Safely Host Holiday Dinner Events
Last updated on June 30th, 2022 at 09:15 am
The holidays are approaching quickly, which means groups will be gathering for banquets, family gatherings, and work parties. Whether you are having the annual office party, an end-of-the-year banquet, or just some close relatives over for dinner, food safety is vitally important. No one wants to deal with any unnecessary hospital trips during the holidays, so we at Burkett have come up with some helpful ideas to keep you and your guests safe during this joyous time of year.
Keep Food Temperatures Safe
When serving hot food, it is imperative that the food be held above the minimum 140° so that foods are kept safe from bacteria and other contaminants. Chafing units or countertop food warmers are great and budget friendly ways to help with this. When holding warm foods for an extended period of time, it is important to have a thermometer close by to often measure food temperatures, so they don’t dip below the 140-degree line.
When serving cold dishes, it is recommended that you keep them below 40° to ensure safety and quality of food. Keep cold foods refrigerated up until service time for the best results. If appetizers have been out for a while, throw them back in the refrigerator to get the temp where it needs to be.
Serving Essentials
Other items to consider when putting on a holiday party are serving utensils. Items such as spoons, tongs, and pie servers are commonly needed when serving foods. Pairing the right utensil with the right dish will cut down on messes and make loading up plates easier for your guests. Be sure to have enough serving utensils so that dishes will have specified spoons or tongs. By avoiding using the same utensil to grab multiple food items, you can avoid cross-contamination.
Tabletop Supplies
Add to your presentation of your meals or buffets with beautiful tabletop supplies. Complimenting styles or patterns of your dinnerware, beverageware, and flatware can give your holiday party a uniform and complete look. With so many options, you can find the right unique bowl or dish to serve your meals in to avoid spills and messes.
Whether you are entertaining at home or at the restaurant, you want to keep your friends and customers safe for the holiday season. Check out our “Holiday Buffet Supplies” blog to make sure you have all the necessities to throw the best holiday party.
