With the COVID-19 virus still going around, your holiday plans might look different than previous years’. But even if you’re only having a few close friends or relatives stop by, playing host can be stressful. Luckily, you can simplify your holiday experience by ordering catering from a local restaurant. Use the following guide to start planning your small get-together with safety in mind.

The Benefits of Catering for the Holidays This Year

Gone are the days of crowded dinner parties, cozying up around a table and sharing seven different sides with your entire extended family. Now, experts recommend limiting gatherings to 10 people or fewer, keeping all guests six feet apart, and hosting your event outside.

On the bright side, this gives you the perfect escape when it comes to cooking—instead of spending hours in the kitchen before your guests arrive, you can simply order catering to serve outside.

Once the food arrives, set up the dishes on a table in your backyard, and have one individual do the plating. Instruct each guest to walk up to the table one at a time and collect their food. You then don’t have 10 different people handling the serving spoons or fighting over the last roll. Plus, you can sit back and enjoy the festivities instead of running back and forth from the kitchen.

Other Ways to Promote Health & Safety at Your Get-Together

To prevent your guests from mingling too close together, set up chairs on your lawn or patio at least six feet apart. Ask your guests to leave pets at home, so they don’t have to break the social distancing guidelines to run after them. Keep music low, so no one has to lean in close to communicate.

You can also set up a hand-washing station in your backyard so guests don’t have to go inside your home as often. If any of your guests need to use the toilet, make sure only one person goes in at a time. Also, set up a trash bin outside so guests don’t need to head inside when they’re done with their plate or beverage.

If you’re looking for a delicious catering restaurant in the Hilo, HI, area, turn to Kawamoto Store for your holiday spread. They serve authentic Japanese, Filipino and Chinese food, as well as some Hawaiian dishes. For over 70 years, they’ve satisfied local appetites, and they’ll be happy to provide a catering platter for your backyard get-together. Learn more about their services online, or call (808) 935-8209 to place an order today.