It’s no secret that we all grew tired of the endless Zoom quizzes we partook in during Lockdown 1.0. And we’re sure we’re not the only ones who don’t want to see another general knowledge question about the royal family, how many children Trump supposedly has or what the capital of Nepal is.
With the UK in another lockdown for an unknown length of time, it’s very easy to fall into the same routine of binging through Netflix’s endless options and forgetting to check in with your nearest and dearest. While we might not be able to suggest heading down to the local for a pint or two, there are several ways you can revive your friendships in lockdown (and no, it doesn’t involve quizzing).
Whether you’ve grown tired of the quarantine quiz or you’re looking for a way to spruce up your lockdown birthday celebrations, we’ve rounded up a few ways to help keep your friendships thriving even during lockdown.
Host a virtual games night with Taskmaster
Get those board games you’ve got lying in the back of your living room cupboard and host a virtual games night with your friends and family over Zoom. Obviously there are several games you won’t be able to play online without the physical board in front of you, but there are a few you can get inventive and rework to fit the virtual world we’ve suddenly found ourselves in thanks to the current lockdown. Revive your obsession with The Queen’s Gambit and challenge your friend to a game of online chess or try your hand at Cards Against Humanity online.
One game we’re a little bit obsessed with thanks to its silliness and the laughter it brings the whole family is Taskmaster: The Board Game. If you didn’t already know, it’s based off of the popular TV show hosted by Greg Davies, with ‘help’ from sidekick Alex Horne. In the board game, one person or pair takes on the role of ‘taskmaster’ giving out different challenges that each player/group needs to complete, from hopping on one leg while seeing how many objects you can balance on your face for a certain length of time, to creating a portrait of one of the other players out of breakfast cereals. It works best with several players and is a whole lot of fun for everyone involved.
Try out a virtual wine tasting
What’s a catch up with friends without a glass or, er, bottle of wine? Recreate the scenario virtually with your nearest and dearest with a virtual wine tasting.
Lots of restaurants and wine bars have had to adapt due to Covid-19 restrictions and have headed into the digital age of hosting wine tasting events virtually. In particular, 67 Pall Mall, the St. James’s private members’ club dedicated to wine lovers. 67 Pall Mall hosts several virtual events every week, with everything from blind taste testing with experts to guide you along the process, to introductory sessions for those who want to learn a little more about the wine they’re drinking.
They’ve also recently collaborated with Paxton & Whitfield for a series of cheese and wine pairing sessions led by experts in the industry. They’re running every week from 27th January, and will be presented by 67 Pall Mall sommeliers and the brilliant team from Paxton & Whitfield.
Whether you’re a white, red or rosé lover, grab your friends virtually and book in for an evening of fun, laughter and wine. Lots of wine.
Book a virtual flower arranging workshop
Add a little pizazz to your kitchen counter by booking in for a flower arranging workshop with your friends. It’s the perfect way to reconnect with your friends whilst learning a new green fingered trick or two.
There are several London florists who are offering their expertise in flower workshops, including our favourites Grace & Thorn. Right now all of their workshops are virtual meaning you can join in with your friends from afar or bond with your colleagues who you haven’t seen for near enough a year. The experience is led by one of their experienced florists and you can choose what you’d like to make too, from terrariums to window boxes, bouquets to flower crowns.
Rebel Rebel have also brought their workshops online, providing budding florists and floral lovers the opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade. Opt for a private class and master the techniques while in your pjs. Shilpa Reddy Flower Design are also running weekly virtual classes, including flower arranging, terrarium classes and learning the trick of kokedama (sustainable moss garden) classes. Book in and you’ll be sent out the entire kit with everything you need in order to knock up your own at home.
Host a virtual brunch date
Missing your weekend brunch fix with your pals? Order in the same food from your favourite brunch spot and host a virtual brunching experience at home!
Pop on Spotify’s Bottomless Brunch playlist, download an interiors photo from your favourite brunch spot and dive into the brunch dishes while catching up with friends over Zoom.
A few of our favourite brunch spots delivering to your door:
Book in for a virtual cook-along
There’s nothing like a cheeky bit of competition. Put your cooking expertise to the test and battle it out with your friends to create the best baking masterpiece.
Pretend you’re on The Great British Bake Off together and book in for one of Biscuiteers’ popular DIY icing virtual workshops. You’ll be guided by one of their expert icers to learn the tips and tricks of icing while you’re at home. By the end of the class you’ll be a whizz at icing and can tuck into the treats with your friends over Zoom with a biccie and cuppa.
Get creative with a crafting workshop
Lots of individuals are using lockdown as a time to really channel their creativity and explore new crafting avenues. Reconnect with your friends and book in for an online crafting workshop and create something beautiful and homemade for your shelves.
Rather than buying another candle for your ever expanding collection, why not try your hand at making one? Earl of East hosts regular candle making workshops that you can do at home. Led by one of their expert candle makers, you’ll be guided through the candle making process, from start to finish. They’ll send you out one of their candle kits so you’ll have everything you need for the day. Or if you’d like to do a private class with your friends, you can enquire at [email protected]
Looking for a new perfume to flaunt when we’re finally allowed out? The Experimental Perfume Club has you covered with their online virtual classes. Grab your perfume obsessed friend and book in for one of their taster sessions, where you can learn the ins and outs of perfumery before committing to a course. Begin to learn how to create your own perfume blends at home, as well as how to smell, describe and memorise different scents and ingredients. Definitely a fun talent to add to your repertoire.