Backyard BBQ: What kind of menu/precautions to keep it a safe gathering?

[pinkmomagain]

We are having 2-4 people over for a backyard BBQ this weekend, and I'm trying to think about what to do to keep transmission risks to a minimum. I've already considered spaced seating in the yard, disposable dinnerware, table with food for self-service, lots of available wipes and sanitizer. I guess, ideally, menu should involve individual portions rather than something taken from a shared whole (ie. individual appetizers rather than a chips/dip or cheese and crackers on a platter)?

If you've had a successful small gathering (in total we will have 8-10 people, including my family) recently, what did you consider/implement?

ETA: I am in an area with low rates right now.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Soccermom just posted a similar question earlier this week if you want to look for it (I’m on the app or I’d link for you).
Some ideas from it were:
Kebabs; individual meats/fish (chicken breast, salmon, steak); pre-dished pasta salad, green salad, fruit salad.


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[pinkmomagain]

Soccermom just posted a similar question earlier this week if you want to look for it (I’m on the app or I’d link for you).
Some ideas from it were:
Kebabs; individual meats/fish (chicken breast, salmon, steak); pre-dished pasta salad, green salad, fruit salad.


Sent from my iPhone using Baby Bargains (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87652)

Ahhhh... I must've missed it. I'll take a look at that thread. Thank you!!!!

[elbert]

I’ll repeat my “things on a stick response”. Bonus if they are cooked/grilled on the stick and not even handled other than with clean tongs afterwards!


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[elbert]

I think someone also described a larger party a month or so ago and how they set up and served the food to minimize contact.


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[gatorsmom]

If you haven’t been following Erin Bromage (microbiologist and infectious disease researcher) he addressed this very question in this article: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/22/well/live/coronavirus-pandemic-memorial-day-picnics-bbqs.html

[Green_Tea]

Maybe encourage people to wear masks as they help themselves to food?

[essnce629]

I don't think people should help themselves to food, which would mean everyone touching the same serving utensils and possibly contaminating everything. I think there should be one person, wearing gloves and a mask, dedicated to serving food and drinks. People can go up, tell them what they want, and the dedicated server will serve them. All should wear masks when not seated at a table eating. No one should be allowed inside if at all possible, and if they have to use the bathroom they should wear a mask inside.

Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable eating shared food right now and would prefer bring your own food for a get together. That's what we did when we went to the beach to celebrate DS2's 5th grade culmination and when he had an outdoor play date last weekend (he took his own lunch). Or maybe you provide grilled meat and everyone else brings their own sides and drinks?