As lockdown releases and we can see more of our friends and family, we are having to learn to adapt to life with Covid-19 here to stay for the foreseeable future. Many of us are realising that life must go on and that we cannot continue to hide. This certainly does not mean we can just carry on as we did previous to the pandemic, well, not unless we want to cause potential harm to the most vulnerable people in our society. To protect others in society people have been coming up with more and more ingenious ways to spend time with the people they like and love while staying safe and within government guidelines.

At Partybox Ltd, we want to encourage people to start having parties again to celebrate those special occasions and milestones in life. However, we want you to do it within the guidelines and safely. Today’s blog looks at 7 socially distanced outdoor party ideas and some basic hygiene guidance that can help reduce the spread of Covid-19.

7 Socially distanced party ideas – Weather alert… you may need a gazebo.

Teddy Bears Picnic

A teddy bears picnic is a lovely way to enjoy a birthday. You can have these outside and ask guest to bring their own teddy and cushion to sit on. You can make clear spaces where your guests can sit and play some fun games.

Masked/Face covering themed party

This could be the perfect time to have a masked party. You can send out templates for masks as part of the party invitation or give them a theme such as a Ninja party or Arabian Princess Party. You can see a video here showing you how to make a ninja mask from an old t-shirt.

Outdoor Movie Night

It is relatively inexpensive to buy a projector these days that you can show your favourite film through. Then all you need to do it put up a large white sheet to project on to. You could ask guests to bring their own cushions and provide individual popcorn for your guests.

Creative Arts Party

Set up little artists areas each with their own little artists kits. Maybe consider individual canvasses, mini paint kits, or mini arts sets that the guests can do in their own space.

Traditional Party

There are several traditional party games that can be played keeping guests at a distance. Consider putting spots on the floor so guests know where to stand. Some ideas of games that can easily be played are Simon Says, Grandma’s Footsteps, Musical Statues, Musical Bumps and dance competitions. You could also play some race games such as egg and spoon if each guest has their own kits or limbo making sure children stay apart.

Book an Entertainer

You can book an entertainer such as a magician or a themed character keeping social distance. You can put spots on the floor so guests can watch at a distance and ensuring they are sat separately to other guests. This will reduce the number of guests allowed as the entertainer will count as a person from another household but an even better experience for those attending as it is so up close and personal.

Football Party

If your little ones enjoy football you can technically invite a few more guests to come and enjoy a game of football. It will need to be run by a local club ideally that will follow the rules with relation to that sport and social distancing but can be played in your local part. Ask around and see if anyone is happy to organise a game for you.

Practical Advice for reducing the spread of Covid 19 at small gatherings

1.       Provide sanitiser on entrance to your event. You might want to give a small one to each of the guests attending. These are really cute that I have seen on Amazon and would make a super keepsake from the party.

2.       In the bathroom provide disinfectant wipes. Ask little guests to tell an adult if they are going to the toilet and make sure the facilities are cleaned after each use.

3.       Ensure your guests wash and sanitise their hands before and after eating

4.       Provide individual drinks bottles to guests with their names on. Click here for a bottle tag template.

5.       Provide individually wrapped foods and provide in a cute bag/box with the guest’s names on. Click here for a food tag/party bag tag template.

6.       If they are going to be sitting you can ask them to bring their own cushions, blankets and teddies with them.

7.       You can provide masks. You might want to hand make some with themed materials and give them as a keepsake or paper ones and let them write their name on or draw a picture. Remember: Children don’t have to wear masks and some won’t keep them on. This is just about reducing the spread where possible.

8.       Finally, if you have a cake consider how you are going to blow out the candles. Consider ready wrapped cup cakes or take a look at our blog about blowing out candles.