5 Virtual Ways to Get Creative This Winter

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During these times of smaller gatherings and lots of quality couch time, it can be a bit challenging to think outside the box in terms of indoor activities, especially as the weather gets colder. Many of us have been trying out new recipes, performing at-home wine tastings, and tapping into our crafty sides. To help mix things up, I’ve created a list of five virtual ways to get creative with friends and family this winter. 

1. Samantha Sommelier

I first discovered Sam Capaldi, a certified sommelier, on Instagram through videos of her vivacious personality and love of wine (and carbs). As a wine lover myself, I began following her posts on wine pairings, lists of best wines at Trader Joe’s, and various festive wine cocktails. While Sam typically hosts wine tastings, both private and public, she also offers virtual tastings through Zoom, which allowed her to quickly adapt to the pandemic lifestyle. Regardless of where you’re living, you can partake in her tastings. After sign-up, you’ll be provided with sommelier tasting materials and a custom wine list that will allow you to purchase and taste wines from your area and according to your budget.

Photo from Instagram @samanthasommelier

Virtual Tasting
​Length: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Price (Does not include wine):

• $50/person (3 people or less)
• $40/person (4 people or more)

​​Cost includes lifetime access to the following:

• Professionally designed wine tasting grids
• Wine tasting mats
• Custom wine and food pairing guide
• Wine 101 guide

Sam also offers her own Wine Club as well as online brand consulting. Click here to book a tasting. Check her out and start sipping!

2. Bespoke boards

Next, what pairs better with wine than charcuterie boards? The answer is NOTHING. Bespoke Boards, based out of Winthrop, MA, was created by a college friend of mine and her husband. They recently launched their business in the summer of 2020 and it has really taken off. They provide luscious meat and cheese boards, dessert boards, cocoa boards, and charcuterie cones, of all sizes, for pretty much any event you need.

Photos from Instagram @_bespokeboards

​If you’re looking for a fun night in with friends, or a corporate team activity, Bespoke conducts virtual workshops that walk through how to master the art of a creative board. They currently offer Monthly Virtual Workshops, Private Virtual Workshops, or Private In-Person Workshops (Max 10 people). Don’t forget to bring your appetites!

Virtual Workshops
Frequency: Once a month (click here for dates & availability)
Length: 45 minutes
Price: $25 (includes live step-by-step instructions & a shopping list)

3. Petal & Ink: Floral Design & Event Decor

If you’ve always admired floral centerpieces and wondered how to create your own, Petal & Ink is the place to go. Located in Wakefield, MA, Petal & Ink makes a wide assortment of gorgeous floral arrangements for any event and creates custom event décor, such as signage, glasses, place settings, and more! The best part is they now offer virtual workshops in addition to their in-person and private events. Some past events have included, “Roses and Rosé Brunch”, “Mums & Mimosas”, “Fall Stems & Sangria Brunch”, and "Galentine's Day", where they collaborated with a cocktail expert who started the class with a festive cocktail tutorial before getting crafty.

Photo from Instagram @_petalandink

Virtual Workshops
​If you haven't been able to attend a past workshop, Petal & Ink will be adding future events so make sure to follow them on Instagram for updates.

4. At Home Cooking Classes

1. Taste Buds Kitchen

Taste Buds Kitchen, located in Beverly, MA, as well as several other locations, is a custom designed kitchen event studio with classes geared toward all ages. While typically an adult class would have a BYOB atmosphere and a room filled with people eager to cook and taste, during pandemic times, Taste Buds Kitchen has gone virtual!

Photo from Instagram @tbkbeverly

​They have a diverse selection of cooking classes that cater to all of your palette’s desires as well as any dietary restrictions you may have. Their virtual classes are live with unique recipes, and a shopping list emailed in advance, after registration. For an additional charge (but less hassle) Taste Buds also provides the option to have the ingredients shipped directly to you if you’d like to bypass another trip to the grocery store. You can click here for a list dates, times, and pricing.

Online Class: Ramen Bowl

Online Class: Dumpling Making

Online Class: Brunch

Book Now

​2. Eataly

Photo from Eataly.com

While I’ve mostly been focusing on smaller businesses, I also wanted to recognize Eataly, a large Italian marketplace, located worldwide, that in addition to their restaurants and cafe's, conducts cooking classes. Eataly offers weekly virtual classes that demonstrate a variety of taste-filled options such as how to make your own fresh pasta, cheese tastings, and regional wine tastings. 

Virtual Wine & Cheese Tour

Virtual Pasta Making

Virtual Wine Class

Knowing that currently travel is limited, especially internationally, their virtual workshops give you a taste of Italy right from your home. It allows you to daydream about future travels while learning about Italian culture. Prices range starting around $55, which includes the necessary ingredients as well as wine paired by their in-house sommelier. Click here for class options and availability.

​5. Yaymaker

Many of you may be familiar with Paint Nite, which is now known as Yaymaker. While they still offer Paint Nites, Yaymaker offers MANY other events, now also available virtually. From crafting events, to cooking & cocktail classes, to trivia nights, they have plenty of fun and creative activities to keep you entertained during the colder months.

NYE Paint Nite with Yaymaker

We recently participated in a New Year’s Eve Virtual Paint Nite and, while we’re no Picasso’s, had a blast while doing it. A supply list was provided to us, along with a link to the event, making it extremely simple to prep for the night.

NYE Paint Nite with Yaymaker

To make it feel like we were at an in-person event, we set up a craft table with our supplies, and completed the look with cocktails. The instructor was very helpful and walked us through the painting, step-by-step. I’m looking forward to trying out some of their other upcoming events, which you can browse here.

NYE Paint Nite with Yaymaker

We’re all looking forward to a time when we can pack into crowded rooms with family and friends and take part in these types of activities in-person again. Until then, I hope these virtual events provide a bit of an escape.

Cheers!

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