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Summer gatherings are going to look and feel a lot different this year, but you can still mark all those annual holidays – albeit in a socially-distanced way. So go ahead and celebrate Canada Day with a small backyard gathering consisting of the people in your household and your extended "social bubble." Depending on which province you're living in, you can gather in groups of five or 10.
Published June 29, 2012, Updated June 23, 2020
Entertaining
How to Throw a Socially-Distanced Canada Day Gathering
June 23, 2020
Summer gatherings are going to look and feel a lot different this year, but you can still mark all those annual holidays – albeit in a socially-distanced way. So go ahead and celebrate Canada Day with a small backyard gathering consisting of the people in your household and your extended "social bubble." Depending on which province you're living in, you can gather in groups of five or 10. Published June 29, 2012, Updated June 23, 2020
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Limit Your Guest List
1/12Limit Your Guest List
1/12Photo Credit: Unsplash
This year, your <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/hgtv-news/photos/hgtv-canada-stars-love-being-canadian-1918569/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Canada Day</a> gathering will feel a little more... exclusive. Just embrace that angle and dive headfirst into the VIP theme by inviting only those in your immediate household and others who have already confirmed they're part of your extended "social bubble." Rules and regulations around group sizes vary from province to province, so check out the <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Government of Canada</a> website for the latest updates.EntertainingHow to Throw a Socially-Distanced Canada Day GatheringLimit Your Guest List
PHOTO 1 of 12READ LESS -This year, your <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/hgtv-news/photos/hgtv-canada-stars-love-being-canadian-1918569/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Canada Day</a> gathering will feel a little more... exclusive. Just embrace that angle and dive headfirst into the VIP theme by inviting only those in your immediate household and others who have already confirmed they're part of your extended "social bubble." Rules and regulations around group sizes vary from province to province, so check out the <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Government of Canada</a> website for the latest updates.Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Provide Hand Sanitizer
2/12Provide Hand Sanitizer
2/12Photo Credit: Unsplash
For everyone's peace of mind, consider scattering hand sanitizer pumps throughout your backyard for easy use. If the nearest stores are out of stock, consider making your own <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/homemade-hand-sanitizer-diy-1937389/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DIY hand sanitizer</a>. If you're feeling extra-crafty you can make your own <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/make-sew-no-sew-face-masks-at-home-1938357/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cloth face masks</a> – of the sew or no-sew variety – that guests can take home afterward.EntertainingHow to Throw a Socially-Distanced Canada Day GatheringProvide Hand Sanitizer
PHOTO 2 of 12READ LESS -For everyone's peace of mind, consider scattering hand sanitizer pumps throughout your backyard for easy use. If the nearest stores are out of stock, consider making your own <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/homemade-hand-sanitizer-diy-1937389/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DIY hand sanitizer</a>. If you're feeling extra-crafty you can make your own <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/make-sew-no-sew-face-masks-at-home-1938357/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cloth face masks</a> – of the sew or no-sew variety – that guests can take home afterward.Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Red and White Decor
3/12Red and White Decor
3/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
A red and white colour scheme is a no-brainer for a Canada Day celebration, but consider giving it a modern DIY-inspired spin with crafty white tissue paper pom poms and red goblets. Having your colour scheme flow right down to the cutlery helps complete the look. These <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/hgtv-news/photos/hgtv-canada-stars-love-being-canadian-1918569/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HGTV Canada stars reveal what they love most about being Canadian</a>.EntertainingHow to Throw a Socially-Distanced Canada Day GatheringRed and White Decor
PHOTO 3 of 12READ LESS -A red and white colour scheme is a no-brainer for a Canada Day celebration, but consider giving it a modern DIY-inspired spin with crafty white tissue paper pom poms and red goblets. Having your colour scheme flow right down to the cutlery helps complete the look. These <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/hgtv-news/photos/hgtv-canada-stars-love-being-canadian-1918569/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HGTV Canada stars reveal what they love most about being Canadian</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Thoughtful Touches
4/12Thoughtful Touches
4/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
It being July 1st and all, the temperatures can be somewhat unreliable, but a good host will prepare for everything – with bottles of SPF and bug spray on hand — and warm wraps for every guest when the sun sets. Not sure where to start when it comes to decorating? These are all your <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/keep-fake-plants-outside-outdoor-decor-questions-1939994/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">biggest outdoor decor questions answered</a>. You can also plan a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/lifestyle/photos/virtual-events-stay-close-from-afar-1939770/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">virtual event</a> to include other loved ones in the festivities.EntertainingHow to Throw a Socially-Distanced Canada Day GatheringThoughtful Touches
