While we’re all taking a break from larger social gatherings, it’s been warming my heart so much to see all of the ways that people are still connecting with friends and family - from syncing up movie streaming to virtual happy hours to spending unplugged nights playing old school board games. It’s truly amazing to see people coming together to support each other and show so much love during a time when we can’t be as physically present. Last week I shared 40 Things to Do at Home, but this week I wanted to focus specifically on ways to celebrate special occasions at home. With my own birthday around the corner (and texts from friends asking what I’m going to do to celebrate), I’ve been wanting to share some ideas with you all.

Let’s get started with some ways to plan for your occasion:

1. To build off of last week’s post, I think it’s absolutely essential to set aside a specific time to celebrate. Setting that time block helps you feel a greater sense of control over the plan of your day.

2. Make it a goal to decide if you want it to be a virtual celebration (have a few friends or family on video chat) or if you want to keep it unplugged ahead of time. This will help you let other friends/family know about timing or just mentally prepare for your special time with those in your home or solo.

3. Plan a strategic grocery store run or delivery. Knowing that many of us are balancing quarantine measures with daily needs, try to grab a few celebration items when you’re at the store just before your special day. This could be anything from special treats, items for your gathering, fresh flowers, or even some simple decor…

4. Which brings me to my next point - Yes! You should decorate. Even just a few balloons, flowers, or party garland goes a long way in making you feel more festive and in the mood to celebrate.

5. Get a little fancy. Okay, maybe you don’t have to throw on a floor length dress and heels or pull out the tux (if you do, I fully support it), but whatever it means to you so you feel like you’re actually celebrating a special moment. If you’ve been lounging in sweats for work each day, this might just mean jeans and a cute top! If you’re planning a virtual gathering, set a fun dress code to keep things exciting (e.g. fun socks, colorful pants, or even vintage tees)

6. Finally, cue up your fav playlist!

Remember, this is your special time to shut off any distractions, focus on you or your loved ones, and enjoy being in the moment.

5 ways to celebrate special occasions at home

Cupcake Catch-Up — For the social butterfly On their birthday

This one is fun to plan for a friend’s birthday.

Unless you’re like me and you included sweets in your grocery store stock-up, you’ll want to plan to add cupcake mix or the raw ingredients for a DIY cupcake session in your next run to the grocery store. Let everyone know what to buy, and don’t forget some fun decorations like sprinkles and candies!

Select a group of 3-6 and set a certain time to start your cupcake cookin’ extravaganza video call. Use the baking time to catch up on life and share funny stories about your friend.

You can kick this up a notch by coordinating with the group ahead of time to send a small gift or card to the birthday girl/guy and ensure they arrive on the day of. After you’re all done decorating your cupcakes, show em’ off on camera and vote on who made the best one. (You can even post a fun poll on social media and let the crowd weigh in on a little friendly competition.) Then, have your friend open their gifts on the call while you all enjoy your freshly baked cupcakes.

It’s simple, festive, and the various elements allow it to feel like more than your “everyday moment.”

Spa Retreat — For the quiet time enthusiasts

The amazing thing about a retreat is that you can customize this to be exactly what you need. If you plan to do this with a partner to celebrate an occasion together, be sure to align on the schedule for the day to allow it to run as smoothly as possible. Here’s a mock itinerary below of my dream at-home retreat to get you started (consider all vegan meals/snacks throughout the day to help cleanse your body).

7:30am - Simple morning refresh (shower, tea, loose workout clothing) + set your intentions for the 8-hour retreat day

8:00am - Journaling

8:20am - Stretching & meditation

9am - Make a light breakfast

9:30am - Sit on your balcony, patio, or in your backyard. Take in the sounds/sights around you. Notice details that you haven’t before.

10am - Enjoy a workout class (yoga, HIIT, Zumba etc.) & take 15 minutes to stretch or refresh after

11am - Write out a gratitude list

From here on, build in a light lunch & snack, pamper session (such as a hot foot bath), more meditation, prayer, and perhaps even something unique like a sound bath class or “earthing” to enjoy the rest of your day alone or together, unplugged, and re-centering with what makes you feel at peace.

Build your own Bed & Breakfast — For the creative ones who love to lounge

I love this one for birthdays or anniversaries!

1. Order flowers to arrive in the AM. Who doesn’t like to wake up to a special delivery?

2. The night before, prep a special treat to indulge in on the morning of (it could be fresh baked cookies or hand-squeezed OJ). This will mimic the little homemade touches you can find at most bed & breakfasts.

3. Set up a luxurious bubble bath complete with lavender spray, essential oils, bath bombs, exfoliant, and whatever else you binge-ordered on Amazon to pamper yourself!

4. Take an hour to cook up a Southern comfort-style breakfast. Most B&Bs spoil you with a delicious hot meal, so there’s nothing better than pulling out your own family recipes and cooking up your favorites.

5. Spend the afternoon in bed at your special Bed & Breakfast (aka your bedroom) with a book or a movie. Take in this time to lounge alone or with your partner — enjoy your special delivery (flowers) and the treats/breakfast you made.

Secret Ingredient cooking Challenge — for the competitive ones

This one is fun and designed for 2+ people, so it’s great for a little friendly competition on your anniversary! Choose a secret ingredient from a hat or have a friend to send one to you. The next time you’re at a grocery store, give each other 20 minutes to grab enough ingredients to create a 1- or 2-course meal plus dessert.

Once you’re ready to get started, set an hour on your timer, divide up cooking utensils & stove space evenly, and get started!

Set up a special dinner table setting as the backdrop for your meal. Do a taste test and score each other’s dishes.

Patio Picnic — for lovers of the outdoors

Again, this one is perfect for a virtual gathering with friends or with those in your own home.

Get a breath of fresh air and change up your view. Grab a blanket and pack a special lunch to enjoy outside (in your personal safe space). Set up a theme for your meal to make it more fun and have your virtual participants join in on the theme at their respective locations. Don’t forget to set up some string lights, pillows and candles or birthday decor depending on what you’re celebrating.

To add an extra element to this picnic, consider making it a surprise for an anniversary or doing a gift exchange if you’re celebrating birthdays among friends. The gift exchange is the same concept as a ‘Secret Santa,’ but ensure that you share addresses and have the gifts arrive to each others’ place the day before the virtual picnic).

I wish you all the best of luck of in setting up your own special occasion celebrations for yourself or those around you! Even if you can’t create an elaborate plan for the day, remember that something as simple as a hand-written note, card, or video chat can go a long way in making some feel special on their special day! Reach out to your loved ones, and keep finding creative ways to stay in touch. While we might not be able to go out the way we used to, for the time being, we can still celebrate in our slippers!