Outdoor dining – our top ten tips

Now that summer is here, you may be hosting outdoor gatherings, meals, barbecues, or other outside functions. Here’s our top ten outdoor dining tips to help you and your guests stay safe and well.

1. Start with clean surfaces

• Wipe down tables, trays, and serving boards before use.
• Use clean tablecloths or placemats that can be easily washed.
• If you’re eating on garden furniture, give it a quick clean first to remove dust, pollen, and bird droppings.

2. Keep food at safe temperatures

• Cold foods (salads, dairy, cooked meats) should be kept chilled in the fridge, or in a cool bag with ice packs, until serving.
• Hot foods should be eaten soon after cooking and kept covered.
• As a general rule, avoid leaving perishable food out for more than one hour in warm weather.

3. Take extra care with barbecues

• Make sure meat is fully cooked – no pink chicken, and burgers should be piping hot all the way through.
• Use separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked food.
• Never put cooked food back onto a plate that had raw meat on it.

4. Protect food from insects and pets

• Keep food covered with lids, foil, or mesh food covers.
• Bring food out in smaller portions and top up as needed.
• Keep pets away from serving areas to avoid contamination.

5. Hand hygiene matters

• Wash your hands before handling food.
• If you’re away from the house, have hand wipes or sanitiser available for guests.
• Encourage quick hand cleaning before eating, especially for children.

6. Choose outdoor friendly foods

Opt for foods that hold up well in warm temperatures such as:

• Hard cheeses instead of soft cheeses
• Bread, wraps, and crackers
• Fresh fruit cut just before serving
• Be cautious with foods containing raw eggs, mayonnaise, or cream.

7. Think about shade and timing

• Set food up in shaded areas to slow spoilage.
• Try eating earlier in the day or later in the evening when it’s cooler.
• If it’s very warm, use umbrellas, gazebos, or parasols if possible.

8. Keep drinks safe and fresh

• Ice should be made with clean water and kept covered.
• Use separate scoops or tongs for ice.
• Keep drinks in shaded coolers so they stay refreshing and safe.

9. Create a comfortable atmosphere

• Light citronella candles or use natural repellents to help deter insects.
• Check lighting for evening dining so people can see their food clearly.
• Provide cushions, blankets, or shawls if temperatures drop later on.

10. Clear away promptly

• Once finished eating, clear leftovers straight away.
• Store any food you plan to keep back in the fridge quickly.
• Wipe down surfaces to avoid attracting insects later on.