Each year, the holidays require special planning and attention to get everything right for visitors and parties. This year, though, is not going to be the same in terms of what we can do to enjoy the holidays while also staying safe.

Even if it’s just our direct family members or a couple of friends, we can still plan and create a special holiday time from Christmas through New Year’s. Your low-key, intimate holiday event can be fun and memorable while also respecting current guidelines established throughout Baltimore and the country.

If you are hosting family members or a few friends, here are some tips for holiday planning:

  • Welcome guests with a wreath on the door, holiday flowers in the foyer, and a wreath on the mantle. Include festive flowers and accents like poinsettias in all the social spaces in your home as well as add a centerpiece for the holiday dinner. Have some poinsttia plants or small Christmas bouquets to send home with your guests.
  • Add candles and scented candles in different rooms for festive flair.
  • Have plenty of holiday music ready with a Spotify playlist or YouTube Christmas video playlist.
  • Plan to serve some holiday spirits like a holiday cocktail or bottle of champagne. Don’t forget to add some non-alcoholic cocktails or Martinelli Cider to keep it fun for everyone. 
  • Create a charcuterie platter for grazing or some other appetizers along with your holiday meal.
  • Bring it the games and activities that will make for fun and social times before and after the gift-giving and main meal.

Even if you can’t all be together in the same physical space for Christmas or New Year’s you can still connect and celebrate virtually:

  • Set up a video call on a video conference service or use FaceTime to spend time together.
  • Send flowers or plants for the holidays to match decor and plan to have matching holiday menus.
  • Open each other’s gifts that you send to each other while on the video call to share the joy of giving.
  • Plan some games or karaoke that you can play remotely.

We know this year has been challenging, but we can still enjoy these special times and be grateful for family, friends, and customers. We appreciate all of you, and hope you all have a Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!