Everything We’ve Learned About Having Fun at a Distance

Depending on the state you live in, the social norms around social distancing have shifted. Experts agree that masks remain a smart idea, as does staying at least six feet away from others, but we wanted to touch on a few ways to stay connected with the people you adore without increasing your risk. Here’s what people are doing—and loving—that make sense to us.

1. Picnicking From Far Away

The great outdoors is a fine place to be, we can all agree, and sitting at least six feet from your friends while blowing bubbles/ drinking rosé/ comparing charcuterie notes sounds lovely to us. Bonus: You can practice your vocal PROJECTING and be ready for your star turn at the theater once the pandemic passes. (Shop our sweet picnic gear here!)

2. Virtual Parties

It’s gaining traction: Virtual parties of every stripe. You’ve been tagging us on Instagram, and we just love it. We’ve got Molly Sims’ tips on a great happy hour here, and some of our favorite bloggers’ ideas for a meal here. (Need recipes? Oh, do we have recipes for you.) Just remember to keep whatever you prepare simple enough that it doesn’t stress you out; there has been plenty of stress to go around the last few months!

3. Bingo, Remotely

Alright, alright, alright! Matthew McConaughey hosted bingo—remotely—for residents of a retirement home in Texas last week. It was adorable: His Mom, wife, and two of his three kids joined him, calling out numbers. Bingo is one of the rare games that could be quite fun to play via Zoom, as it requires a minimum of back-and-forth talking, and eschews the chaos that a large group chat can contribute to the platform. Of course, you get to interrupt to say, “Bingo!”

4. “Visit” a Museum

Whether you decide to do a solo tour or join a parent, friend or kid, consider a museum tour. So many of the world’s major museums, from the Louvre in Paris to the Met in New York, have options for you to broaden your horizons. We particularly like the idea of “doing” an international museum with all the country’s greatest-hits snacks at the ready. Don a beret, “see” the Mona Lisa or gorgeous Claude Monet Water Lilies at the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, and eat baguette with ham and butter. Because why not? Oooh, la la.

5. Watch a Favorite Movie “Together”

For this one, you’re going to have to pick a flick you know backwards and forwards. Maybe re-watching The English Patient with Mom as a belated Mother’s Day gift. Or you’re psyched to watch The Godfather Part II with Dad when Father’s Day hits on June 21^st. For extra credit, send a bottle of wine or popcorn in advance of your movie-watching date. And pick a flick with which you won’t mind interruptions. You and your bestie know all the lines to Top Gun? All the better. Feel free to bring your own claw bangs and Champion sweatshirt to the party. Want to make your home feel like a movie theater, we have tips there too. Be creative; get ridiculous, and hang in there.