How to host a virtual Valentine’s Day mixer that isn’t boring

Things are definitely different this Valentine’s Day. But that doesn’t mean you can’t host a Valentine’s Day gathering that’s fun, festive, and socially-distanced approved. As video conferences have become the new normal for workday meetings, more and more people are turning to Zoom, GoogleMeet, and Skype for online social gatherings.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we have some great ideas and tips for hosting a virtual Valentine’s Day mixer that will crown you the socially distanced host or hostess with the mostest. Great ready to wow your friends as you gather everyone in a celebration of all things Love!

Create a party plan for your virtual Valentine’s Day mixer

To keep any virtual event lively, you’ll want to have some structure and direction. Choose a plan that will allow interaction among the guests, even in a virtual setting. 

Have a schedule and try to stick to it—even if you’re the only one aware that you have a schedule. It will help to keep the party lively and interesting. 

• Kick-off the party by having each party guest introduce themself with an interesting story—how you met each other, the worst date they ever went on, a hidden talent no one knows about—something that will get people relaxed, talking, laughing, and in the party mood.

• Move on to group games or activities—you can do traditional party games or activities such as cupcake decorating, cocktail competitions, even DIY decoration tutorials, anything to keep the party moving and avoid those awkward lulls in conversation. 

• Finish on time. You don’t want to let the party drag on too long, so decide on the length of time for your virtual event and stick to it. If the party is a smash, you can always extend if the guests agree, but respect your guest’s time and wrap things up when your invitation stated you would.

Virtual party planning 101

Send digital invitations

When hosting a digital event, you’ll want to start with digital invites. Don’t call, text, or DM your guests when a digital invite will really set the stage for a great event and allow you to spell out all of the details to your guests in one beautifully-designed piece. Evite.com has an assortment of free invitation styles to choose from, and they also allow you to send out the invites, manage RSVPs, and communicate with your attendees all through their site.

Include all of the pertinent details that your guests will need to participate and enjoy every minute of your Valentine’s Day mixer.

Pick a stylish background & the perfect playlist

House a bit messy? No worries. Zoom offers an assortment of virtual backdrops to choose from that will be perfect for your Valentine’s gathering. Using the same backdrop for everyone will give the feeling of being together in one place, even if you’re not. 

While you don’t need to have music blaring in the background, it is nice to have background music to fill in any gaps in conversation. Pick something that’s lively and fun and works with the vibe you’re planning for your event. 

Suggest a dress code 

After a year spent in yoga pants and sweatshirts, your virtual Valentine’s Day mixer is the perfect excuse to get a little dressed up. You can suggest dressy cocktail party attire or do something as simple as requiring guests to wear something red or pink, but having people dress for a party will make it seem like more of a special event rather than another day at home.

Create a signature cocktail

Provide guests with a list of ingredients to create a signature Valentine’s Day cocktail that everyone can make together to kick off the party and toast each other for the holiday. Note: If your guests are all local, you can deliver ingredients to each guest before the party. 

Here’s an easy Valentine-worthy cocktail we love:

Cupid’s Punch

Ingredients:

• Lemon wedge, for rimming glasses
• Pink sugar, for rimming glasses
• 1 (750-ml) bottle Moscato wine
• 3 cups pink lemonade
• 1 can lemon-lime soda
• 1 cup vodka
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Ice cubs

1. Rim glasses with lemon wedge and dip in sugar to coat
2. Pour Moscato, pink lemonade, vodka, soda, and fruit into a pitcher. Add ice and stir to combine.
3. Pour into glasses and serve.

Play games

Incorporate party games such as Pictionary, Charades, or Trivia and tweak them to be Valentine-themed—incorporate romantic comedy movie titles, famous couples throughout history, popular love songs, etc.

A sweet surprise finish

If you really want to ‘Wow’ your guests—and who wouldn’t—this will do it. Purchase breakable chocolate hearts online (or buy the molds and DIY them yourself). Available in milk, dark, and white chocolate, these hollow heart-shaped boxes come with their own mallet for smashing the heart to reveal the treasures inside. Purchase one heart for each invite, fill them with candy, and beautifully gift wrap them with a note at the top that reads: Do not open until instructed at the virtual Valentine’s Day mixer. Drop off or ship the treats to your guests in time for the big event. 

Just before your party wraps up for the night, invite your guests to smash open their boxes live and online and prepare for applause as they ‘ooh and aah’ at your creative genius and hosting skills. 

While being together under one roof is always better, hosting a virtual Valentine’s Day mixer is the next best thing. Add your own personal touches to create a virtual event that’s anything but boring and one that your friends will be talking about long after the last candy conversation heart has been eaten.