Calgary,
09
October
2020
|
09:02
America/Denver

How to gobble up Thanksgiving safely

Are you planning on hosting Thanksgiving? Now is the time to start thinking about how to have a safe Thanksgiving feast.

Besides figuring out how long to cook that turkey, you’ll want to think about how many people you can accommodate safely before, during, and after dinner. It is best to keep the party small and limited to your cohort. If you have a lot of friends and relatives who are especially vulnerable this might be the year for a virtual Thanksgiving Day. Consider having a second event like a brunch or a leftovers dinner on a different day to keep numbers smaller.

When deciding where to host, use a home that offers the greatest space possible with the highest ceilings and best ventilation. It is also important to let your guests know that it is okay to cancel last minute if they feel unwell.

The weather can be hit or miss in October, but if it is nice have dinner outside with some space heaters or around a firepit. If you must stay indoors for the meal, think about what kind of activities you could do after dinner, so everyone isn’t sitting closely together indoors. Consider going for a walk, playing outdoor games, or going on a scavenger hunt.

Seating can make a difference; seat more vulnerable people at the end of the table or where they can stay further away from others. Sit closest to those in your household or cohort.

Keep hand sanitizer accessible for your guests and consider single use hand towels in the washroom. Plate everyone’s meal in lieu of buffet, and if someone wants seconds of your famous dressing, serve them so your guests don’t share serving utensils.

Be creative and use your judgement on what will work best for your situation to follow public health guidelines. A few small adjustments can make your family safer and ensure everyone goes home healthy. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!