Upgrade Your Virtual Festivities With Oprah's Favorite Things
Virtual gatherings are so 2020. The good news? We’ve been doing it for months now and it’s starting to feel...normal. And while this year’s holiday calendar might look a little (ok, a lot) different than seasons past, you can still plan a fun gathering with your favorite people. With that in mind, we’re here to help you level up your virtual festivities with a few tips and fresh picks from Oprah’s Favorite Things.
To start, pick your platform—your options include: Houseparty, Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, and Google Hangouts. By now, you probably have one that you’re most comfortable using. So while there's no need to complicate the tech side of things, your overall considerations should differ from the day-to-day work Zooms we're all so used to.
First, consider the size of your group, along with in-app perks. Skype and Zoom are best for bigger crowds. If you decide to go with Zoom, think about upgrading to Pro so that your party won’t time out after 40 minutes, and definitely take advantage of the customized backgrounds and choose something holiday-inspired. HouseParty is all about the in-app games and can host up to eight people, so this might be the move for a more intimate gathering.
Next, have fun with virtual invitations! A festive invite will help make it feel more like a party than a meeting. Remember, companies like Paperless Post have been reimagining the way we send invites and RSVPs for years now.
Once you have these first two steps sorted, the party prep begins! So let's get into it, with curated items ahead from this year's Oprah's Favorite Things.
Make it nice
Set yourself up. Scout your location (living room? kitchen?) and set the mood. Light your favorite candles and turn up a festive playlist. Holidays are the time to use your nice serving pieces, and celebrating virtually does not mean you have to skimp on the good stuff.
Set out a yummy spread of hors d'oeuvres on a chic tray, and use your pretty plates. You deserve it! Drape a cozy throw blanket beside you to bring texture and warmth into your virtual set-up.
Get Glam
`Tis the season to have fun with your look. The best part about getting dressed up for a virtual gathering? You can go party on top, comfy on bottom—literally no one will know if you’re wearing slippers.
Footwear aside, let’s focus on what’s actually seen during a virtual interaction: your face. You really don't need a full face of makeup to give yourself a boost—which is good because there are cocktails and apps and playlists awaiting your attention. When considering your glam plan for digital party life, stay focused on areas that will have the most impact.
False lashes are a fun way to amp up eyes and instantly enhance your on-screen look. Next, accentuate your party pout with a good tonal lipstick to liven up your face while keeping the attention on those bold holiday eyes. We especially love Mented Cosmetics lipstick for its stunning nude shades that complement every skin tone.
When it comes to accessories, earrings will always help frame your face. These little pearl danglers from Oprah's Favorite Things list are equal parts sweet and festive. For a larger hoop option, we love these by Simone Smith.
Time to Party
And now for the main event! A signature cocktail is a perfect way to enhance the shared experience of it all, so choose a recipe to send to out in advance, and make an activity out of it by prepping your drinks together. Go for the good stuff, like Carbonadi vodka—its filtration process involves black diamonds! With a sip so pure and delicious, you can keep the recipe super simple. Here's one to try:
Black Diamond Martini
Ingredients:
2 oz. Carbonadi Vodka
Lemon twist to garnish
Directions: In a mixing glass filled with ice, add Carbonadi. Stir quickly to chill and dilute the drink properly, about 20 seconds. Strain into a well-chilled martini glass. Garnish with lemon twist. Cheers!
Next, entertainment. Consider the crowd. Are we shared Spotify playlist people or more of a game night kind of group? Have some options on hand, such as Black Card Revoked, a smart and funny celebration of Black pop culture (and a favorite of Oprah and Gayle’s).
Don’t forget the party favors! Consider mailing out a crowd-pleaser treat ahead of time to get everyone in the spirit—a box of festive cookies is always a good idea.
Most importantly, relax and enjoy. We’ve been through a lot this year and it’s time to gather our loved ones (even if virtually) and unwind. And don’t forget the photo ops—1-2-3, screenshot!
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