Ring in a Special Occasion with These Cyber Celebrations in Charlotte
Although we’re continuing to practice social distancing, it doesn’t mean you still can’t celebrate your special day. These Charlotte businesses are making it happen with creativity and convenience.
by Brittany Jenkins Apr 23, 2020
While there’s nothing like gathering together to enjoy life’s special moments, such as celebrating a birthday, a baby shower, graduation or any other significant milestone, it can certainly be a little frustrating while social distancing with so many shutdowns due to the coronavirus. Although you can’t make a reservation at your favorite spot in the Queen City, local businesses are still providing products and services to make your occasion extraordinary. With a little inspiration, these ideas will help you celebrate those moments — even from home.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Paper Skyscraper
Neighborhood: Dilworth
Paper Skyscraper has gifts for all ages to brighten someone’s day – from holiday themed baskets to coffee table books to puzzles. The local gift shop can help you pick out something over the phone, mail a card for you, plus they offer curbside pickup. Paper Skyscraper is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call 704.333.7130 to get your order in.
The Buttercup Gifts & Stationery
Neighborhood: Myers Park
As Charlotte’s oldest operating stationery and gift shop, you can order everything from personalized high school graduation announcements to Morse code necklaces with special meanings. The gift shop offers personal shopping via phone and Facetime appointments Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 704.332.5329 or email thebuttercup75@yahoo.com for more details.
Sweet Home Celebrations
SAS Cupcakes
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
SAS Cupcakes has a large variety of gourmet cupcakes for any occasion, and even ships nationwide. Choose from mini cupcakes, cake pops, macarons or even craft activity kits. Currently SAS Cupcakes is offering a sweet deal: 25% off a dozen cupcakes. The cupcake shop is offering curbside/touch-free service and delivery with Grubhub, Postmates and UberEats. Order your dessert of choice by calling 704.295.1777.
Sweet Spot Studio CLT
Neighborhood: East Charlotte
Sweet Spot Studio CLT is now offering virtual cookie decorating birthday parties via Zoom. Chef Monet Bloodworth of Make Mohr Sweets gives a live, one hour demonstration on how to make and color buttercream, how to decorate the cookies and how to assemble them. Each participant receives 12 undecorated cookies, buttercream, piping tips and decorations. You may choose between chocolate or vanilla for several different classes. Pickup or individual delivery options are available for an additional fee. Email hello@sweetspotstudioclt.comfor more information.
Cookies on the Side
Neighborhood: Pop-Up Shop | Online
Cookies on the Side creates custom sugar cookies for birthdays or any other celebration with amazing personal detail. Over the last few weeks, the bakery has had cookie decorating kits, which tend to sell out quickly. Make sure to email info@cookiesontheside.comfor any individual cookie or cookie kit inquiries.
In Good Spirit
Snooze Eatery
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Snooze Eatery has got you covered for that special birthday brunch with their Build Your Own Mimosa Kit. Choose from fresh orange or watermelon juice with your bottle of prosecco to get the at-home party started. Bloody Mary Kits are also available in two sizes: $25 for one bottle of vodka and 32 ounces of the restaurant’s Bloody Mary mix or $45 for two bottles of vodka and a gallon of mix. Secure your kit at order.snoozeeatery.com/menu/plaza-midwood or call 980.243.5070.
The Craftsman Beverage Co.
Neighborhood: Rock Hill, SC
With free delivery in NoDa, South End, Plaza Midwood, Uptown and South Charlotte, this Rock Hill-based company is offering cocktail kits with all of the necessary syrups, juices, sodas, herbs and spices. Whether it’s a Moscow mule or a spicy margarita, the handcrafted cocktail company has all of the ingredients for any kind of beverage lover. Prices range from $10 to $25, and 5% of all sales are donated to back to the community. Visit their website to find your beverage of choice.
Idlewild Bar
Neighborhood: NoDa
While Idlewild Bar may have stopped in-home cocktail classes for now, social distancing cocktail classes are in full swing. For $10 per cocktail ($8 for six or more cocktails), the team will deliver all of the ingredients (including blocks of cocktail ice) and instructions to make specialty cocktails at home. Available drinks include a negroni, daiquiri, penicillin, Manhattan, Tommy’s margarita and an old fashioned. Get your sip on by sending a DM to @idlewildbar on Instagram or by emailing idlewildcocktails@gmail.com.
Decorations Galore
Balloons Charlotte
Neighborhood: Sardis
From giant balloon arches to custom designs, Balloons Charlotte delivers all kinds of balloons and specialty bouquets to fit any occasion with safe at-home deliveries. The company has a variety of balloons for birthdays, graduations, get well messages and jumbo letters and numbers for your yard. Balloons Charlotte offers free delivery within a 5-mile radius or half price on delivery further than 5 miles. Surprise your special someone with a balloon work of art by calling 704.342.1580 or emailing info@balloonscharlotte.com.
Confetti Castle by Tiffany and The Wow Factor Cakes
Neighborhood: Online
Confetti Castle by Tiffany has partnered with The Wow Factor Cakes to bring the ultimate party right to your door. You can order a Balloon Drop Activity Bag and a 6-inch round, two-layer vanilla iced cake with a personalized message for $75. Cake pop or cookie kits, cookie dough tubs and Funfetti birthday cake are also available with Balloon Drop Activity Bags. Delivery is $10 for anywhere inside of the 485 loop and $25 outside of the loop. Contactless pickups are also encouraged. Visit theconfetticastle.comfor more.
Charlotte Yard Cards
Neighborhood: Online
Celebrate your friends and family while getting the whole neighborhood involved with giant greetings in your yard. Charlotte Yard Cards adds special touches to birthdays, anniversaries, accomplishments and graduations with balloons and celebratory shapes in a variety of colors. Social distancing doesn’t affect their service too much because the team typically sets up celebration signs in the evening before your event. Order your joyous greeting by calling 704.942.7539 or emailing charlotteyardcards@yahoo.com.
Social Listening
Spark By Design
Spark By Design is providing an unforgettable live experience you can share with your family, friends and coworkers from the safety of your home. The event design firm has partnered with 20 local businesses, artists and musicians in Charlotte to create a Spark Party Pack, where party elements are brought to you. As a host, you can select optional add-ons, including food and drinks for you and other households. You can also choose live music by a local entertainer. Get your party started by emailing ignite@sparkbydesign.eventsor by calling 704.525.9233
Key Signature Entertainment
Key Signature Entertainment is hosting daily virtual concerts on their Facebook page every weekday at 4 p.m. through the month of April. Tune in to a variety of musicians – from Terrence Young Music, a smooth jazz guitarist, to BellaNova Strings, a high energy electric strings and act. Support local musicians by visiting Key Signature Entertainment’s Facebook page: facebook.com/livemusiccharlotte.
Music Everywhere CLT
Music Everywhere CLT is a virtual concert series livestreaming shows and providing an easy way for audiences to support the local music community. Celebrate your special day by having a dance party or by listening to your favorite Charlotte artist. Visit facebook.com/musiceverywhereclt for all of the upcoming concerts.
Having a birthday or other milestone celebration in isolation can be frustrating, but Charlotte business are making sure it can still be a lot of fun. Celebrations will be remembered quite differently due to COVID-19, but remembered, nonetheless.
