I said earlier this week and I think we can all agree — celebrations look different these days. I recently had the opportunity to shower a mama to be and wanted to share some entertaining tips for such a time. I do think some of these elements of celebration will become routine and more common as we move towards a post-covid time. It may be hard to adjust, but we can still find the joy in life’s milestones!
***These are my personal tips and ideas. Please pay careful attention to the data in your area and proceed with what’s best for you, your guest of honor, and your guests. ***
One — Ask your guest of honor what she feels comfortable with. In this instance, the mother to be was comfortable with a small crowd and felt that all guests had been taking proper precautions.
Two — Determine how many you can comfortably seat with six feet surrounding each guest. In this instance, I knew I could seat eight individuals outside (weather permitting) and inside as well.
Three — As a follow up, discuss numbers and guest list with your honoree. This may be the appropriate time for very close friends and relatives to be present, but perhaps include other guests in other ways.
For example, ask guests to drop off a present before the shower or perhaps arrange a time for a drive thru shower. It’s important to include those guests who may not be physcially present. We’ve all gotten accustom to the zoom meeting over the past five months, however, the zoom is getting a little old and quite frankly, awkward. A personal approach, would be to record the honoree opening an individual’s gift and then texting or emailing the video to the individual with a sweet sentiment expressing your thankfulness for still partaking in the shower from afar. If you’re doing a drive through shower, perhaps the honoree can open the gift while the individual is in the car and able to watch from a safe distance.
Four — If you determine you want to execute one of the above options, be sure you let your guests know this ahead of time so they and you can make appropriate plans in purchasing and delivering the gift.
Five — Keep food and beverage to a minimum. I would suggest hosting the shower at a time where a large amount of food doesn’t feel necessary. Keep it to two items (a snack and a sweet) and one beverage.
Six — Be sure all food and beverages are prepared in individual serving items so that no one needs to pick up a serving utensil. They should be able to grab their portion and when finished, set it on a tray off to the side for the host to clean up afterwards.
Seven — Keep food and beverage stations far apart. We don’t want too many people congregating around one area. I would suggest having a beverage station right when they walk in and the food station in another area.
Eight — Regardless of COVID, it’s important for all hosts to properly greet and provide direction to guests. This is new territory for entertaining, so be sure you plan how you will greet guests. No guest wants to walk in and not know where to put their purse or gift. Based on how I laid out this shower, here are some lines that may also be helpful to you:
“Thank you for coming! If you would like a beverage, please take one from this tray (motion and indicate they are already poured and ready to go). Please set your gift on the table near our honoree’s seat and if you would like a snack, please take one from the table over there and then find a seat for us to beginning opening presents shortly.”
It may sound like this is all about efficiency, but truly, it’s all about the details and precautions; guests will appreciate the thoroughness of planning during this time.
Nine — Communication is key. Be sure your guests know how many people to expect at the gathering, how they should deliver gifts, mask information, and all the plans. It would be considerate to include this information on a separate insert with the invitation. As a host, your RSVP duties may be more detailed in this area than just collecting names and a headcount. Be sure you include your contact information so that any guest may contact you if they need assurance or further guidance on gift delivery.
Ten — Grace and flexibility. Being a gracious host starts the moment you decide to plan the shower, not the start time of the shower. Be understanding that everyone has their opinions, thoughts, concerns, fears, and more. Offer the flexibility for a guest to cancel their RSVP or be a no-show. You should also be flexible in knowing that every day is different, and if there’s a spike in numbers, it may be wise to cancel altogether or make the shower entirely drive through.
Eleven — This should go without saying, but wear a mask! This is also an opportunity to have fun. Why not get a mask monogrammed for the mother to be or bride to be? Have disposable masks at the entrance or go one further and have some adorable masks made as a sourcey for each guest. Tapping back into #8, provide direction for your guests upon arrival; let them know we’re most comfortable with you wearing your mask until you sit down where you’ll be six feet away and then you can take it off and enjoy your snack and beverage there.
Twelve — Have fun! It may be a little stressful with all the extra details, but don’t forget this is a celebration!
