As coronavirus continues to affect the United States, businesses in some states are continuing to open up, leaving many confused. While eating meals at home saves money and helps you to improve your cooking skills, cooking the same spaghetti bolognese every night gets, well, boring. We all can’t wait to dine out normally… but here are a few ways to stay sane in the meantime.

While many of us are looking to support local businesses by ordering take out, many catering businesses are also hurting. Hiring a caterer for a dinner or Sunday brunch elevates a typical takeout meal from plastic boxes to a full service with beautiful plating, giving you all the benefits of a restaurant while still social distancing.

As long as you keep a social distance, a picnic is a great way to both eat outside your normal setting, and enjoy the last of the summer months. Invest in a cooler, an extra-large towel, or a blanket, and explore the parts of your town you’ve never ventured into before. Hills, fields, and beaches all do the trick! Just make sure to bring a sweater, and pack bug spray if it’s needed.

Another way to make a meal special and support local talent is by hiring local bands to play during your meal. As long as you keep a distance of at least 6 feet, reaching out to local talent who are suffering because of venues closing is a great way to make an ordinary dinner extraordinary.

Using the “nice” cutlery and china, inviting far-flung friends and family to a virtual dinner party, and experimenting with new recipes are just a few more ways you can get out of your home-cooking rut. However you choose to do so, be sure to stay safe and healthy!