7 tips to safely host a gathering amid the pandemic

If you're ready to welcome guests, here are more tips from Parker, Willis and others on how to host a safe and fun post-pandemic gathering: 1. KEEP IT SMALL. There's no reason you

have to dive right into a huge party, says Parker. “I keep saying slow and steady, like slow, small and steady,” she says. “Our social muscles have atrophied and it's OK to begin slowly

building them again.” 2. BE AN ACTIVE HOST. This can be as simple as greeting people at the door and introducing guests to each other, says Parker. Then, orient your guests to the purpose

of the gathering by creating what she calls a short “moment of focus.” It can be serious or humorous, but even a 30-second statement gives the gathering shape, as in, “You are the people

we've missed the most. And we trust that you will love each other, love meeting each other. And thank you for coming,” she says. 3. STICK TO INDIVIDUAL SERVINGS. Try a “box lunch” style

meal or snack so there's no buffet table or shared plates of food, and diners can stay socially distant if they choose. All ages love surprise gifts, so tuck a small prize in each box

or decorate the boxes, Willis says. “I went to this party and they had little miniature Matchbox-style [cars]. I have a red tractor. You can be 50 years old, whatever, doesn't matter

how old you are and you get a little toy, it brings out the kid in you.” Party and entertaining expert Darcy Miller, author of _Celebrate Everything,_ suggests individual “graze” boards with

a selection of finger foods. And, she says, make sure to mark each glass with a guest's name so there are no mix-ups. 4. PICK A THEME. Miller suggests evoking an exotic locale

that's been off-limits during the pandemic. If it's Greece, that might inspire silly “Olympic games,” a movie or music that evokes Greece, and Greek-style food. 5. PICK AN

ICEBREAKER. Set out a simple craft, like painting rocks, Miller says, or give people a theme for discussion, such as “I am most looking forward to… ” 6. BREAK OUT THE LAWN GAMES. Cornhole,

ring toss, badminton will all get your guests moving, says Seri Kertzner, “chief party officer” for Little Miss Party Planner in New York City. Set out bottles of hand sanitizer at each

station to reassure guests, she says. 7. KEEP IT CLEAN. “If there's one place you want to really clean in your home before hosting a party, make sure it's your bathroom —

especially post-pandemic because if your guests go inside, that's the one place they will go,” says Kertzner. Spark it up with fresh flowers and pretty disposable towels. And don't

forget the antibacterial hand soap.