It's time to celebrate! Cheers to the end of 2020 with your residents by planning a unique virtual holiday event.

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It’s clear that celebrating the holidays at apartment communities nationwide is going to look very different this year because of COVID-19. Property staff have been careful throughout 2020 to ensure that residents stay safe by enforcing social distancing measures, limiting access to shared amenities, and shifting many communications online. But, this should not stop your onsite property teams from celebrating a wonderful holiday season at your community. In many ways, it’s more important than ever for apartments to try to help spread joy and offer opportunities for residents to connect during a time when so many are isolated and staying at home.

The great news is that modern digital tools like the Livly Resident App can absolutely help your property to plan fun and safe holiday resident events that are merry, bright, and virtual!  This includes event promotion, RSVP management, reminders, and more.

Here are 5 unique ways your property staff can plan virtual holiday events that help grow your apartment community and delight residents, even during a time of social distancing:

1. Organize a Mixology Class for New Year's Eve Cocktails

• Tis’ the season for eggnog and New Year's Eve cocktails! Treat your residents to some delicious fun by hosting a mixology class focused on holiday cocktails, like Mulled Wine, New Year's Sparklers, Boozy Hot Chocolate, and many more! Staff can hire mixologists online to lead the class, including Liquid Lab NYC, which currently offers classes like ‘New Year Winter Fiesta’ and ‘Holiday Champagne Cocktails’. Residents are sure to appreciate the opportunity to learn how to make new drinks, connect with other residents, and enjoy a chance to safely celebrate the holidays from home.

2. Enjoy a Wine Tasting Experience

• Dreaming of wine parties in 2021? Take the opportunity to plan a “virtual holiday drinks” or "virtual New Year's wine tasting" event for residents where they can leisurely enjoy wine and also learn from a connoisseur on various wine types and wine appreciation techniques. Vendors like Corkbuzz offer private virtual tastings for larger groups of 10-500 events. This can be a great replacement for in-person resident holiday parties that would normally be happening in December.

3. Host a Cookie Decorating Party

• Get into the festive spirit by throwing a virtual cookie decorating party for your residents! Staff can plan a simple cookie-making party, or vendors like Arlos Cookies’ offer digital holiday cookie-making workshops for groups. By using the Livly event planning tool, it’s simple to organize virtual resident events, track RSVP’s, and send real-time reminders to your residents about the event.
  

4. Get Creative with Wreath-Making

• Let your residents’ creativity shine with an online wreath-making party! This can be a fun opportunity for residents to connect with each other and try their hand at wreath making, perhaps for the very first time. Willow Crossley offers wreath-making kits and online tutorials for simple event planning. After the wreaths are complete, don’t forget to share your residents’ creations on social media!
  

5. Plan a Virtual Hot Chocolate Happy Hour

• Working on a more limited budget? Keep things simple and cozy by throwing a virtual hot chocolate happy hour. Encourage residents to just join with their favorite cup of hot chocolate (or coffee) and enjoy connecting with other residents over Zoom. As a small holiday appreciation gift, consider offering your residents that RSVP a free $5 Starbucks gift card to treat themselves to hot chocolate. Share your Zoom event details by scheduling a Livly resident event, and post pictures of residents and their coffee mugs on the digital Community Feed.  

Interested in more virtual holiday event ideas for residents? Or, curious about how the Livly apartment app can help you plan your event?

Get in touch with our team today - and enjoy the holidays!

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