5 Ways to Celebrate Special Occasions at Home

From group video calls to tasty treat delivery, here’s how to party while social distancing
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special occasions - social distancing
Photo: Istock

Without the presence of friends and family or being able to visit your favorite restaurant, celebrating a special occasion — like a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or graduation — can be disappointing. The governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order is reducing the spread of COVID-19, but keeps us separated from loved ones and marking momentous occasions with them. However, there are still ways to honor a special day while at home. Here are just a few ideas.

Virtual Parties

With group video services like Zoom or Houseparty, you can still be — virtually — with family and friends. The Houseparty app allows up to eight people per session for a close-knit hang, while Zoom can accommodate up to 100 participants at once for an all-out bang. Visit houseparty.com and zoom.us for more information.

Florals

Named Hour Detroit’s Best Florist in 2019, Viviano Flower Shop has long been a staple in metro Detroit. With multiple locations in southeastern Michigan, Viviano has been able to operate with contactless deliveries. While the wedding team is not on-site, they’re available via email or phone for consultations. Visit viviano.com for locations and hours.

Cocktail Recipes

While you may not be able to nurse a drink at Pinky’s Rooftop, try the next best thing: a Pinky’s cocktail in your kitchen. Last summer, Pinky’s shared its recipe for Violet Eyes, a cocktail with notes of lavender, raspberry, and lemon, with Hour Detroit. Thirsty for something with a little more spice and citrus? Check out this recipe for the Roquette Cocktail, which will be served at Sauce, a new Italian eatery opening in Midtown Detroit. Pinky’s Rooftop, 100 S. Main St., Second Level, Royal Oak, 248-291-6506, pinkysroyaloak.com; Sauce, 4120 Second Ave., Detroit; saucedetroit.com

Local Desserts

You can support local businesses during this time and enjoy a tasty treat at the same time. Dessert locations such as Good Cakes and Bakes and Treat Dreams Dessert Emporium are offering curbside pickup and delivery right now. Good Cakes and Bakes, 19363 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 313-468-9915; goodcakesandbakes.com; Treat Dreams Dessert Emporium, 22965 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 248-544-3440, treatdreamsde.com

Décor

Sterling Heights’ Party Paradise can transform your home into a literal party paradise. Although the showroom is closed due to COVID-19, the business is still open for delivery of balloon bouquets and decor rental so you can still dress up, decorate, and celebrate. Party Paradise, 39090 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights, 586-268-9800, partyparadise.com