How to Prepare a Contactless Meal for an Outdoor Party

'Tis the season for outdoor entertaining, and if you aren't already thinking about single-serving menus, now's the time to do so. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, safely hosting guests is of the utmost importance. "Whether it's in the form of personal picnic baskets or designated containers with single portions of food, a contactless (or single-serving) menu means that guests will have their own individual setup in terms food, drink, dishes, and utensils," explains professional caterer Annie Campbell. "You'll need to choose dishes that can be prepared and packaged well in advance, and at served room temperature."

Along with sparing you from the hassle of serving food buffet style (and making your guests more comfortable in the age of the coronavirus), Campbell says employing a single-serving menu at an outdoor celebration allows you to be more present, too. "It takes the awkwardness out of having to navigate each step of the party," she explains. "If everything is set up safely in advance, you can jump to the main event: great food, great conversation, and hopefully some much needed laughter." Curious how you can prepare a contactless menu for your next backyard party? Campbell's advice makes the process simple. read full article