DISCLAIMER: Make sure to follow your state and local regulations around gathering. See Washington State’s guidance on indoor gatherings here: “Indoor social gatherings with people from outside your household are prohibited unless they (a) quarantine for fourteen days (14) prior to the social gathering; or (b) quarantine for seven (7) days prior to the social gathering and receive a negative COVID19 test result no more than 48-hours prior to the gathering.”
Like all things in 2020, Thanksgiving will look very different this year. Depending on where you live, there may be various restrictions and guidance we really should follow. For many, that could mean Thanksgiving with just those in your household. It could mean a solo Thanksgiving if you live alone or maybe even turkey day via a zoom call with friends and family. We have had to throw constant creativity into the past ten months of COVID-19 and the holidays will be no exception.
If you are hosting Thanksgiving this year, chances are you need to take safety measures you might not have even thought about in the past. With the exception of a strict 14 day quarantine prior to the holiday, there is no firm way to know if we are possibly putting someone at risk. Here are some ideas to consider if you are hosting an in-person Thanksgiving gathering this year.
Small groups: More than likely you are going to need to skinny down the size of the guest list this year. It will ease COVID anxieties if you can ensure some physical distance and don’t create a crowd in your house.
Separate tables: Depending on the size of the space and how many people, have each household sit at their own table. This way you can comfortably eat and not worry about being in too close proximity given we obviously cannot eat with our masks on. You can easily turn a folding card table into something straight out of Pinterest with simple things like a table cloth and some fall decorations you might already have in other areas of your house.
Open windows: Being un-masked indoors is one way this virus can easily spread. The CDC suggests opening windows to allow air flow throughout the room. Tell your guests to dress accordingly if this will mean a bit chillier Thanksgiving than usual.
Separate kid area: Is there a way to dedicate an area to each family so the kids are not sharing toys/playing within close proximity? Perhaps ask guests to bring a few items to entertain their kids so they are not touching your kids toys? Sanitize the room before and after.
Physically distanced kid project: One idea I saw was getting one of those giant rolls of paper and then taping an “X” on the floor where kids should/should not sit and they could do a huge mural together while not being right in each other’s faces. Ask each guest to bring their own crayons/pens for the kids (and no sharing!).
Bring your own beverages: This is then one less thing for you as a host to worry about as well. Guests can put their own beverages on their table and pour drinks as they please. If you must have a beverage station, use caution around who touches what and perhaps have things well labeled and sanitizer nearby.
Divvy up food: Don’t be afraid to ask people to pitch in on bringing side dishes to ease the amount that you are doing as host!
Use disposable plates and utensils: While it may not meet your vision of perfect Thanksgiving place settings, health guidance indicates this is a safer option.
Hors d’oeuvres options: The easiest option is to skip them entirely. There is always so much food anyhow! You could also ask each guest to bring their own or you could have things separated out to prevent cross contamination between parties. One option I saw was small individual charcuterie boards at each table. Looks really nice but be warned it is adding additional work.
Mask up: Despite all efforts to socially distance and regularly sanitize, wearing a mask is still the best guidance. Wear masks when socializing before and after the meal.
Clean and sanitize often: This one probably goes without saying but ensure you are wiping down surfaces often for everyone’s safety and comfort.
Dish up carefully: Avoid buffet-style to limit who is touching the food. As the host, consider dishing up individual plates in the kitchen or offering separate serving dishes for each family (which might create a lot of work). You can also consider shared dishes with separate serving spoons or some other option. Plan ahead for how you will go about dishing up once that turkey is ready!
Set expectations ahead of time: Talk to guests ahead of time to ensure everyone is comfortable with how the day will look. Don’t be afraid to push back if someone indicates they don’t want to be cold with a window open or they don’t want to wear a mask. As much as possible, guests need to arrive on the same page and agree to follow the precautions you’ve established.
Relax: just saying the word relax makes me laugh given all the extra steps we might be going to this year. But planning ahead and thinking about how the day will look could help to put you at ease when the day finally arrives. Count the blessings you have and enjoy the day!
Happy Thanksgiving!
RELATED:
REFERENCES:
