It has been 4 months, or 12 weeks, or 125 days, or 3034 hours since the pandemic lockdown has started for many of us. Yes, some of us get to emerge out of the lockdown in phases, and now we can go out for more than just the essential these days. However, it will be still a while before some entertainment centers open up in our communities.
Even if entertainment options open up, the economic times mean there isn’t a lot of money left over for entertainment outside of the home. So, how do we stay connected with friends and have some fun while not breaking the bank in the post-pandemic era?
We have put together 5 cheap and cheerful ideas for at-home party ideas for your next get together with your friends. These ideas are also easily adaptive to children so you can make it a family event (and not look for babysitters).
Party Idea #1: Game Night
We have been playing online and video games far too much and for far too long during the lockdown. So, lay down the online scrabble, and text your friends to get together for a real-life in-person good ole fashioned game night! This perennial fan-favourite party idea has been around for a long time. There is nothing better than sharing a bottle of wine and play a game of charades.
You can also mix up your concoctions of martinis and make ahead hors d’oeuvres to zhuzh up the party ala Madmen for an adult party. You can also keep it kid-friendly with some beer and wine for the parents and healthy drinks and snacks for the kids to go with a game of monopoly
If you are looking for some new and exciting games other than the usual board games, you can look into Epic Escapes where you can transform your home into an escape room with clues on how to escape within a set time.
Party Idea #2: Karaoke Night
With concert halls, theatres, cinemas, and bars essentially closed, where do music lovers and the sing-along singer friends of yours go for some fun? Well, it could be your home the next time.
If you miss your favourite Japanese karaoke bar after some izakaya fare, perhaps you create the same experience by making some Karaage, Gyozos, and Korokkes and your favourite Japanese beverage, and turn it into a “Night out in Tokyo At-Home” theme.
It will be a while before you get to take hold of a microphone in front of a crowd and sing your heart out. So, for now, choose your friends as your audience, and dust off the old karaoke machine out of storage and have a grand old time!
If you are looking for a kid-friendly option, you can always have a pizza party with Disney karaoke!
Party Idea #3: Potluck Dinner
If you would like to enjoy the company of your friends and not slave away in the kitchen for a dinner party, then organize a potluck. Everyone will bring a dish and you can simply enjoy their company with little hassle.
Perhaps, you could ask your friends to make the one thing they learned to cook or bake during the lockdown and have a lockdown cuisine themed potluck party.
You can also create themed potluck parties by picking an era or cuisine of your choice.
If parents are bringing their kids, be sure to have some kid-friendly dishes.
If parents are bringing their kids, be sure to have some kid-friendly dishes.
Party Idea #4: Costume Party
Costumes are not for Halloween anymore. You can host a party with a costume theme for your friends. Pick a theme like a Toga Party or a Gladiator themed party and have themed food as well. You can also do a 50s or 60s outfit theme and have some food from that era. Combine it with potlucks and you have yourself a winner!
For kid-friendly options, think Disney or superheroes themes. They could all do a fashion show and then retreat to a movie viewing. You will have the cinemas at home while getting some quality time with fellow parents.
Some other ideas are occupation costumes, animals, or literary figures.
Party Idea #5: Activity (or Learning Something New) Party
It could be a while before you and your friends can go out and take a cooking lesson together or an art class together due to the COVID restrictions. So, you could organize an activity or “learn something new” party. You can do a recipe sharing party or a cook-off or bake-off party as an activity with a little competition.
Some of your friends might have unique skills in arts, woodworking, or painting that you can organize the activity around.
This is also a great theme for children as you can teach them life skills and get them interested in healthy food and nutrition by organizing fun parties like this. By teaching them something new and fun, you keep their learning process active so they are ready for learning whenever the schools re-open.
There is no doubt that the recent pandemic will have long-lasting effects on our lives. From economic realities to how we socialize, every aspect of our lives will have a new normal to adapt to.
As we emerge out of our homes for some sort of return to normal, we also can look into new ways of enjoying our friends’ and family’s company in our own homes. So, try out these themes and have a COVID-safe party of fun and laughter. The bonus of no loud crowds or expensive bills will be refreshing.
Bring the kids along and create a community of friends whose kids grow up together. These party themes will become traditions that will create happy memories for your children. Happy partying!
