After months of shelter in place, we are slowly starting to get back to seeing our friends and loved ones. There are still health risk concerns, especially for those with compromised immune systems. More people are entertaining at home in a controlled environment. 

During the cooler months of shelter in place, I started a happy hour on the porch with neighbors. No one entered the house, but we had cocktails and a few munchies, and it was fun to socially distance yet be social. With warmer temperatures, the porch is too hot late afternoon for happy hour. Entertaining moved to either indoors or on the deck.

Tips for Entertaining at Home

“I always put out a pitcher of ice water with citrus slices. Even guests who opt for a cocktail or beer will switch over or want water with food.” – Sharon MacGregor

“Put fruit on a wooden skewer and add it into the glass pitcher. It looks pretty and can be taken out and eater as well. When I use a glass bottle with a narrow opening, the skewer comes in handy to discard the lemon and lime wedges once it’s empty.” – Simone Gogel Eisold

“I always have my bar and glassware set up ahead along with a playlist of music”. – Nancy Margherita Monaco-Swaab

“I have fresh flowers in my home when having guests. It’s an inexpensive way to get to show off a vase, finish a room and you get to enjoy it for days!” – Matt Smith

“I’m all about presentation even if it’s just for snacks for myself. The food and drinks presented should like art.” – Linda Nilon

“Place seating at least 6 feet apart before guests arrive so that there is no uncomfortable sitting issue. I also have a separate table without chairs for food. I wrap utensils in napkins and place on plates. Hand sanitizer is on the table too. People can go around and get their food with limited cross contamination.” – Char Mevs O’Connor. 

“Lighting is so important when inviting guests into my home. I adjust all of the overhead and accent lights until they set the right tone. The same goes for music.” – Jessica Williams

“Try to do as much prep as I can prior to the event so that I can spend the majority of time with my guests. I hate to be running around when we have people over.” -Lara Licata

“Clean the home the day before or the morning of the gathering to make sure everything is fresh and looks pristine. I take an extra step to make sure there are sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer, along with soap in the guest bathroom to take comfort in the best hygiene practices.” – Tori Toth

“If there’s a project you’ve been meaning to get to, schedule a get together. It will force you to finish the project.” – Wendy Glaister

My Favorite Sanitizer Find: Hudson Naturals Hand Sanitizer: This is the best scented, clean, fresh sanitizer I have used. It’s made locally in the Hudson Valley. I have a bottle in my house, in my car and in my handbag. Available at Field Trip on Liberty Street in Newburgh or online 

https://www.fieldtrip-shop.com/sanitizer/4-oz-hand-sanitizer