PHOTO 4 of 12READ LESS -It being July 1st and all, the temperatures can be somewhat unreliable, but a good host will prepare for everything – with bottles of SPF and bug spray on hand — and warm wraps for every guest when the sun sets. Not sure where to start when it comes to decorating? These are all your <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/keep-fake-plants-outside-outdoor-decor-questions-1939994/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">biggest outdoor decor questions answered</a>. You can also plan a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/lifestyle/photos/virtual-events-stay-close-from-afar-1939770/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">virtual event</a> to include other loved ones in the festivities.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Flower Power
5/12Flower Power
5/12Photo Credit: Unsplash
Big white blooms add texture and cheer to a table, especially one draped in a bold red table runner or surrounded by red cutlery. Consider supporting local and shop at these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/best-online-plant-stores-canada-1939786/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">online plant stores in Canada</a>.EntertainingHow to Throw a Socially-Distanced Canada Day GatheringFlower Power
PHOTO 5 of 12READ LESS -Big white blooms add texture and cheer to a table, especially one draped in a bold red table runner or surrounded by red cutlery. Consider supporting local and shop at these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/best-online-plant-stores-canada-1939786/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">online plant stores in Canada</a>.Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Finger Foods
6/12Finger Foods
6/12Photo Credit: Food Network Canada
This year, it's best to skip "shareable snacks" – avoid: gooey dips, nachos or BBQ eats that potentially require people to physically touch multiple pieces of food or condiments with their hands. Instead, keep all food to tong-friendly, bite-sized portions so guests can easily move about and keep their distance. These unique and easy-to-grab <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/canada-day-pretzel-sparklers/18516/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Canada Day Pretzel Sparklers</a> are the perfect type of appetizer to help avoid the spread of germs.EntertainingHow to Throw a Socially-Distanced Canada Day GatheringFinger Foods
PHOTO 6 of 12READ LESS -This year, it's best to skip "shareable snacks" – avoid: gooey dips, nachos or BBQ eats that potentially require people to physically touch multiple pieces of food or condiments with their hands. Instead, keep all food to tong-friendly, bite-sized portions so guests can easily move about and keep their distance. These unique and easy-to-grab <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/canada-day-pretzel-sparklers/18516/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Canada Day Pretzel Sparklers</a> are the perfect type of appetizer to help avoid the spread of germs.Photo Credit: Food Network Canada
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Patriotic Desserts
7/12Patriotic Desserts
7/12Photo Credit: Food Network Canada
When it comes to Canada Day desserts, we often resort to the classic strawberry shortcake. This year, try making these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/canadian-no-bake-cheesecake-bars/18521/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Canadian No-Bake Cheesecake Bars</a> for a low-maintenance, oven-free dessert. Bonus: they're easy to pick up with a pair of tongs – no touching required. For more inspiration, check out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/canada-day/photos/red-and-white-desserts-for-canada-day/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">red and white desserts to celebrate Canada Day</a>.EntertainingHow to Throw a Socially-Distanced Canada Day GatheringPatriotic Desserts
PHOTO 7 of 12READ LESS -When it comes to Canada Day desserts, we often resort to the classic strawberry shortcake. This year, try making these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/canadian-no-bake-cheesecake-bars/18521/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Canadian No-Bake Cheesecake Bars</a> for a low-maintenance, oven-free dessert. Bonus: they're easy to pick up with a pair of tongs – no touching required. For more inspiration, check out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/canada-day/photos/red-and-white-desserts-for-canada-day/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">red and white desserts to celebrate Canada Day</a>.Photo Credit: Food Network Canada
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Stress-Free Hosting
8/12Stress-Free Hosting
8/12Photo Credit: Food Network Canada
Have drinks and glassware set up (and spread out throughout your backyard) so guests can easily help themselves without having to stand in line. Make your own refreshing <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rainbow-sodas/21875/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">rainbow sodas</a> out of watermelon cubes and fresh berries to keep your guests cool and hydrated. Make sure you've clearly marked everyone's cups with a name sticker or multi-coloured straws to avoid any mix-ups. Just keep an eye on beverages and have plenty of ice on hand. If all goes well and weather is bright and sunny, you'll be restocking ice non-stop!EntertainingHow to Throw a Socially-Distanced Canada Day GatheringStress-Free Hosting
