How to Share a Meal Virtually

How to Share a Meal Virtually

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

 

There is no question about it: life can get lonely. Especially if your friends and family members are scattered across diverse locations, it can be hard to find the time to get together. Schedules are hectic, distance is daunting, and if you don’t make the time, it won’t be easy to connect. Connecting virtually is one solution to this problem, as we learned during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Have you considered a virtual dinner party? It can be a lot of fun, and we’ll give you some tips to make it easy. 

  • Pick your platform. How will you host your party? As we learned during the pandemic, there are a wealth of virtual platforms out there, and all you have to do is pick one. So, how do you pick? Weigh the pros and cons. 
    • Zoom is free and easily downloadable. You can invite up to 100 people for your video call, but your party will have to last only 40 minutes or less in order to remain free. 
    • Skype is also free. On Skype, you can talk to 50 people for four hours. 
    • FaceTime is only available to people with Apple products. However, if all of your guests have iPhones or iPads, you can use it to gather 32 devices. 
    • Google Hangouts can accommodate 25 people. It allows screen sharing, but only one person can share a screen at a time. 
  • Make a plan. Set your guest list and pick a time that works for everyone. Keep your chosen platform’s limitations in mind, and remember that it can be confusing when too many people are talking at once. Send your invitations through email, text, or Evite, or create a Facebook event. If any of your guests aren’t likely to get an online invitation in time, give those people a call. 
  • Pick a theme and set the mood. Just like a regular dinner party, a virtual dinner party benefits from décor, music, and a cohesive menu. Choosing a theme can make it easier to do this, whether you’re planning an Oscars party, a Halloween bash, a Roaring 20’s party, a murder mystery dinner, a Parisian soiree, or a fiesta. It’s easy to pick decorations that go with your theme, and you can also let it inform the activities. Use your theme to inform the menu as well as the activities. 
  • Keep it lively! Plan some topics to keep the conversation going, and choose some games to make it fun. Trivia is perfect for a virtual party, but you can also play something like online Scrabble, or download an app that lets you play group games. 

At Parkwood Heightswe prioritize the health and happiness of our residents, and that includes encouraging them to use technology to enrich and improve their lives. Services can include Case Management and Medication Management for Seniors.  We want our residents to live life to the fullest, as they enjoy all the amenities that make Parkwood a great place to live their best lives. A lovely community in which to spend your retirement, Parkwood Heights is located just minutes from Victor, Fairport, Farmington, and Canandaigua. Our picturesque, 122-acre senior living campus affords many opportunities to enjoy your time with friends and family, while enjoying our scenic setting. Call (315) 986-9100 to learn more about all that we have to offer, or check out our website and reach out if you have any questions.

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Bev Breen
Bev Breen / Resident

Our servers are wonderful!

Dolores
Dolores / Resident

I moved to Parkwood Heights in 2005 because I wanted to live closer to my daughter. The activities department was the deciding factor. I enjoy having so many activities and events to choose from. Also, when calculating my expenses to live in my home or to live at Parkwood, the decision was made easier because the cost was about the same.

Elenore Bulau
Elenore Bulau / Resident

I have no qualms about saying the management staff is excellent – always friendly and will drop everything to listen to you.

Helen Lund
Helen Lund / Resident

The maintenance guys are so friendly and take care of our requests promptly

J. Bieler
J. Bieler / Resident

The drivers are super caring people who always do a good job

Jeannette M.
Jeannette M. / Resident

There is a great variety of activities and the staff are willing to do anything!

Ken and Bev Keyes
Ken and Bev Keyes / Family

Ken and I just want to let you know how much we appreciated having our Uncle in the Enriched Program at Parkwood Heights. His apartment was bright and inviting and the care he received by all the staff was wonderful. He could be independent, as well as cared for in relation to his needs. No matter what the day brought, the staff would tell us they loved their jobs and would always have a smile and a hug for everyone, helping to make each day a better day for those around them.

Norma
Norma / Resident

I've been living at Parkwood Heights since November of 2000. I am so happy here ~ the people are so nice and there is so much to do. If I didn't like it here I'd be a fool.

Rosa
Rosa / Family

Here it is just a little over two weeks since we moved Bruce into Parkwood. I just wanted to tell you how pleased we are with Bruce’s transition and acclimation to Parkwood Heights. The entire staff and residents have been so very welcoming, helpful, and supportive.I see a remarkable difference in Bruce’s energy, health, and his avenues of interest….. We owe this to the eager and affirmative attention everyone at Parkwood has given Bruce over these past two weeks…Oh my gosh, I can’t tell you how relieved, rested, and encouraged I feel since Bruce has joined the Parkwood community….

 

  

 

Tom & Donna
Tom & Donna / Family

On January 19th we moved mom from Florida to New York. We were pleased with Parkwood Heights, from staff to the lovely facility. It was a difficult move for mom at the age of 97 as well as us with the arrangements. From day one, all of our questions were answered and we were guided through the move as easily as possible.

Tom and Nancy
Tom and Nancy / Villa Residents

We had been looking around for about 2 years ... we knew that we wanted a spacious villa ... we came to Parkwood because we wanted to do things and they had just what we were looking for. There are so many activities to choose from, places to go and people to visit with. We love it here.