Joe Differentiators
Picture this scenario – it's a Saturday afternoon, and you've got a kitty party to attend. A few neighbours, friends, and family members meet up at the house of the host. You each bring a dish to the party. The host conducts some games – generally bingo, anthakshari, ludo, and other card games. You enjoy the meal, catch up with your loved ones, indulge in some harmless gossip and chitchat, and return home with plenty of lovely memories and made a couple of new friends..
Doesn't that sound like a magical time? And, should we say, doesn't it feel like a distant dream now? Something that we look back fondly, but we know it's impossible to recreate the experience again.
Welcome to the world after Covid-19, aka the new normal. Though lockdowns have been lifted across the country, the virus is still looming large among us. As a result, house parties, kitty parties, and other small get-togethers have now come to a standstill.
The Great Indian Kitty Party Goes Virtual
But, it’s not all doom and gloom. As they say, "necessity is the mother of invention," we Indians are known for our jugaad and our easy adaptability. Throw us in any difficult situation, and we would undoubtedly emerge finding the silver lining – and even embracing it.
As the lockdown imposed in March restricted movement and cooped us indoors, people turned to social media and video conferencing apps to keep in touch with their colleagues, friends, and loved ones.
Among all the apps that soared in popularity during the Covid-19 era, Houseparty was the one that was a smashing success. One of the main reasons why Houseparty became immensely popular was that it was spontaneous and informal.
Zoom was mostly used to connect with colleagues and attend virtual meetings. In contrast, FaceTime, Whatsapp video calls, and Skype were used primarily by the older generation to keep in touch with their off-springs.
Houseparty, on the other hand, replicated the chaos and spontaneity of real-life kitty parties beautifully. It made it possible for anyone to attend or even crash an ongoing party. You didn't have to call guests. Instead, you just let them know you're in the house, ready to party, and anyone can join you.
It brought together generations – just like our regular house parties. The games and other engagements on the app were an added bonus for everyone to have fun together and spend more time on the app.
The biggest draw of Houseparty was that anyone can drop in at any time—no special invites or calls without any distance issues. If you're a friend of someone in the room, you can always join the conversation, even if you don't know anyone else in the room.
However, the one major complaint of these video calling apps is that they aren’t secure. Yep, your personal data can be hacked by others, and not just the friend who is listening to your conversations at a real house party.
This brings us to the million-dollar question,
Will Virtual Parties make Real-Life Parties Obsolete?
Well, we don’t think so. While there’s no arguing that video calling apps have grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, it still doesn’t make up for the real thing.
For instance – party food. Irrespective of whether you're attending a small party hosted by a family member or a large gala dinner at work, the one significant aspect that we all look forward to is – indulging in the glorious party food. Finger foods, appetisers, tasty main courses, tempting desserts, refreshing beverages – there's no doubt that food makes for the life and soul of the party.
Good food is a great conversation starter, and it keeps the momentum of the party going. Video calling apps can't replicate the memories created around platters of shared meals.
So, for now, video calling apps may be the saviour for Indians stuck at home. Still, we optimistically believe that once things settle down (which they'll eventually will) – the kitty party and family get-togethers will be back. Till then, let's raise our glasses virtually on Houseparty, FaceTime, Zoom, or Whatsapp video calls.
Captain Joe – The Best Small Party Caterer in Gurgaon
In the meantime, if you’re hosting a small house party for a select group of friends and family, make sure that you follow all the necessary precautions. Do not invite large numbers. Keep it small and safe. Instruct all your guests to wear masks at all times and sanitize their hands frequently. Order food from certified and safe caterers like Captain Joe.
All our meals are prepared in our hygienic commercial kitchen using organic ingredients in Gurgaon. Our staff takes the necessary precautions – temperature checks, sanitisation, and handwashing – to ensure that your food is 100% safe. We offer drop-off small party catering services in Gurgaon to minimise contact.
To know more about our Covid-19 safe drop-off catering, click here.
Till the virus leaves us (or till a vaccine comes in), let’s stay safe! Cheers to safe partying with all precautions!
