Staying connected with family and friends today is more important than ever, even in the face of the stay at home orders. Fortunately, there are ways to still connect with everyone doing the activities you love just from the safety and the comfort of your own home.

 

Start a Virtual Cooking Group

 

Gather your friends and family that love to cook and get together virtually of course! Choose a time and a host and get cooking! Either have the host choose a theme/recipe or everyone have their own input and take a vote. Make sure everyone has enough time to have the right ingredients bought or delivered so everyone can cook together. Choose a time that works for everyone and set up a Zoom meeting where everyone can gather, talk, cook, and enjoy the delicious results.

 

Host a ‘Live’ Cooking Event

 

Do you have a beloved recipe you want to share with your circle? Why not take turns around your group? Each person chooses a theme and a night and showcases their cooking skills. Show off your family’s favorite recipes or bake a delicious dessert. The key is to get together (virtually), enjoy good food, and have fun!

 

Start a Recipe Train

 

Sharing recipes isn’t easy when we have to stay at home, but thanks to the internet and our old friend Google, it’s easier than ever! All you have to do is start a Google doc and share it with everyone in your circle. Anyone you share it with has editing rights, so each person can add their own recipes. Start off the fun by adding your own fun recipes and encourage everyone else to do the same. Before you know it, you’ll have a ‘Quarantine Cookbook’ that anyone can print or just save to use through quarantine and long afterward. What a great memory to have of this interesting time!

 

Host a Virtual Dinner Party

 

It may not be the same as being together in person, but nothing says you can’t break bread with your besties online! Choose your tech platform (Zoom works great), choose a theme and recipes, and get ready to host!

 

Here are a few fun tips:

 

-        Make the theme fun and really embrace it – PJ party, formal, or choosing a specific genre are all fun ideas, but have fun with it and go all out

-        Decorate your space – Have fun and decorate the room to really get into the theme

-        Choose recipes and share them with the group – Make sure everyone has the ingredients and time to make the same foods

-        Include entertainment – Play a game, just sit and chat, watch a movie, or do a fun activity, like a cooking lesson or workshop.

 

The key is to have fun during this time at home. We know it’s challenging for everyone, but it’s also a great time to think outside the box. We have so many resources at our disposal that we can all use to connect with friends and family and really make the most of this time at home.