Can You Really Practice Hospitality in COVID-19?
A Generous Heart Knows No Bounds, Here are a Few Ways to Celebrate the Holidays Safely in 2020
Hospitality in the time of COVID-19?*
It seems counterintuitive, certainly. In many places around the United States, gatherings are restricted to 10 or fewer guests. So, while 2020 has brought on a slew of unexpected events to everyone in the world, it comes as no surprise that the holiday season may look a little different this year.
Of course, while large gatherings with friends, family and coworkers are strongly discouraged, you may find yourself hosting an immediate family member or two under your roof out of necessity.
Here are a few tips to keep you and your travelers safe this season:
1. Have a Plan and Set Expectations
The CDC discourages air travel and other forms of transportation as the spread of COVID-19 continues to climb. Ensure your guests are practicing social distancing, washing their hands and following proper mask-wearing protocols.
At the end of the day, it’s your home, and you have the final say on who may spend time there.
2. Common Area Masks – and Other Necessities
Encourage your guests to wear masks in common areas of your home. Along with basic toiletries and fresh towels, consider adding masks, hand sanitizer, and hand soap to your list of provided amenities.
3. Individualize Hand Towels and Serving Utensils
For common area bathrooms, be sure to provide individual hand towels for guests washing their hands. In the kitchen and dining areas of the home, consider serving food to guests and avoid “family style” passing of dishes and buffet style service to avoid sharing common utensils or touching food products.
4. Spend Time Together Outdoors
Taking a walk, building a campfire, and even creating a picnic outdoors is a great way to spend time together while practicing social distancing. If you have a card table, or outdoor patio furniture, put them to use! Try setting up a holiday themed table-scape outside, complete with no-contact lawn games.
5. Enjoy a Common Virtual Thread
If the risk is too high or it’s simply not possible to spend time with loved ones this holiday season, pick a few traditions to celebrate virtually. Read a book together, light the same scented candle, create a virtual wine tasting, play a virtual game, journal, or complete a special project together.
Having a tangible task while checking in virtually will give you a physical reminder of your loved ones through the remainder of the year. This will ensure your connection goes beyond digital, and into the physical world. And who knows, maybe you’ll create a new family tradition along the way!
From your friends at Benson Homes, stay safe and enjoy the holidays!
*With numbers of cases changing rapidly in the United States, it’s best to remain informed about high-risk areas and activities. Read more about COVID-19 and official CDC Guidelines here.