Recently there have been large spikes of Covid19 cases in many parts of the world and here at home. This year your gatherings will look a little different. Also, Please follow the recommendations for your state and county regarding safety from the Covid19 virus.
Here is an easy party guide to follow:
Even if you are gathering with family and close friends, you don’t know which one of them might have unknowingly been exposed to the virus. You don’t want any of your guests to accidentally become infected. So ask everyone to please wear masks or bandanas, social distance and wash their hands frequently. Have a place for them to wash their hands outdoors in the party area. Ask you guests not to bring a gift or food to share with everyone. Exercise extreme caution.
Arrange for guests to come straight from their car into your backyard. Keep them out of the house. Set up seating to accommodate the 6 foot spacing. Hold your event outdoors. Plan the group size according to your local restrictions. Place hand sanitizers on each table. Bring a zip lock bag with your name on it to put your mask in while you are eating. Then remember to put it back on when you finish your meal.
If it rains have a tent set up with open flaps for fresh air, to keep the food and everyone dry, or cancel the event. Don’t bring the party in the house.
Fourth of July Serving Tips:
Avoid serving dips with vegetables or chips (too many people handling the food). No shared condiments or finger foods. Avoid self serve buffet where people would be breathing on the food as they serve themselves. Have one person serve the food to the guests including buns, bread, etc. with long handled tongs. A server can come pour beverages into guests’ glasses at the table.
Make sure utensils, plates and napkins are already set on the tables including dessert plate and fork or spoon.
It might be better to serve on paper plates with paper cups, then put them in a large garbage bag and straight to the garbage bin. Don’t bring them into the house!
Enjoy seeing and talking to your family and friends while practicing safety.
Happy Fourth!
*Some of these ideas are from Kristin Salaky, news editor at Delish.com. Thanks Kristin!
Thank you for helping others with common sense approaches to a complicated problem. I’m sure this article will take the stress out of planning events for many hosts and hostesses. Kudos!
Thank you Franki!