PHOTO 8 of 12READ LESS -Have drinks and glassware set up (and spread out throughout your backyard) so guests can easily help themselves without having to stand in line. Make your own refreshing <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rainbow-sodas/21875/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">rainbow sodas</a> out of watermelon cubes and fresh berries to keep your guests cool and hydrated. Make sure you've clearly marked everyone's cups with a name sticker or multi-coloured straws to avoid any mix-ups. Just keep an eye on beverages and have plenty of ice on hand. If all goes well and weather is bright and sunny, you'll be restocking ice non-stop!Photo Credit: Food Network Canada
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Think Outside the Box
9/12Think Outside the Box
9/12Photo Credit: Getty Images
Backyard decor shouldn't break the bank – nor does it have to follow a rigid red-and-white patriotic theme. Consider whimsical alternatives such as string lights, lanterns and leftover gift wrap that can act as table runners. Find more tasteful ways to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/ways-to-decorate-with-string-lights-1937382/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">decorate with string lights</a>.EntertainingHow to Throw a Socially-Distanced Canada Day GatheringThink Outside the Box
PHOTO 9 of 12READ LESS -Backyard decor shouldn't break the bank – nor does it have to follow a rigid red-and-white patriotic theme. Consider whimsical alternatives such as string lights, lanterns and leftover gift wrap that can act as table runners. Find more tasteful ways to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/ways-to-decorate-with-string-lights-1937382/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">decorate with string lights</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Help Guests Social Distance
10/12Help Guests Social Distance
10/12Photo Credit: Unsplash
In advance of the party, get crafty by creating adorable red maple leaf floor tabs you can stick to your back patio or grass to help encourage social distancing measures. Find more <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/low-cost-ways-backyard-permanent-staycation-1938419/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">low-cost ways to make your backyard feel like a permanent staycation</a>.EntertainingHow to Throw a Socially-Distanced Canada Day GatheringHelp Guests Social Distance
PHOTO 10 of 12READ LESS -In advance of the party, get crafty by creating adorable red maple leaf floor tabs you can stick to your back patio or grass to help encourage social distancing measures. Find more <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/low-cost-ways-backyard-permanent-staycation-1938419/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">low-cost ways to make your backyard feel like a permanent staycation</a>.Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Provide Extra Seating
11/12Provide Extra Seating
11/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Have extra seating on hand in case guests want to spread out even further throughout your backyard. Not only will it make everyone feel more comfortable, but they'll have a little more freedom to move around to the food and drink tables. If you want to take it one step further, you can plan for assigned seating with fun name tags on each chair. In case you were curious, this is <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/lifestyle/photos/what-canadians-buying-covid-1939529/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">what Canadians have been buying since COVID started</a>.EntertainingHow to Throw a Socially-Distanced Canada Day GatheringProvide Extra Seating
PHOTO 11 of 12READ LESS -Have extra seating on hand in case guests want to spread out even further throughout your backyard. Not only will it make everyone feel more comfortable, but they'll have a little more freedom to move around to the food and drink tables. If you want to take it one step further, you can plan for assigned seating with fun name tags on each chair. In case you were curious, this is <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/lifestyle/photos/what-canadians-buying-covid-1939529/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">what Canadians have been buying since COVID started</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Bathroom Protocol
12/12Bathroom Protocol
12/12Photo Credit: Tracey AytonSource: www.traceyaytonphotography.com
Most provinces advise against letting people walk through each others' houses as we continue to practice social distancing – but it's inevitable that guests will need to use the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bathroom</a> at some point. To help, review this <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/mass-gatherings-risk-assesment.html" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">risk mitigation tool</a> offered by the Government of Canada. It'll help you alleviate potential risks, based on provincial guidelines.EntertainingHow to Throw a Socially-Distanced Canada Day GatheringBathroom Protocol
PHOTO 12 of 12READ LESS -Most provinces advise against letting people walk through each others' houses as we continue to practice social distancing – but it's inevitable that guests will need to use the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bathroom</a> at some point. To help, review this <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/mass-gatherings-risk-assesment.html" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">risk mitigation tool</a> offered by the Government of Canada. It'll help you alleviate potential risks, based on provincial guidelines.Photo Credit: Tracey AytonSource: www.traceyaytonphotography.com
