by choosing a virtual option to gather that includes everyone. You can send your video conferencing links via email or text and share any itinerary details you’d like your guests to prepare ahead of time. It’s always fun to share recipes for food, drinks, or even cooking together LIVE can shrink the distance. Prizes like digital gift cards can be awarded to the best-looking dish or the most festive cocktail. Adding these little touches, along with other creative virtual party ideas, will help make this new tradition a hit.

We hope this comprehensive checklist of little reminders will help you plan and gather with your holiday visitors safely. There is no right or wrong way to do things this year because it’s 2020. Navigate your environment the best way you know, and the rest will take care of itself.

Have other ideas in mind? Share your tips with us on social media or send us a note. We’d love to hear your creative solutions for hosting a memorable and joyous holiday season!