yellow pink and blue party balloons
Lifestyle

Throwing That First Post-Lockdown Party!

*Collaborative post.

I have to start by saying that normally, pre-COVID, I am the most antisocial, boring person EVER. I am so introverted and much prefer my own company over a big room full of people. Or at least, that’s what I thought…

COVID 19 has definitely changed the way I feel about socialising and hosting/going to events. It turns out that even though I’m a big old introvert, I actually kind of love social events. I like being with ‘my’ people. I like watching them laugh and talk about their lives and I love the little buzz the ripples through the room at social events. Don’t get me wrong, I am still awkward and anxious around people I don’t know, but that’s a whole different issue for a whole different post!

flat lay photography of desserts
Photo by Karley Saagi on Pexels.com

Lately I have found myself thinking about that first post-lockdown party we can have. We all know that big ‘parties’ as we know them will likely be out of the question for quite some time, but smaller gatherings are expected to be allowed as spring and summer roll around. So many of us have experienced lockdown birthdays and other celebrations that didn’t quite turn out how we originally envisioned them, and I’m sure this will be a great time to start having mini celebrations and making up for lost time. 

Just being able to have friends or family around you is an event enough to be celebrated. Here are some great tips on how to make that first post-lockdown party amazing, and keep everyone safe too.

Make that first post-lockdown party fun and safe!

Brief everyone on the ‘rules’

Government guidelines are obviously subject to change, and the information we have now may not be the same when larger social gatherings are allowed. Therefore, before anyone comes into your home or garden – or any other venue – ensure everyone is familiar with the rules and agrees to stick to them. Once the expectations have been discussed, you’re free to party! 

Decorate with style

Someone please tell me I’m not the only one who loves decorating a venue before the event starts? Hanging banners up, setting tables, wrapping gifts, and making sure everything looks perfect is 100% my thing. The first post-lockdown party is going to be amazing, and what better way to really wow your guests than with personalised banners, gifts and wrapping?

Dom and Geri create personalised banners, wrapping paper, and cards, as well as stocking a huge variety of designs for common occasions. I really like that you can choose to personalise occasion banners (birthdays, celebrations etc), or you can go crazy and create something completely unique! Their ‘anything you like’ banners start from only £12.49 and come in 3 different sizes. These would be so great for that first social gathering you host when restrictions ease up!

brown and pink doughnut with sprinkles
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Pexels.com

Don’t forget the food

Party food has to be the best food ever, right? Yeah sure, we can all queue up and wait for that fancy restaurant to open up, or we could shovel a paper plate full of ASDA’s finest onion rings into our mouths when no one’s looking. Even better, get the BBQ out! What’s better than sitting around the garden in summer with the kids playing and the grown ups drinking and chatting? Nothing, because BBQs are pure bliss!

Keep the kids entertained

Friends and family will likely have a lot of things to catch up on! Having something out to keep children entertained will make sure everyone stays happy. If you’re in the garden having a BBQ, setting up some fun activities and games, such as hosting a mini beast scavenger hunt, or blowing up the paddling pool are all great ways to give the kids something to do so they don’t get bored. If you’re hosting an event indoors, colouring pages and easy to make games, such as this DIY Nerf Gun Target, or this 3-in-1 DIY toilet roll tube game always go down a treat. There are loads more outdoor playtime ideas here, if you’re looking for more inspiration for the big day.

yellow pink and blue party balloons
Photo by Ylanite Koppens on Pexels.com

Ultimately, that first gathering is going to be so amazing. 

It’s going to be so nice to be able to see everyone, hug them, and laugh again! I know that we’re still a long way off, but if lockdown has taught us anything, it’s the importance of friends and family and the role that they play in our lives – even if you’re a big old introvert like me. 

Rachael is a 31 year old mum to 10 year old Luke and 5 year old Oscar. She lives in England and writes about family life, crafts, recipes, parenting wins(and fails), as well as travel, days out, fashion and living the frugal lifestyle.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

*Some links on this blog may be affiliate links. Lukeosaurus And Me is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk