Socializing in the Time of Social Distancing? Try Virtual Parties and Game Nights

Currently, every major country in the world is in a partial or complete lockdown to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of us are staying indoors, obeying shelter-in-place orders, and following the physical distancing norms recommended by our public health officials. During this time, every family is coping with different challenges. Whether it is cranky toddlers, virtual schooling for kids, work-from-home logistics, or restricted and time-consuming trips to get basic groceries, we are all working through these difficulties. Yet, every day you come across extraordinary stories of people finding creative ways to protect their families, entertain their kids, and help their local communities. So why not try something unique to add a dash of excitement and happiness, despite the grim circumstances? Organize virtual parties and get-togethers with friends and family. They can be super fun!

If this is one of your first attempts at online socializing, keep these three things in mind.

1. Segregate your party groups: Usually when you throw a party, you may arrange for the kids to hang out in designated spots, away from the adult zones. However, that may prove to be a tough ask in an online environment. As far as possible, segregate the plans for kids to mingle with their friends from the ones for adults socializing online.
2. Get your timing right and send invites. Scheduling an after-dinner time slot may be a good idea so that the adults can tuck their children into bed and sit down to relax at the end of the day. Send out a meeting invite and a snapshot of the party plan to create a little buzz. You could even announce a dress code, just to give everyone something to look forward to.
3. Shortlist an app or tool that works for everyone: Apps such as Zoom, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, or Skype offer multi-device compatibility, as well as group video calling facilities. However, the number of participants and features for each platform may be different. Carefully select one that suits your group size and requirements.

Ready to get started? Here are some ideas to host an exciting party online:

• Plan a wine tasting: If everyone in your group has access to wine shops, or the possibility of home delivery, decide on a theme of wines, pick 4 to 5 bottles of the same range and bag them for a blind tasting game. Take turns, guess the wine, keep score, and make it a friendly, virtual competition. Alternatively, let everyone pour out the same 4 wines into 4 different glasses. Take turns to sip and describe the wine in your glass, and let the others spot the same wine among their own pours.
• Binge-watch shows together: With Netflix Party (a Chrome extension), you and your friends can stream online shows together while sitting in your own homes. Share a few laughs, relieve your anxiety and work your way through your favorite dramas and comedies.
• Organize games, puzzles, or trivia nights: Purchase a Jackbox party pack that comes with 6 games that you can play with up to 10 friends, or use the Houseparty app to play free games while video chatting with friends. You could also download Playing Cards, Words with Friends, QuizUp, and other such games to compete with friends in real-time.

Once the social distancing measures ease up, plan a getaway with your gang to the gorgeous Napa Valley and enjoy a memorable stay at the Napa Valley Hotel and Suites. For bookings call 707-226-1871 or reserve your suites online.