With social distancing, stay-at-home protocols and social gathering restrictions, here’s some home entertaining trends you’ll love for 2021.

We’re definitely not entertaining people in our home like we used to BUT, there’s still ways for us to connect (in varying degrees) with the important people in our lives.

Connecting Virtually   

For many, last year saw the move to a more virtual work life (Zoom meetings, online conferences etc.) and our social lives followed this move.   The new year will see a continuation of this trend but perhaps with a more creative twist than just a virtual chat session. (although those are good too!)  

The new year will see people connect for “online” game nights, create themed Zoom calls and stream movies for a synchronized watch experience.   

Outdoor Home Entertaining

Around here, the rules for social gatherings has allowed for more people to join if they stayed outdoors (and socially distanced of course).  So, the trend will be to move the party outside!  

That means 2021 will involve more outdoor get togethers: backyard BBQs, picnics, happy hours etc.

Think this is limited to warm weather only?  No way! Even the cold weather will be enjoyed outdoors with friends – think hot chocolate around campfire.  If you’re thinking about hosting to an open-air gathering, here’s a few tips for outdoor entertaining.

Individual Serving Sizes

The trend this year will be to move away from serving food on one large platter for guests to help themselves and instead, focus on individual serving sizes.  This helps to minimize the number of people handling food but as a host, it’s an opportunity for you to be imaginative and help your guests feel special. 

I mean, how cute are these individual charcuterie boards?    You could even offer veggie cups as an app or try single serve desserts like mini-pies, cupcakes, fruit cups.   It doesn’t have to be extravagant. Be creative and thoughtful and your guests will be sure to love it!

Low Key Home Entertaining

This year we’ll see home entertaining simplified, and a move towards more casual gatherings.  That means simpler recipes (or even take-out), easy table settings and smaller gatherings (for obvious reasons.) If 2020 taught us anything, it taught us how to simplify and focus on what’s truly important.  Let’s spend more time enjoying those around the table instead of fussing about what’s on it. 

Big Little Moments

As we continue to spend so much time at home, 2021 will have us looking for ways turn everyday little moments into reasons to celebrate.  For example: family movie night becomes a special event, a regular dinner becomes something extraordinary.

Turning these little moments into something special helps break up the boredom and gives us all something to look forward to in our (severely lacking) “social calendar.”

If you’re looking for a few ways to make dinner time special, here’s a few ideas.

Last year taught us that it’s impossible to predict the future, and while we may never get back to “normal” – I have to believe that one day our table will be full of guests and we can enjoy the experience of all being together!  

In the meantime, we make the best of the current situation, connect where we can and focus on the joy!

Cheers my friends, to a new year full of happy hours!