When was the last time you could chat with your best friends for hours without worrying about unwanted interruptions? While many coffee shops and restaurants have reopened their doors during the pandemic, it's been tricky to arrange for an afternoon meet-up: One of your friends is anxious about people not wearing masks and avoids public spaces. Another one has had a baby during the pandemic and is very concerned about health risks for her newborn. Besides, most places have a two-hour policy, after which they ask you to leave if you are not consuming food anymore. So, that's why it would make sense to invite everyone to your place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in peace. It is a safe environment for Covid-anxious friends, and you don't have to worry about how long you're going to be.
By Team Savant
Image: sheri silver
Plan A Catch-Up Like Any Other Event
The first step with event planning at home is to figure out which spaces you are going to use. For a catch-up, for instance, you are likely to sit around the coffee table in the lounge. Focus on your party space and make sure to clean and declutter it. It is also a good idea to organise the equipment you will need.
Receiving friends for tea and cakes will need some careful preparation:
A suitable tray for drinks and snacks
teapot and cups
other glasses and mugs for other drinks
plates and dessert cutlery
audio or video equipment if you wish to show or capture memories
A Sweet Treat For Everyone
It can be tricky to keep everyone satisfied when your friends are unique dietary requirements. However, it can be helpful to plan ahead so you are prepared for all eventualities.
Homemade baklava can be a lovely snack for those who are worried about large portions. The dessert is cut into small, sweet pieces that literally melt in the mouth. Beware that baklava contains nuts. For gluten-free and lactose intolerant diets, you can replace the phyllo sheet and the butter with suitable alternatives without affecting the dessert.
Alternatively, you can also opt for homemade cookies, which can be amended to accommodate all dietary needs. Typically, it is easier to avoid nuts in cookies!
You want to focus on presenting food in many small portions rather than placing a large cake on the table. You are less likely to have leftovers with many little biscuits or snacks.
Tea Or Coffee?
Nothing beats a comforting pot of Earl Grey! However, if you prefer something a little bit more special for your friends, here are some great ideas too:
A pot of freshly made Moroccan mint tea
Tall glasses of creamy chai with warm spices
Delicate matcha latte complete with latte art
Refreshing glasses of iced americano with oversized ice cubes
Sweet cappuccino cups with a little chocolate dusting
Homemade iced tea with fruity flavours
What If Your Friends Want To Help?
You can also keep things straightforward by sharing jobs. Typically, it is good to leave the most time-demanding dish to the person with fewer time constraints. So, if your friends are short on time, you may want to keep things easy by suggesting manageable tasks, such as bringing a bottle of almond's milk or chai spices rather than requesting baked goods.
Ultimately, a friends' catch-up is all about relaxing together in a safe and casual environment. Therefore, there is no need for you to be nervous about the event. Focus on comfort and convenience; the rest will follow.