Yes, we've been Zooming, Skyping, Webexing and/or Google Meeting since early spring, And, we’ve been spending way more time at home. As Thanksgiving approaches, we are all beginning to look at the holiday and gatherings a bit differently.
Can't host the entire family at home for Thanksgiving this year? One solution is to stage a virtual gathering. But to make it engaging for those watching on-screen, you need to think like a producer. Here's some pro advice to make this as easy as pumpkin pie.
Choose a Platform
The most important thing to do ahead of a virtual gathering is decide how you’ll get together. If a member of each household has an iPhone or Apple device, a group FaceTime call may be easiest, since it doesn’t require a complicated set-up or meeting invitations.
Send a Meeting Invite
Once you’ve decided how you’ll call, decide when to gather the family. Send out an email invite with all the information and tell your family members exactly how to dial in or join. Don’t forget to include meeting codes and passwords, if applicable.
If you’re going to be video chatting with family members who aren’t as familiar with the technology, consider hosting a run-through the day before to avoid technology glitches on the day of the main event.
Plan Your Menu
If your family gathering is going virtual, you may not need a whole roasted turkey and all the side dishes this year. Alternatives include a festive Thanksgiving charcuterie board for the members of your household, or a smaller-scale menu of your favorite traditional dishes. Having a few staples (like turkey breast or a small batch of mashed potatoes) can make things feel a bit more normal.
Make it Festive
Try and incorporate some festive elements in your background. Candles, flowers, and other holiday décor will make the experience feel cozy and intimate, even though you’re all talking through a screen.
Cook Together Virtually
Part of the fun of the big Thanksgiving dinner is making the meal together. If you’re missing this aspect of the holiday, call your mom, aunt or cousins as you prepare the scaled-down meal for your family.
Give Thanks
Once everyone has joined the video chat for the virtual feast, spend time chatting and catching up with everyone. Once all the households have finished their meal, it’s time for a round of the classic, "What are you thankful for?" Take turns on video chat or around each table, sharing thoughts of gratitude and thanks.
So, thanksgiving may feel a bit different this year, but it can still be meaningful and festive. For more information on the finest homes of the Palm Beaches, contact a Tauber Real Estate Services specialist at 561-626-4633.