It took most of the year to accept not the new normal, but the temporary adjustments to visiting with friends during this pandemic. And from what we thought would only be a few weeks turned months and multiple seasons. So we slowly added more and more creature comforts to make socially distanced outdoor gatherings more comfortable. The holidays will look a feel a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy them.
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In the first few months, our happy hours were crudely geared with lawn chairs and soft coolers, whatever we could grab from the garage really. We were too familiar with the concrete driveways of the neighborhood, and pesky bugs. A couple staple drinkwear items that got us through the hot months with minimal bug interceptions were the Tervis cups and Swig wine tumblers.
Tervis: Tervis Star Wars – Darth Vader Tumbler with Wrap and Black Lid 24oz, Clear
Attending a Regency picnic out in the country really drove home the need for a sweeter set-up, so we purchased a folding bistro table and chair set from Ikea. They store flat in the garage and are portable even in my little hatchback. This was a game changer! This set can sometimes be hard to find in local Ikea stores, so here’s a similar set on Amazon: Vifah Bradley Outdoor Patio 3-Piece Wood Bistro Set
It wasn’t until we celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving with the neighbors when we realized we’ve had these picnic tableware sets in the garage to make our outdoor dining way more comfortable. Throw in an iceless wine chiller and homemade table cover upcycled from an old shower curtain and we’re ready for the next block dinner party!
4-person picnic set: Picnic at Ascot – Deluxe Equipped 4 Person Picnic Backpack with Cooler, Insulated Wine Holder & Blanket – Trellis Blue
2-person wine & cheese set: Picnic at Ascot Original Insulated Wine and Cheese Cooler Bag
Acrylic wine chiller: Prodyne Acrylic Iceless Wine Cooler
With Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon, I think we’ll be using this setup a lot, and maybe even add more creature comforts as we go. And hopefully we’ll all be out of this mess sometime next year. Until then, air hugs to you all, and stay safe!
More pandemic “fun” on Red Shoes. Red Wine.
Quarantine Costuming: Working From Home Outfits of the Day
Visiting Fredericksburg During a Pandemic
A 2020 Voodoo Doll Pin Cushion