Brightwaters resident celebrates birthday social-distance style

“I, being the party enthusiast that I am, insisted we did more than just the drive-by and decorated, too!” said Caligiuri, who is also a Brightwaters resident. “It was a huge success and so heartwarming during this difficult time. We have a large family that always spends a lot of time together, and it was nice to all be together, even if it was six feet apart, in masks and gloves, and for a short period of time.”

Caligiuri does event styling and runs Curated by Kelsrita. She said that since many of her clients’ parties are getting canceled, she began creating Quaran-Party Kits to maintain the celebration of scheduled life events while remaining on lockdown. These kits consist of a balloon arch, balloon garland, tassel banner, con- fetti, and fun paper straws with tape and string to craft it all. The kit also includes banners that can either read “Be Happy” or “Happy Birthday.”

“An activity and party all in one!” Caligiuri said. “Of course, I always am available for a safe setup and hexagon rental if people are interested.”

Quaran-Party Kits cost $20, with non-contact drop-off, and are available through Caligiuri’s Instagram account, @curatedbykelsrita.

The initial plan was to set up the decorations in front of Kelsey’s house down the block and have Ashley, her husband Chris and their two young sons go for a walk and stumble upon the whole thing, with the caravan coming by as they passed Kelsey’s.

“But they didn’t get out of the house in time, and people needed to get back to work from home,” Caligiuri said. “So, we carried it around the block to their house and led the cars. “It was so beautiful. [Ashley] cried. We all cried!” she added.”