Did You Know?

Hints for hosting a safe holiday gathering

By Julie Young, House and Home Writer

Let’s face it: This year’s holiday happenings may look completely different than they have in years past. However, with a little planning and plenty of mindfulness, it is possible to host a fairly safe holiday in your home, and we’ve got the top tips to pull it off.

Plan, Prepare And Proceed with Caution • Keep the guest list short. Although we love the idea of bringing everyone together, don’t let your event become a “super spreader.” Consider ages, health risks and geographical location when extending invitations. Remember in 2020, less really is more.

• Set up multiple tables.

Remember social distancing rules still apply where family is concerned and who doesn’t love a little extra elbow room?

• Dine al fresco. If possible, make your outdoor living space the center stage for your holiday gathering.

Use space heaters and outdoor fireplaces to keep your guests comfortable.

Also, wear masks when not eating. SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP? Black Friday shopping is a time-honored tradition among some families, but this year, retailers are rethinking the event by adjusting their hours, dispensing with mad dash “doorbusters” and offering more online deals to keep customers safe. Still determined to shop until you drop? Consider the following: • Contactless curbside pickup may be your check online deals.

Guest List: Ethan Samantha Brendan Carlie Lindsey Nolan Michael Nick Side Dishes: Green Bean Caserole Mash Potatoes

• Including others.

Create a Zoom meeting — or use a similar video chatting platform — to connect with family members who can’t be in attendance.

• Don’t pass the potatoes. Rather than load the table with shared dishes, serve your guests “cafeteria” style. Use paper plates, plastic utensils and create individual servings of salads, rolls and dessert to minimize cross contamination.

• Don’t linger over coffee and board games.

Although these traditions will be missed, it’s best to have a hard stop to the day’s festivities for the safety

lifesaver. • Forecasters suggest that Black Friday deals won’t be limited to one weekend, which gives you the opportunity to get plenty of bang for your buck. • Don’t forget to of everyone present.

STATS

Support Local • There were 93.2 million buyers shopping online during Black Friday 2019. Don’t forget to support local businesses • Black Friday online shopping sales hit an during the shopping season. Saturday, all-time high of $7.4 billion last year. Nov. 28, is Small Business Saturday, and many local businesses will be hosting sales to celebrate the day. Always the Saturday • The average adult plans to spend $400 on Black Friday sales. after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday • Leading the generations were millennials, who was launched by American Express during were the biggest spenders on Black Friday 2019. the Great Recession in 2010. Source: https://spendmenot.com/blog/black-friday-sales-statistics/ ... and now you know!

Freshen up your home with our design ideas, just in time for the Holidays. We can help with décor inspirations, room layout (with new or existing furniture), accessory arrangement, lighting ideas, and problem areas you just don’t know what to do with. Hourly consultation available.

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212 West Washington Street, Suite 9 Goshen, IN 46526 574-534-3989 www.sweetwaterinteriors.com

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Jean Joldersma’s Designer Santa’s available beginning in November – just in time for the holidays. Customize your own!