Here are a few tips.

DO YOU NEED A PARTY?

Different teams need different things in this unique year, and leaders cannot decide without talking to the partygoers.

“Some communities this year need escape, some might want to mark losses, some might need moments of nonsensical joy,” Parker said. “So first find out what your people need, and then design your event around it.”

GET THE TECH RIGHT

Throwing everyone into an unfamiliar tech platform for an online party with no preparation is a recipe for disappointment. Choose an online environment that is fairly intuitive and easy to navigate, and spend some time getting everyone up to speed.

“Don’t underestimate the need to know how to use the technology,” Parker said. “Especially for older generations, you want to make sure they have the tools to meaningfully connect. It’s very frustrating to deal with tech glitches, and not be able to be a part of something.”

INVITE FAMILIES

As head of Atlanta’s Team Building With Taste, Paul McKeon has been hosting culinary competitions for years, in his company’s fully stocked commercial kitchen. This year, most of those kitchen battles are taking place online.

The best way to make a holiday party work is to allow a glimpse of your personal life, McKeon said.

“Make your partner the sous-chef, or have your son or daughter help in the prep work,” said McKeon, whose chefs guide partygoers in creating dishes like risotto primavera and judge at least the plating, even if they cannot eat it.

“This is not the time to be just staring at each other’s foreheads,” McKeon noted. “We’ve all been lonely for so many months, so share a bit of yourself, make it personable, and have fun.” 

Reuters