Here are the protocols and decor we put in place which can be used for any celebration.

COMFORT LEVEL SIGNALING. It’s sure to become a new trend.  Pictured below, we offered bracelets upon arrival and staggered guests through two entrances. This concept can work just as well by offering colored masks, boutonnieres, ribbons or pins.  So many ways to allow guests to signal their comfort preferences! And by placing it at the entrance, guests are immediately put at ease that this party is thoughtful and safe.

PRO TIP #1: Avoid displaying anything in bowls or baskets–no touching! We kept these bracelets spaced out using Lucite bracelet holders that we purchased on Amazon.

PRO TIP #2: Stick with shades of  red, yellow and green so guests can easily identify and remember their meaning.  We used primary colors for this baby shower, but you can choose pastels or vintage shades that work with your event aesthetic.

RED – I’m keeping my distance.

YELLOW – Okay with talking but not touching.

GREEN – I have antibodies!  Okay with hugs!

Engaged over the holidays

Pro Tip #3 – Most everyone chose Yellow or Red so when making your purchases, be sure to buy more of those colors.

SAFE SPACE SEATING This was another protocol we used to keep guests safe.  Each group sheltering together was escorted to their own reserved seating lounge, complete with an area rug to delineate their “safe space,” lounge furniture to kick their feet up and a shade umbrella to stay comfortable.  We had enough room in our clients back garden to space each reserved lounge 10 feet apart, which gave guests more than enough comfort and space to walk the pathway between the area rugs and converse with each other safely. The maze-like garden and striped umbrellas were not only functional but also worked with the theme, inspired by the book!

PRO TIP: The lounges can be closer together – we had originally only planned on 6 feet. And lounges can also be substituted for tables with chairs when planning more formal celebrations.

 

Socially Connected, Physically Distant Lounges at an outdoor baby shower

Decor executed by the very talented David Beahm and Team.

 

CONTACTLESS SERVICE was gracious and thoughtfully executed by Creative Edge Parties using a modern approach to old-school butler serving trays on stands, shown below.  Safe for guests.  Safe for staff.  Win-win. Each reserved seating area had a cocktail table which was set with their own accouterments including water, specialty drink (with cute custom Seuss themed hang tag signs by Ceci New York), personalized drink tumblers, min champagne bottles on ice, hand fans, EO hand sanitizer spray, custom face masks, a megaphone and a copy of Dr. Seuss “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!”  Custom “Oh Baby” masks by Corbin Style were distributed to guests and front of house staff.

PRO TIP #1:  Waitstaff changed their rubber gloves every hour and signaled this to guests by changing the color of their gloves.

PRO TIP #2:  Take a moment as you’re escorting guests to their table or lounge to explain the concept of Contactless Service, and be sure your serving staff are also well acquainted with the concept.

Contactless Service at a Socially Connected, Physically Distant Dr. Seuss Themed Baby Shower

COMMUNAL SPACES such as bars or DJ booths where people will be congregating and speaking to staff had Lucite protective shields to keep staff and guests safe.  This Taylor Creative bar and DJ booth both had custom fronts designed by Team Beahm to match our theme!  And there’s our fabulous DJ Jason Fioto of Generation Events spinning tunes!  No dance floor for this event! Not until it’s safe and we can party with reckless abandon!  In the meantime, music still makes the party so talk to your entertainment provider about what they recommend to keep everyone energized.

Bar with protective plexi shields keep staff and guests safe

ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS.  This may seem obvious, but it’s easier to keep everyone you love safe if you gather and celebrate outside.  Living in New York and other areas that are cold in winter make that more challenging but where there’s a will, there’s a way.  Get outdoor heaters and lounge around a fire pit for s’mores and hot toddy’s. Don’t have a back yard and desperate to see friends?  Open your windows and doors, wear your masks and toast to the day when we won’t have to wear them anymore.

Now that I’ve shared some of the safe protocols we put in place, the ball, as they say, is in your court.  If we all act responsibly, we can stay socially connected, safely.

5 Ways to Create a Socially Connected, Physically Distant Party

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