Common Sense
If you're feeling under the weather, do not host or attend a party. It doesn't matter if you were supposed to bring the Jell-o mold -- everyone will forgive you if you keep your germs to yourself.
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Interior
Holiday Party: Keep Yours Free of the Flu
by Homesessive
The flu has many of us changing up our habits and routines. Lots of my friends, especially those with kids, are simply going out less (and cleaning more). People are more cautious about going to work or school with a sore throat.
I'll tote around extra hand sanitizer and make a point to sneeze into my elbow all day, but there's one thing the flu won't make me give up -- holiday parties. I'm going to throw them and attend them just like I do every year, but I might take a few tips folks like Jennifer Sbranti, founder and editor-in-chief of hostesswiththemostess.com, and etiquette expert Anna Post from the Emily Post Institute in this Associated Press article (via Fox News) on how to keep those parties flu-free.
View the slideshow above for Anna's tips!
Ensure the holidays are filled with only health and happiness with 13 Ways To Avoid Holiday Tension, and Simple Tips to Beat Holiday Stress.
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Food
Think individual portions rather than large, communal bowls of chips and dips. This is an opportunity to get creative! Use shot glasses, little glass votive holders, paper sno-cone holders, Chinese takeout containers, small espresso cups and ramekins to serve small snacks and dishes.
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And, if you're serving dinner, make the plates for your guests rather than doing a buffet. If possible, keep the food covered before serving.
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Drinks
Again, personal servings are best, so forget the punch bowl (and definitely forget the beer pong). Help your guests hang on to their glasses by offering wine glass charms or colored rubber bands to go around beer bottles.
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If you're using plastic cups, offer markers and stickers so people can personalize their own, even if it's just with their initials.
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Meeting and Greeting
Some experts recommend greeting guests with an elbow bump rather than a handshake, but I think that if you're that concerned about germs, a party isn't a great idea for you (unless that's just normal for you, in which case, carry on!). Maybe avoid the kissing and long, lingering hugs, and skip the mistletoe this year.
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