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January already has a bad rep. Add in the coronavirus and stay-at-home orders, and it’s enough to throw anyone into a pool of isolated sadness.

I don’t know about you, but I’m not wading in this pool. Especially on my birthday. Also, I’m taking my friends with me!

With virtual parties being the safest option this year, I stubbornly set out to throw a party for my closest and dearest. I love a good challenge, just as much as I love throwing a good party.

So true to the person that I am, WE PARTIED (safely)! #hostesswiththemostest

Here’s how we did it.

1. Choose a Theme

Hosting a party becomes significantly easier when you have a direction. A well-chosen party theme gives you that.

I’ve hosted a 90’s party, Parisian themed-events, gingerbread parties, breakfast for dinner party, and even a cat-themed birthday. To sweeten up the event as much as I could, I went with a donut-theme this year.

Dare to dream! The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

2. Order Your Swag

If you’ve resigned to thinking that party favors are something you can only get when you’re under 10 years old, I’m here to save you from yourself.

Subvert expectations by including a little something for your friends.

I found this Donut Party Favor Kit on Amazon that included gift boxes, tattoos, bracelets, hair clips, and keychains. The delivery time itself was speedy too - I’m looking at you, last minute folks!

I like this kit because it’s cohesive and my friends would be able to get into the mood of things and “look” like they were at a donut party with the accessories!

3. Create & Send Out Those Invites!

It’s time to announce your virtual party - boldly and in colour!

I created my e-vites using Canva. Canva has so many free templates that you can use to create amazing looking invites.

Remember to include important details like the date, time (state the timezone if you have guests attending from other countries), Zoom ID & password, and a date for guests to RSVP if you are getting swag bags/ food ready.

4. It Isn’t a Party Without Food!

Whether your default for party food was restaurant quality, catered, or take-out - you know it’s not a party without food. It isn’t kosher to exorcise the hangry, so make sure your guests are fed!

Make sure you are aware of your guests’ dietary restrictions! I asked my friends what their favourite donut was, but wanted it to be a surprise so I told them it was for a birthday game.

Each donut was adorned with a cute DIY Donut Topper. I downloaded the donuts from Oh Happy Day! (my go-to for DIY party decorations!!!), printed them out on cardstock, added a personalized Donut Pun note to each donut, and affixed half a skewer stick to the back with washi tape.

5. Let the Games Begin!

Silence is the enemy of parties.

I know this. You know this.

While music at in-person parties are a great idea, they are mediocre at best during virtual parties (hello bad sound quality). Nix the music altogether and opt for some party games to get your guests “mingling” and laughing.

You don’t have to be the joie de vivre at all the parties to host these games!

Sprinkle Game

Sprinkle game is a great warm up game. It’s a quick and simple one too!

Give everyone a bag of sprinkles (rainbow beads), white glue, and a donut template. Let players know they have one minute to decorate their donut!

After one minute is up, the person with the most spaced-apart sprinkles on their donut is the winner!

Donut Bingo

Up the stakes by telling your guests that there are prizes up for grabs!

I made these bingo sheets with a free bingo generator, so it would go with my donut-theme party!

I printed the bingo sheets out and included a scented pen for each friend to mark off their sheet, but you can also play this game virtually through this site.

Draw Me As A Donut

Draw Me As a Donut was my favourite game! The answers my friends gave made me laugh so hard!

This game helped mellow everyone out after the sugar high. It takes about 10-15 minutes to complete and a quick moment to share everyone’s answers at the end.

6. Plan An Activity for One

Your party will be at the whims of Zoom or your internet provider. So how will you keep all your friends’ entertained if someone gets kicked out of your virtual party mid-game?!

When a couple of my friends got logged out of Zoom, I redirected my friends’ attention to a Donut Animal Craft Kit that I had put together for everyone (materials and instructions included!)

We assembled and chatted while the technological kinks were being worked out. Then we went back to our party games when everyone was online again!

Here is what each gift box looked like, assembled with the party games and craft kit. On the day of the party, I dropped off the boxes at my friends’ front doors.

DONUT let CoVid take away your fun this year! We might have to work a little harder to see our friends, but they are worth it. As for you future-hosts, your birthday is always worth celebrating!

I hope you found these tips helpful.

Have fun planning your party!

Good luck!

WTF Bride