01/20/2022
My top Tips on Gathering Safely
~Nothing to Hide
Be completely transparent about how food is prepared. Consider an open kitchen, where guests can watch and ask questions. This builds trust that safety measures are being met and also adds a level of excitement to the meal.
~New Seating Layouts
Clients don't want to lose that ability to network, by offering new and varying seating options such as small soft seating “pods”, high tops, an 8’ table with six people sitting in a zigzag pattern. These small but impactful adjustments will show your participants that you have taken into consideration their safety while offering a comfortable environment to mingle.
~Covered Cuisine
The days of open buffets are gone. Instead, most event organizers are opting for plated service, where masked servers bring dishes directly to each attendee. To add an extra level of safety, keep meals covered until placed on the table. For some fun, rather than using the standard stainless covers, use glass cloches to add some pizzazz to the dining experience.
Ask your caterer and event design firm to use small cloches to cover its one-bite canapés. Use larger cloches over main dishes and desserts. Colorful food and a good presentation will produce a wow factor that guests will not forget.
~Make It Mini
Adhering to health protocols doesn’t mean you have to skip the passed hors d’oeuvres. For those who want to offer their guests a variety of foods, this can be done three ways: passed, pre-plated, or set up at server-attended stations. Make everything mini, and into individually portioned servings. As an example when offering a charcuterie, use mini boards, which is a great example of form and function because they’re so cute and easier to handle. Even with food prep, you don’t have to have too many hands touching it.
~Add Mocktails to the Menu
A rising number of attendees are cutting back on cocktails, and planners are recognizing that trend. Not only does limiting alcohol and/or serving zero-proof drinks encourage healthier habits, but it also can reduce the risk of attendees becoming intoxicated and ignoring safety protocols. Among other benefits, attendees who drink less or abstain will feel better and more alert for learning. As a bonus, nonalcoholic drinks are typically less expensive.
~Timing is Everything
Allowing more time for meals is one way to avoid the problem of long lines at food stations. For large meetings, consider splitting attendees into smaller groups and assigning meal times or different dining locations. This will minimize the rush of food lines and will help limit the potential for exposure to illness. Guests will likely feel more comfortable dining with fewer people and are assured we're taking the time that is necessary at meal breaks to do it safely.