4 Easy Ways to Make Your Holiday Gatherings Safe & Healthy

by Ann Hayward 10/10/2021

For those with family and friends at close distance, holiday gatherings are much simpler. Without the need to travel, you can save time, money and avoid the risk of exposure to contagious germs and illnesses. However, even keeping a small, local gathering can be safer with some simple logistics. Here are some ideas for how to plan and host a safe and responsible holiday dinner gathering.

Try a Cafeteria-Style Buffet

Many people use the buffet approach for serving guests at food-focused holiday gatherings. However, the traditional buffet setup requires multiple people using the same utensils over and over, possibly passing germs from one guest to the next. One way to mitigate this health issue while still enjoying the convenience of the buffet is to have a designated server portion out the food on each plate. This person can remain on the other side of the table and serve food as each guest goes down the line. This means only one person is touching the serving utensils, making it far easier to keep germs in check.

Pre-Portion Each Plate

Another convenient and health-conscious method of serving food is to serve portions onto each plate in advance. Each guest will only need to choose a plate and find a seat—no serving utensils or buffet tables involved. As the host, you can portion out the food yourself or have a designated helper do it for you. Regardless, it’s a good idea to have one person handle all the serving at once. Have plates available for anybody with dietary restrictions or preferences set aside, as well.

Use Disposable Dishes & Utensils

Using disposable plates, bowls and utensils means no washing dishes at the end of the party. It also means less potential for passing around contaminants. To keep the mess under control, make sure trash or recycling receptacles are conveniently located so guests can throw things away as soon as they’re finished. To reduce waste, opt for compostable utensils and dishes. These will break down much more easily and help the environment while also keeping your guests safe and healthy.

Take It Outside

Weather permitting, consider taking your holiday gathering outdoors. The increased airflow of a patio or backyard gathering means your guests don’t have to breathe the same air for the entire event. It usually means more opportunity for social distancing, especially if you forgo the formal dining setup. For chilly climates, you can always get portable heating lamps or fireplaces to keep the guests cozy and safe.

These are just a few simple ways to make sure your holiday gathering is safe and fun. Now you can bring friends and family together responsibly and healthily by making some easy changes.

About the Author
Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]