Let’s face it: even if the current pandemic starts to improve and life starts to slowly resume a little, things aren’t going to be the same for a long time. And definitely not in time for Christmas 2020, sadly.
The saddest part is obviously family and friends not being together in large groups, without a care in the world about mixing households, how many people can gather, and where everyone can end up. When you look back – life was so carefree and filled with freedom, but now we have to be so cautious to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.
However, it doesn’t mean that Christmas is cancelled. It’s far from it, and there are still so many fun activities that can be shared with family and friends with the advanced technology we have. Zoom might seem a bit monotonous these days, but you can’t knock it for the endless fun it can create when you get together on it with the right people.
An activity worth trying this Christmas with friends virtually is food and drinks tasting – something everyone is guaranteed to enjoy. If you’re not exactly sure how to do it, I’ve worked up a few ideas below which could definitely spread some festive joy across your groups – even if you are all sat behind computer or phone screens!
Gin Tasting with Games
This is a great one to do with a group of ladies who really appreciate their gins! As dining out and travel are on halts during lockdown 2.0 and potentially beyond, create your own special gin tour experience at home. You can create a gin session complete with fun and engaging games, where you can ensure that beofre hand, you and your ladies have a variety of gins, tonics and additons like fruits and spices to liven the drinks up. o
You can mix the tasting session up with a range of simple G&T’s and then gin based cocktails to live it up a little. Think of it as a virtual night in with DIY cocktails, quizzes and special gin themed prizes to be won!
Whisky Tasting
For a classy, ‘gentleman’ themed night with a smaller group, look at hosting a whisky tasting evening from home which takes on a smart luxury experience.
Exploring the world of whiskey on your own is no fun – there are so many different types of this premum drink that needs to be a shared experienced with those who appreciate the taste of this golden liqueur. The best way to host a whisky tasting evening it to gather together virtually and have a quality whisky tasting set ready. It might be a nice one to do in couples, where each couple gets hold of a tasting set before the main event.
This way, each couple can learn their likes and dislikes with different types of whisky, come up with new ways to sip and enjoy (whether with a different mixer or on ice) and even do blind scent or taste tests and guess which one is the most expensive.
Pizza and Prosecco Night
Never underestimate the power of a few homemade pizzas and a bottle of fizz (or two!). The best thing to do when it comes to a virtual PP evening is to all get together over the video calls and start making your own pizzas. Keep your toppings a secret from everyone else, and at the end, mark each other in terms of presentation and individuality.
The whole time, crack open a trusty bottle of prosecco to join you for the baking process! Although Prosecco is often a favourite for a girls night, this activity can be carried out with families, singletons, couples, and friends alike.
Cheese and Wine Pairing
Love a bottle of crisp white wine? How about red wines with plummy undertones, or fresh and zesty rose wines? If there are a few of you with an appreciation for good wine, then hosting a cheese and wine evening could be a lovely alternative to just your standard drinks over zoom set up.
There are so many wine retailers delivering bottles in bulk to homes over the festive season, if you wish to avoid travelling anywhere to stock up. You can browse recommendations from some of the most quality wine merchants, who can recommend deliveries of wines grouped together for certain tastes or food pairings.
You even look for wine and cheese pairing sets to buy online, or, set everyone on the Zoom call the task to go out and purchase an array of favourite cheeses to enjoy while sipping the wines.
Beers from around the world night
And last but not least – one for the beer lovers! Why not host a themed drinks night based on a country that offers your favourite beer? If you love Peroni, you could host a virtual Italian night. If you enjoy Staropramen beer, have a Prague themed evening! You can enjoy your beers from around the world with cuisine inspired from the chosen country, and you can even dress up a little to reflect their culture.
The bottom line is, although it won’t be the usual Christmas we are used to, it doesn’t have to be on that leaves out any socialising. You can still enjoy your favourite tipples alongside games and your nearest and dearest – it just has to be slightly more creative this time around!
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