How to host the perfect BBQ in the age of Covid

As we jump into September, we begin to leave the dog days of summer behind us. That means more barbecues, colder cocktails and less sweating!

Now, social distancing BBQs may be the uncomfortable new norm in this age of Covid, but if you’ve made it this far, you can handle it! BBQing for a small group is an art and the best part is that there are fewer things to clean up!

Invite some of your closest friends and show off your baking, mixing and hosting skills!

Quick clean up before the BBQ

One of the great things about an outdoor gathering is that you don’t have to deep clean the inside of your home. There are a few key spots to hit like the entryway, bathroom and kitchen, but other than that you can just keep the lights low and the doors closed!

Be sure to clean the bathroom and kitchen with disinfectant spray. If you’re feeling crafty, DIY a spray with just four ingredients. Check this simple how-to from 40 aprons. Once you’re done cleansing, apply a hand and cuticle oil to replenish softness on your skin and nails. Cleaning supplies, even DIY cleaners, can be harsh on your skin. They usually cause dryness which can lead to further irritation. This Thai Essence Nail Magic Hand and Skin Oil is extremely easy to use and will provide an instant sense of relief.

A menu for everyone

There are a few guidelines to follow in the age of socially distanced gatherings. Keep food simple and in individual portions. It is important to minimize the risk of them touching each other’s food. Avoiding items like dips and large bowls of snacks is essential.

With that said, let’s talk food!

Here are some ideas to bake some very tasty appetizers.

Keep it simple.

1. Skewers – You can put all kinds of skewers on the grill for a simple, yet delicious snack! If you have been gardening all summer long you may also have some vegetables to add to the skewers. Vegetables such as zucchini, squash, tomatoes, and onion make excellent fillings for steak, chicken, or shrimp skewers.
2. Grilled Pineapple – Cut a fresh pineapple into slices and place them on the grill, 5-6 minutes per side. When they’re done, cut them into bite-size pieces, sprinkle the slices with cilantro and throw in a barbeque. Pierce them with toothpicks and voila, you have an easy, delicious snack!
3. Stuffed Mushrooms – This is a great snack that is ready for individuals so you don’t have to do any extra work. Check this out easy recipe from The Kitchn.

If you are providing a main course for your guests, here are some options that are simple yet Covid-friendly:

1. Grilled Sticks – Perfect portions for individuals, the sticks are so simple to bake. Mix together some salt, pepper, garlic and add some chipotle for spice. Rub olive oil over 1.5kg drumsticks and then toss with your spice mix. Grill for about 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes or so. Here is one temperature guide you can check out Grill Insider.
2. Gourmet Burgers – Everyone loves a good burger, right? Put a twist on a classic appetizer with these gourmet recipes that people will love.
3. Grilled Salmon – This simple dish is light and pairs beautifully with green summer vegetables. Dill, paprika, salt, pepper and garlic are just some of the seasonings you can use to flavor your fillet. Add a squeeze of lemon and you have the perfect summer barbecue.

Time to shake things up

Yes, we are talking about mixing up some refreshing cocktails! Create a small menu with a handful of signature barbecue-inspired drinks to serve to your guests.

1. Palomas – Tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda make this super simple cocktail a barbecue must-have. Its refreshing kick complements grilled meats and fruits perfectly.
2. Sweet Tea Bourbons – Right in the name, you know this is a signature barbecue drink. Plus, it’s as simple as it sounds. All you need is bourbon, sweet tea and lemon liqueur
3. Moscow Mules – The mule is a super popular drink and you can’t go wrong with it. All you need is vodka, ginger beer and lime! This is a refreshing drink that pairs well with many grilled foods.

Socially distanced activities

Every barbecue requires a few activities to keep people entertained while the food is cooking. Here are some ideas that are both fun and allow people to follow social distancing guidelines.

1. Corn hole
2. Bocce Ball
3. Ladder ball (Will we create a link for this as some may not know what this is?
4. Croquet
5. Badminton

Note that you may also want to disinfect equipment between rounds. Set up a hand sanitizer station for your guests and go the extra mile with it Thai essential oil for hands and skin. This hand and skin oil will help relieve dryness from hand washing and using hand sanitizer.

Gift bags & thank you notes

In a time of so much change, throw it back to the ‘good old days’ when gift bags were handed out at the door as guests left. Spending quality time with even a few friends this summer has been difficult. That’s why a unique, lasting “thank you for coming” memento will make such a big difference.

So, what should you put in your gift bag?

Send the ladies home with a pampering gift set! Items like nail strengtheners and skin oils make great gifts this season. After a long hot summer, our skin, nails and cuticles could use a beneficial reset with moisture and strength. The Powerful Herbal Enhancer supports strong, healthy nails in just a few applications. This is such an important product now that people – women and men – are constantly washing their hands, cleaning their house and more. Add one SKIN oilor better yet, a hand and SKIN oil. Fill the gift bag with a trendy new polish!

Throw in some items for the kids too.

• Whiskey rocks or glasses – these make awesome little gifts for guys who enjoy a whiskey neat or on the rocks in their time.
• Men’s scented candles – seriously, it’s a thing. There is a huge range of “men’s” scented candles that are becoming quite the trend.
• Nail strengthening – men suffer from cracked, peeling nails too. A nail strengthener is a great gift that can help restore their nails after the long summer. Check out this Herbal Nail Strengthener here.

At the end of the day, these last days of summer offer an incredible opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family. Keep safety top of mind, provide a good menu and let the conversations flow!