When you’re planning a cookout after the initial spread of the coronavirus, it’s important to plan more than just what you need from the grocery. You want to consider how many people you will have in attendance, as well as spacing out seating areas that enable your guests to practice social distancing. Before you make your party grocery list, consider the following tips you can use to make your cookout both safe and a success.

How to Have a Social-Distancing Barbecue

1. Keep Your Gathering Small

While keeping your gathering to a smaller number of guests is important, it’s more critical that you consider how many different households you are inviting. A family of four that lives in the same household is exposed to the same germs, whereas two couples from two different homes will actually heighten your exposure risk.

2. Bring Your Own Snacks 

One of the easiest ways to reduce the transmission of germs between your guests is by having them bring their own finger foods to enjoy. Produce, meat, and cheese trays are all communal at a party, making it difficult to reduce contact. You can still pick up different meats to grill at the grocery store, as long as you use tongs to handle the food.

3. Provide Hand Sanitizer

Wherever you have food, drinks, or entertainment areas for your guests to enjoy, provide hand sanitizer to make it easy for them to clean their hands of germs. You can elevate your offerings by creating small baskets with wipes, sanitizer, foaming soap, and disposable towels, but make sure to have multiple stations available.

4. Wear Masks

A vital aspect of social distancing at a cookout is knowing when to protect yourself and others. Wearing a mask when you are not eating will lower the risk of transmission through respiratory fluids. Make sure to have extra disposable masks available for other guests to use if they don’t have their own.

If you are planning a social-distancing summer cookout and need items for your party, visit Cranberry Country Market in Tomah, WI. Whether you’re looking for organic produce or prefer chicken, hamburgers, or sausages for your cookout, this grocery store caters to a multitude of culinary needs. To learn more about their products, visit them online or call (608) 374-4944.