How To Throw The Perfect Party During a Pandemic

TablePop founder Vel Mensah shares the secrets to hosting an unforgettable post-lockdown CELEBRATION.

Photographer RC Rivera; Art Director Bessie Lacap, Mithi Studio — *Photographer* *RC Ri*vera; *Art Director* *Bessie Lacap*, *Mithi Studio*

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After a year and a half of being apart, parties are popping again and people are feeling them more than ever. And forget about waiting for that milestone moment—being able to finally share space with family and friends once again is reason enough to celebrate. But like everything else, the rules for throwing a great party have had to be rewritten thanks to COVID. But planning your first post-lockdown shindig doesn’t have to be an agonizing affair—we asked an expert to share all her pro tips for throwing the perfect “hey, we can party again!” party.

Vel Mensah is the founder of TablePop, a digital party planning portal that can help you plan and execute the party of your dreams. Whether you are in the market for a full-service pro to help you every step of the way, or simply want some expert support to make your DIY event extra special, TablePop has got you covered. It brings together event hosts, planners, and vendors on one platform at no cost to you.

The idea for TablePop first came to Vel three years ago, after the challenge of planning a dinner party for 15 people for her own birthday. She was frustrated that there didn’t seem to be a seamless way for individuals to easily work with local rental companies and vendors—the systems were all designed for professionals who were staging large scale events. So she built one.

TablePop’s online planning portal starts off with a questionnaire and then curates vendors and packages that meet your specified style and budget. After receiving your quotes, hire your favorites and let the party get started. Vel wants us all to be the hosts we wish to be, saying, “I want throwing events to be so simple that it comes second nature to everyone.”

While it relies heavily on tech, TablePop, in its essence, is about human connection. A simple picnic could be an extra special moment with extra thought and a little effort. Vel’s advice for party planners? “Authenticity is the best way to showcase who you are no matter what event you are hosting. 2020 made us realize how much we need human connection, but be safe and gather thoughtfully.”

TablePop founder Vel Mesah sets up for an outdoor féte. Photographer RC Rivera; Art Director Bessie Lacap, Mithi Studio — TablePop founder Vel Mesah sets up for an outdoor féte. *Photographer* *RC Ri*vera; *Art Director* *Bessie Lacap*, *Mithi Studio*

It’s all so confusing—should we even throw parties right now?

Of course!!! Vaccines have slowed down case counts, as we snail our way back towards a social lifestyle. The introspection of lockdown and isolation made us value the importance of IRL connections more than ever. The key to hosting is ensuring guests are comfortable and safe — that could mean vaccination transparency, outdoors (with heat warmers as fall approaches), ventilated indoor experiences, wearing a mask and maintaining a conservative head count. Ensuring guidelines are observed, shifts the stigma associated with gathering and allows us to embrace in-person celebrations astutely.

Are there any new golden rules for hosting right now that we should adhere to? (pandemic etiquette?)

My golden rules are pandemic proof.

Invite the people that truly matter to you. COVID has helped us wean our community, no need to extend invites to “frenemies” you want to impress. *Make sure the only fillers are cream. It’s about authentic affirming fun. Which leads to my next rule — have fun! The food, wine and decor might not be memorable - but you can be. Let your community of gatherers feel the vibes and not the anxiety of “getting it right.”

So, big crowds are out...any tips for making a small gathering feel extra special?

When it comes to hosting small soirées, personalization not only facilitates memorable moments but also extends those moments beyond the event. Personalized gifts create a way for guests to continuously indulge in the magic you created. This is your chance to show what you care about (eco-friendly gifts) or how creative you are.

I know outdoor events are ideal, but my outdoor space is nothing special...how can I make it shine for the night?

A few key tips can transform your background from blah to va va voom. Use furniture wisely, the pieces can be assorted but make sure they coordinate. You can even mix in some indoor furniture like an ottoman, rug or side tables in your setup. Add lighting and some fresh flowers and you have transformed a boring backyard into an charming eclectic event oasis.

What about the weather? How can I prepare for the unexpected rain shower or windy night?

I am literally laughing out loud because this has happened to me so many times. Even to the point where I have been in tears. Prepare for the eventuality! Renting a tent can be your best friend or using a covered patio space is ideal. “Lights will guide you home” like Coldplay— so use them! String lights flow beautifully in the wind and most are waterproof, so no matter what other decorations blow away you still maintain an ambience with lighting. Have a stack of cute and cozy blankets on offer in case it gets chilly. There have been lots of new options of outdoor heating elements hitting the market, so finding one that works with your space (and budget) is easier than ever. Your guests will thank you!

I want everyone to feel safe and comfortable but I worry about offending people if I make rules about vaccines or masks.

Prioritize group safety. Wearing a mask is a modest sacrifice for the common good. And of course, if you are outdoors or otherwise feel comfortable doing so, feel free to skip the masks, but just make sure to communicate all expectations beforehand. Community members should respect each other enough to adhere to simple safety guidelines. Guests who care about each other's health and safety are the best guests to have anyway!

Buffet style food doesn’t feel like the best idea right now, but I don’t want to do a formal seated meal. How can I feed my guests during COVID?

For small events you can get away with family style by making sure all hands are washed and disinfected. For larger events — buffet style has gone elementary and now resembles a “cafeteria” style with a server. Sanitizing stations scattered across the serving areas are a must. Finally, spread out the food stations and invite smaller groups of people to join the que.

I want to keep things intimate, but I also don’t want people to feel excluded or left out! Any advice?

This is really an exercise in self care. We have to prioritize our mental health over the need to please others. Repeat after me “if they are not invited, they will understand. If they don’t understand, it confirms why they weren’t invited.” Now breathe, release and party on.

It feels impossible to find vendors right now, since everyone is finally able to throw their COVID-delayed parties—how do I find the right folks to make my event amazing?

The event industry is so resilient. Though the pandemic was extremely challenging for the industry, so many new vendors and event creatives were made during COVID. Yes, it’s been a bit of a struggle now that events are back in full swing. COVID-postponed many events which are now competing with current dates and there is definitely some booking overlap. Finding the right fit based on style, experience, professionalism and availability could be tricky. But don’t stress, with TablePop, you will be matched with vendors based on your event needs, date and location. Welcome to the era of event planning transparency!

Are there any party themes or vibes that people are especially feeling right now?

It’s vibes on vibes right now. The more vibes the better. Therefore it’s all about layering your themes. Boho is boring but boho galaxy cowboy is not. Just imagine an intergalactic bohemian theme with an underlying country swag— how magical! One of our event stylists recently created a metallic unicorn and mermaid kids party. Let you or your TablePop planner’s imagination run wild!

A lot of people are socially out of practice and being around big groups can feel awkward at first...are there any party games or activities that can help break the ice and loosen people up at an event?

Summer is over — and we are breaking into the proverbial chills of autumn. You can warm your guests up with “2 Truths and a Lie.” It adds just enough intrigue and (pumpkin) spice and acts as a way for guests to learn nuanced info about one another and use that as a point of engagement throughout the evening. Or you could hide cards printed with juicy convo-starting questions around the event. When guests come across one, they have to ask the first person they see. And playing the good host and warmly introducing guests to one another (with plenty of compliments sprinkled in) is more important than ever. After all, you’re hosting this event to get your very favorite people together and make real connections.

Photographer RC Rivera
Art Director Bessie Lacap, Mithi Studio

Stylist Sasha Basso

Photo Assistant Kyle Emery-Peck
HMU Janet Mariscal

Location Apartment 34

Vendors The Wild Ones Branches Events Le Bloomerie Stuart Rental