8 Virtual Hacks for a Physically Distant But Socially Engaging Party
Oh, the joys of a global pandemic and social distancing. Here we are, barreling helplessly toward New Year’s Eve, wondering when it will be safe again for people to work, play and party together.
If you can work remotely, you can party remotely. Socially distant doesn’t mean anti-social.
Virtual Partying
If Prince were alive today, would he write a New Year’s Eve anthem for 2020? “Two-thousand, two, zero, virus spreads, oops, out of space; so tonight we’re going to party like it’s 2021.”
Virtual parties help maintain a sense of normalcy and give people a chance to connect with each other and have fun from the safety of their homes. A remote party can be less stressful for people who don’t like crowds or who suffer from social anxiety.
It’s the New Normal
These days most people use video chatting (such as FaceTime) to stay in touch with family and friends and video conferencing apps to hold remote business meetings. So using the technology for a party is not a stretch.
8 Virtual-Party Tips for New Year’s Eve
A remote party can be as entertaining as an in-person party—if you plan ahead and approach it with an open mind. Check out these eight pandemic-proof, social-distancing-compliant tips to end 2020 and welcome the New Year in a festive atmosphere with family, friends and coworkers.
1. Select a Video Conferencing Platform
Start by selecting a video conferencing platform or app. Here’s a list of the most popular ones.
Some time before the party, send your guests a link to the app you selected and instructions showing them how to join the party when the time comes.
2. Choose a Fun Theme
Pick a fun theme and ask your guests to decorate the area(s) that will appear on the video and wear costumes that match the theme. You could offer prizes—such as online discount coupons—for the best decoration and best costume.
One way to approach the theme is to ship the decorations as well as treats, recipes, noisemakers and other party supplies ahead of time to each of the guests.
3. Set Proper Party Attire
We may be at home, but that’s no excuse to neglect dressing up for the biggest night of the year. For a theme party, encourage guests to wear the best costume they can put together. If the only theme is New Year’s Eve, establish a dress code to enhance a sense of togetherness during the virtual party. You may find this Party Attire Glossary useful.
4. Let the Music Play
Create the ultimate New Year’s Eve music or video playlist for your party. Ask your guests for ideas and/or have them create their own lists. Make sure the volume is loud enough for everyone to hear it but not so loud that you can’t hear each other talking. Consider using a music streaming service:
No New Year’s Eve party would be complete without a few timeless favorites.
5. Make It Playful
You don’t have to be in the same room to play games. You can use Let’s Roam to host an online scavenger hunt or go for the traditional version by asking guests to hunt for certain items at home (one by one or all at once), and whoever shows the item or items on camera first wins. If you decide to send a party box before the night of the party, include some bingo cards and chips so that you can host a bingo game. Other games suitable for virtual parties are charades, trivia, name that tune and never have I ever, among others. Search online for instructions.
6. Drinking and No Driving
This is one New Year’s Eve you can drink and not worry about driving drunk. For this game, you can use seasonal buzzwords or any other words or terms that require people to drink each time someone says any of those words.
7. Share Funny Memes
Create your own memes and share them with each other and on social media during the party. This is a super fun activity worth trying. There are numerous online meme creating apps you can use. Below is a list of some of the most popular ones.
8. Watch the Virtual Ball Drop
The iconic ball drop celebration in New York City’s Times Square will go virtual this year because of COVID-19 and social distancing requirements. The event will feature an extremely limited number of honored guests, live programming, and new and enhanced virtual, visual and digital offerings.
So tune in together to watch the show, do the countdown and have a sip (or more) of champagne. Happy New Year!