The holidays are a time for rejoicing with family and friends. This year is looking a little different, but that doesn't mean we all can't be together. With so many turning to virtual gatherings, we wanted to share some of our favorite ways to party online!
General Tips
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The most preferred platform to host virtual gatherings is Zoom. Some other options include Google Meet, Facebook Messenger Rooms, and Facetime (Apple products only). Each platfom provides different features, so make sure to do some research to see which one will work best for your group.
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On platforms like Zoom, breakout rooms can be used to divide groups into “teams” for games.
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The Zoom whiteboard feature is an excellent tool for games such as Pictionary
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Polls can make things fun by asking questions throughout an event. They can be serious check-ins with your group, or funny questions to keep the party atmosphere flowing.
Fun Things Before the Party
Make your event extra special by putting a little bit of thought into the before-the-party details.
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Mail out an invitation to make the event more personable than an email. Use a site like bit.ly to shorten the meeting URL to something that’s easy for guests to type in or follow up with an email with a clickable link.
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Send a “background kit” in advance – this could be themed such as a holiday kit that contains twinkle lights, fake snow, a picture of a fireplace, etc.
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Send a wrapped gift to all participants.
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Send a “party box” with materials ahead of time that will make things more interactive and fun.
3rd Party Hosts
Hand the planning over to the professionals. 3rd party hosts will take car of the party for you, so all’s you have to do is sit back and relax with your friends or family. These are some of our favorites! Each company has a menu of different event options to choose.
Games
If your group loves playing games, here’s a list of sites that you can use to create online, playable favorites.
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Kahoot allows you create different games and activities to play during a video call. You can customize questions, time limits and more.
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Engage in a variety of free, trivia-style quizzes that you can play with friends in real time with Quizup.
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Wheel of Names is a spinning wheel that will randomly select names of members in your group. You can use this to “choose” a participant or to call a winner of a prize.
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Online crossword puzzles allows users to make their own puzzles and complete as a group or do individual contests. Crosswords with Friends is the most popular option.
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One of the most classic boardgames on the market now in an online format. Play Monopoly online with your
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For all our scrabble fans, Words with Friends is a way to test your vocabulary and score points with different letters. Pop open a video chat and play in real time.
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Set up a video call with your guests, then invite them to play games like euchre, hearts and gin rummy via email.
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Create a fast paced, energic party playing the favorite party pleaser- Scattergories.
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Print cards ahead of time (or make your own board!) and play a rousing game of “who’s done what during 2020!” Bingo.
Things to Do
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Hire a creative host to run your virtual party or invest in a dynamic speaker. This could be a comedian, an inspirational speaker, a professional bingo caller, etc.
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Do a virtual escape room
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Participate in a murder mystery (or create your own). Here are two great resources!
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Decorate cookies, gingerbread houses, cupcakes, etc. You can send pre-made kits ahead of time to make it easy for guests to participate.
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Watch a movie or show together using Netflix Party.
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Host a virtual art party. If you’re not an artist, you can hire something to teach a class on painting, pottery, floral arranging, collage making, scrapbooking, card marketing, etc.
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Virtual beer and cheese tasting – City Brew Tours hosts for you and delivers all the products prior to your event!