Want to spend time with friends and relatives while reducing the risk of contracting COVID-19? We’re here to help!
Following are some tips for throwing a socially distanced gathering in your backyard.
Keep the guest list relatively small
The more people you interact with, the greater the risk of exposure to the disease, so consider limiting invitations to close friends and family who have also been practicing social distancing. In addition, be sure to follow government guidelines and rules regarding the size of gatherings in your area.
Request that guests wear face coverings
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these “may slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.”
Enforce a six-foot rule
Ask that all guests maintain a six-foot (approximately two arms lengths) distance from other attendees who are not members of their own household as studies indicate that respiratory droplets typically travel this distance.
Make sure that all patio furniture has been cleaned and disinfected before your guests arrive. You can even request that guests bring their own lawn chairs, if desired. For disinfecting tips, check out our Guide to Killing Germs on Every Type of Surface.
Share the sanitizer
Place several bottles of hand sanitizer throughout the yard for easy access and encourage guests to use as needed.
Use disposable dishes and utensils
Single-use plates and cutlery utensils can help guests feel safe, and you won’t have to wash items that others have handled.
Avoid serving communal food
Skip the potluck and consider serving individually packaged foods, such as sandwiches in plastic baggies, burgers wrapped in foil and small bags of chips, and replace condiment bottles with individual condiment packets.
Now that you’re ready to kick off summer with an intimate backyard bash, the following items might come in handy:
Seventh Generation Lemongrass Citrus Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner
This botanical disinfectant “kills over 99.99% of household germs.” It’s safe for use on hard, nonporous surfaces and doesn’t require rinsing—even on surfaces that come into contact with food. Bright citrus fragrance!
Badger Organic Anti-Bug Shake & Spray
Keep bugs at bay with this all-natural, eco-friendly repellent! The must-try spray “naturally repels insects with the pleasant aroma of citronella, rosemary and wintergreen essential oils.” Plus, it contains no DEET, synthetic chemicals or petroleum products, so it’s safe for the entire family!
Keeping hands clean is especially important during a pandemic. This pocket-sized unscented hand sanitizer eliminates over 99% of germs without requiring water, soap or even a towel. Approved by the FDA and WHO!
Vitacost The Clean Collection 10″ Compostable Sugarcane Picnic Plates
Looking for a greener alternative to traditional paper or Styrofoam plates? These are “made from sustainable sugarcane fiber that is compatible with your home composting system.” They’re free of artificial dyes and inks and super sturdy for serving up heaping portions of your favorite hot or cold dishes.
Repurpose Plant-Based High-Heat Assorted Utensils
Not all single-use utensils are created equal. These heavy-duty, BPA-free forks, knives and spoons are certified compostable and “made from plants, not petroleum.” Designed to mimic traditional cutlery and withstand high temperatures!
Seventh Generation 1-Ply White Napkins
Napkins are a must for any backyard gathering. These contain 100% recycled paper, which “helps reduce the need for virgin wood pulp, which means more trees are left standing.” They’re soft, absorbent and hypoallergenic and contain no chlorine or gluten.
Bare Baked Crunchy Apple Chips Variety Snack Pack
Apple chips make a perfect summertime snack, and these contain no added sugar, fat or gluten. Your guests will clamor for these single serving bags of baked, crunchy apple chips in Cinnamon, Fuji and Reds and Granny Smith varieties. A delicious and nutritious alternative to potato chips!
Little Secrets Candy Sea Salted Peanut Coated Dark Chocolate Candies
If your friends and relatives have a sweet tooth, they’re going to love these all-natural candies made with 55% Fair Trade Cocoa. In fact, they’re “so mind-blowingly delicious,” you may have a hard time sharing!