This festive season we may not be able to mix and mingle like we used to, but there are still ways of staying in touch with family, friends and loved ones. Whether you need some virtual ideas for making the most of the big day itself or you are looking for a bit of online inspiration to get into the party spirit, we’ve got some great ideas on how to celebrate Christmas 2020, no matter where you are.
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In the run up to the big day, you can still enjoy an office Christmas party or a get-together with friends. It will just be on a digital platform rather than round the dining table. All it takes is a little careful planning and decent Broadband! Start by choosing your video call platform – Zoom is one of the most popular and it’s free to make an account. Simply head to its signup page at www.zoom.us and create an account. You can also download the app and join that way. Next, make a list of who you’d like to invite. It will work better if there are no more than about eight to ten guests, as you want to be able to see everyone clearly on screen. You’ll need their email address in order to host a meeting and invite them along. Create a meeting, email the invites, which include a link to join at the relevant start time of your choosing, then start planning.
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It’s fun to pick a theme whether black tie, fancy dress, red and white, whatever you think guests will enjoy the most. Or keep it casual, it’s entirely up to you. If it’s a social get-together with work colleagues you could suggest everyone buys themselves their favourite tipple and has a few nibbles to hand or perhaps you can email everyone a list of cocktails and their ingredients so you can all have fun preparing them together. It’s also a good idea to have something to hang the party around such as an online trivia quiz or a party game such as Heads Up! Charades or Who Am I? For something crafty, how about a wreath-making party? There are plenty of online tutorials as well as DIY wreath making kits that you and your guests can order in advance and it’s a wonderful way of bringing everyone together, albeit online. Make sure you put an end time to the party on your Zoom invite, so that everyone can plan their day and make sure your background is nice and festive.
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For a sit-down meal with family or friends online, again you can do the Zoom invite or similar video call solution and plan a simple menu that you can send to everyone ahead of time. This way you can all prepare and cook the same dinner, whether it’s a three-course festive feast or something easier and less time-consuming, then sit down as one and enjoy the food together. Spend time setting the table with all the elements that make Christmas special and go to town with your decorations, crackers, candles and plenty of sparkle! Head to the ‘Recipes’ section under the ‘Cooking’ tab on the Rangemaster website for loads of ideas including Christmas bakes, snacks and sides, vegetarian dishes, starters, mains and desserts.
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When it comes to the big day itself, this year we’ll really relish spending time with family and if we aren’t able to see our loved ones in person, we can still enjoy their company in a virtual way. Again, set the table with as much festive flair as you dare and cook up a storm with turkey, roast potatoes and all the trimmings. There are plenty of online tutorials to achieve the ultimate fluffy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside potatoes if you need a little guidance and by propping the laptop or tablet on the table as you eat, you can still enjoy a feeling of being together.
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Once the main meal is over, it’s time to crack open the cheeseboard as you sit round and chat. Use this as an opportunity to catch up with everyone’s news, reminisce about Christmases past or relive funny family stories over a few glasses of sherry or port. Another idea is to do a secret Santa and ask everyone to buy a named person a gift. Set a price limit and maybe a theme and you can all enjoy watching each other open their presents.
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We know that this year has been tough but hopefully whatever happens this Christmas we can spend time with our loved ones, whether in person or online. Thank goodness for technology! Here at Rangemaster we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We shall raise a glass to a better year for 2021 and for health and happiness for all.
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