4 TIPS TO HOST (SMALL) GATHERING IN A PANDEMIC

After months of quarantining and isolating and Zooming, many people are ready to socialize — even from afar — with other humans.

But is it possible to party in a pandemic?

“It’s important in pandemic times to not think about ‘safe’ and ‘unsafe’ — it’s all about levels of risk,” says Donald Shaffner, professor of food microbiology at Rutgers University. “Anything you do poses a risk, whether it’s grocery shopping or going for a walk.”

But he says the safest course — not socializing at all — comes with mental health and other risks of its own. “Maybe we’ve reached the limit of what we can do with virtual happy hours,” he says. “So we have to think about reasonable things to do.”

If you decide you want to gather, here’s what the pros say about how to do it as safely (and graciously) as you can.

1. Limit the guest list

Starting small, with one or two people, keeping it short and staying outdoors is the most sensible way to begin. The risk of transmitting the virus is far lower outside, public health experts say, and the more people you encounter, the more risk.

The number of guests should also depend on how much space you have. Monica Theis, a senior lecturer in the department of food science at the University of Wisconsin, notes that you need to keep social distancing even as people move around. “What’s the setup — can you really keep all guests 6 feet apart at all times?”

Think about your guests: If they are older or immunocompromised, they might be more at risk.

It’s harder for children to maintain social distancing, so consider making your gatherings adultsonly. Dogs can also be a problem: Health experts have suggested they, too, should socially distance from nonhousehold members.

2. Ditch the invitations

A phone call might be better than a text or email invite. That way, you can explain what you have in mind and hear what your friends are or are not comfortable with.

And don’t take it personally if a friend isn’t ready to get together. Everyone’s comfort and risk tolerance should be respected. Also, make invitations “come as you are” (no judgments on bad hair) and, if you don’t want guests coming indoors, “weather permitting.”

3. B.Y.O. Everything

Besides social distancing, it’s crucial to eliminate common touch points. Bryan Rafanelli, founder of Rafanelli Events, who staged events for the Obamas at the White House, says box lunches and dinners are the way to go. “You can’t just do a big buffet anymore.”

Takeout is acceptable. You and a friend can order and pay separately and eat together yet distant.

If you don’t want to use disposable dishes and utensils, you could put out a bin for people to leave dirty dishes in. The host can later pick it up and load the contents into the dishwasher — washing his or her hands afterward, of course.

4. Be bathroom smart

Ditch cloth towels in favor of disposable ones. Also put out lots of soap and hand sanitizer.

Not everyone is comfortable offering bathroom privileges. One block of neighbors in Virginia has set up a regular Saturday night gathering in alternating backyards. You bring your own food and drink, and if you need the bathroom, you simply go back to your own house.

If you don’t want guests in your house, simply tell them it’s a twohour drinks party and there’s no using the bathroom.