I’ll be honest — as a passionate entertainer, I’m super bummed to not bring together a dozen girls in my overcrowded living room as we did last year. But alas, we are still experiencing a pandemic that relies on our extra caution during this time of year (especially as case counts reach new records). I am thrilled to bring you a series of ideas in partnership with Bella Vita that can inspire your groups of friends to celebrate friendship despite the distance!
IF YOU’RE NOT GATHERING IN-PERSON:
Write a letter — Reflect on your friendship, how it came to be, what you cherish most, and what you can’t wait to do first together after this pandemic ends!
Sweeten their day at the door — Surprise them with some packaged cookies from a local bakery (my pick are these shortbread from Smallcakes Collierville in a Casafina baker from Bella Vita!
Wine and cheese via Zoom — no one necessarily needs extra turkey this year, believe me. Share a bottle and your favorite brie or bleu virtually. Yes, Zoom is getting old, but it hits differently with friends during this season. Grab a hand-painted gold leaf stemless wine glass to pour your favorite bottle!
Coordinate through a cookbook — Select (or gift) a favorite book from Bella Vita for every friend to cook from on the same night!
IF YOU ARE GATHERING IN-PERSON:
Keep it outdoors! Embrace sweater weather and get cozy as the temperatures cool — and yes, masks can keep you warmer, too.
Forego family-style since you aren’t family — Individually-portioned dishes are the way to go. Individual charcuterie places? Tapas-style Turkey and fixings? Bring it on! I love these mini wood diamond boards with brass knives to create individual charcuterie experiences.
