We know the holidays are going to look a little different this year, but it doesn’t mean that there has to be a shortage of fun and memorable ways to celebrate.

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We are admittedly the type to go all out for the holidays–decking the house in lights, baking all things that smell sweet and cozy, and wearing furry sweaters (whenever the temperature dips below 70 in Honolulu). Although this year is obviously a little different than years before, we think that staying creative with celebrations and going out on a limb to try something new this year is so necessary to keep the holiday spirit alive.

We know that celebrations this year going to be a little more intimate, but we think that this opens up the possibilities to try something completely new, and maybe even carry on these new traditions to future holiday celebrations.

Here are a few ways to make your mini holiday celebration special this year:

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Dazzle up your dining table

Take this opportunity to go all out on the styling of your get together! Break out the nice plates and glassware and splurge on a couple of nice linen and flowers. Decorate with some seasonal fruits or veggies (mini pumpkins make great accent pieces!) and you certainly will have an Instagrammable setup for your small (but styled!) holiday celebration.

Go fancy! Do a coursed dinner to treat your extra special guests

With less people to feed, you can make it an event for your special guests! Coordinate a coursed meal menu with your guests and have each of them create a dish. After each course, someone can prep and plate the next one so it can be a culinary experience for everyone involved!

Brunch!

Because who can disagree on brunch! Having a small brunch instead of dinner takes the weight off of the cook’s shoulders (breakfast casserole, bacon, and fruit, and call it a day!), plus it leaves the whole afternoon to relax, take a sunset stroll, and spend time with your loved ones.

Try a new recipe that you have always wanted to attempt, but focus on a few favorites

Yes, there’s a traditional set of recipes that we always see during the holidays–whether its green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, or a big ‘ol roasted turkey–but a smaller gathering begs the possibility to try your own spin on a traditional holiday dinner.

If there has been any recipe that you have always thought would be a tad too extravagant for a normal dinner but have always wanted to try, go for it! We’re talking an elaborate cheese board with all the fall fixings, a porchetta pork roast, or mini creme brulee (topped with your favorite berries!). Impress yourself (and your fam!) with these extra special dishes and feel free to share the inspo with your followers!

Treat yo self! Order in a delicious meal from a local restaurant

So many local restaurants are offering holiday packages for the families that can skip on the cooking this year! This is a great way to have a chef’d up meal for your family, without the whole day of prep and cooking. Plus, we love to support our favorite local eateries in any way possible.

Do a (socially distanced) drop-off to your loved ones

Share a (socially distanced) moment with your loved ones and set up a goodie drop-off to share the holiday cheer. Make your favorite batch of cookies or even share a plate of your signature dish that they couldn’t miss out on this year and drop it off to your friends and family that you couldn’t miss a holiday gathering with!

Don’t forget the post-meal stroll

The post-meal stroll–or a way to walk off your holiday meal and enjoy the outdoor scenery with your loved ones–might definitely be something you don’t want to skip out on this year. Take the time to go on your favorite walking trail with your loved ones and reflect on how lucky you are to enjoy this evening filled with food, laughter, and with the closest people in your life.