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Social-distancing measures may be (very slowly) letting up; and while we might be able to meet up with a friend or family member (outside of our household, that is) in the park, having people over for dinner is still a longways off. That doesn't mean you can't throw a dinner party, though. Like many of the activities we as a society have found ways to do digitally in the wake of the pandemic — school, working out, hen parties, pub quizzes — with a little ingenuity, a dinner party can totally be done over Zoom, Google Hangout, or the Houseparty app.
To get some ideas on how to throw a virtual dinner party (because honestly, we wouldn't even know where to start), we tapped luxury event planner Colleen Kennedy Cohen. Currently based in London, Kennedy Cohen knows a thing or two about throwing an amazing dinner party. The creative consultant and event designer previously worked in house at Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, and Cartier in New York City, before moving on to Goop, where she founded the events team and was integral to the design and execution of the company's bi-annual wellness summit. Her biggest party however? Gwyneth Paltrow's wedding back in September 2018.
"In this time of quarantine and social distancing, it's more important than ever to stay connected and continue to celebrate, says Kennedy Cohen. "Keep reading to discover her best tips for expertly throwing a successful virtual dinner party — including a few decor ideas to really elevate the entire experience.