Corporate Events
July 22, 2020

Fun Low-Contact and Safe Events You Can Throw This Summer

One of the top caterers in Maryland offer tips on organizing an exciting, socially-distant event

minute read

If you haven’t already noticed, this summer is looking a lot different than in previous years. Because of COVID-19, restaurants are operating at limited capacities and large crowds are rarer than ever. But while summer activities are certainly limited, that doesn’t mean that you can’t spend time with friends and family in limited capacities.  

Read on for tips and advice on throwing a safe, low-contact event this summer by one of the best caterers in Maryland — The Smokehouse Grill. 

Small Gatherings Around a Campfire

Break out the chocolate and graham crackers to make some s’ mores

group of people around a campfire

Throwing a campfire under the stars is a great way to spend time with friends and family while practicing safe social distancing. Whether you decide to escape the confines of your city for a weekend camping trip or you just want to make a safe campfire in your backyard, don’t forget to bring some extra snacks and drinks like:

  • Marshmallow, chocolate, and graham crackers for s’ mores
  • Popcorn
  • Soda, juice, water, and alcoholic beverages
  • Chips and dip
  • Hot dogs and hamburgers

You can also add outdoor decorations to liven up the party. A rustic theme with mason jar candles and hay bales for seating is perfect for a campfire night. If you are serving a late-night dinner, bring out a picnic table where everyone can dine together. Just remember to check with your local laws on campfires so you don’t have to worry about accidentally violating any regulations. 

Family Picnic Outside

Order some drop-off catering from one of the best caterers in Maryland for an upscale picnic

picnic

Host an outdoor picnic to celebrate a birthday or just for fun. A picnic is a fun and easy summer activity that you can organize for any occasion. If you are having a small gathering with only close friends and family members, consider building and packing your own fresh sandwiches

You will also want to decide where you want to host your picnic. Eating by the beach is a romantic and relaxing experience, as is dining under the shade of a tree at the local park.

If you are hosting more of an outdoor luncheon rather than a casual picnic, you might want to get some help. The Smokehouse Grill offers numerous breakfast and lunch platters that include savory food such as pulled pork, mac and cheese, turkey sandwiches, and more. You can either choose on-site catering or delivery and set-up to help limit the number of people at your event. 

Outside Movie Night at Home

Host a socially-distant movie night with friends and family

people watching movie

Bring the immersive experience of the movie theater back to your home. If you have a home theater projector and screen, consider bringing it outside for a movie night. There’s nothing more relaxing than bundling up in some cozy blankets and turning on some Netflix. You can also light up the night with string lights and lanterns so you can enjoy a truly cinematic experience. Don’t forget to bring popcorn and drinks too. 

If you don’t think your kitchen can handle your guests’ hungry stomachs, order some drop-off catering! Enjoying your own movie night can be difficult if you find yourself constantly worrying about running out of food or not providing enough beverages for everyone. 

CDC Guidelines on Events and Gatherings

Make sure you are staying safe this summer

man cooking barbecue

In order to stay safe and healthy this summer, it is important for both organizers and guests to follow the CDC guidelines on social events. Hosts should also heed their local and state regulations regarding open gatherings while remaining flexible about changing plans, if necessary. For instance, you might want to invest in drop-off catering in case you realize that you need to cut down on guests at your event.

In general, you should remember to follow these guiding principles:

  • Advise guests to stay at home if they had close contact with a person presenting symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days
  • Offer hand sanitizer and tissues to guests
  • Encourage guests to wear cloth face coverings and maintain a safe distance from each other

How The Smokehouse Grill Ensures the Safety of its Staff and Guests

Hungry guests can still enjoy the savory BBQ and mouthwatering appetizers that The Smokehouse Grill is known for. Party hosts can either select on-site catering or drop-off catering. For drop-off catering, the professional crew will deliver and set up fresh appetizers and menu items for your guests. If they decide to go with on-site catering, the organizer can also rent tables, chairs, and even glassware for the event. The Smokehouse Grill will ensure that all of the tables are placed at a safe distance away from each other. No matter which option you choose, your guests are sure to leave the event with full, satisfied stomachs. 


Are you ready to get outside and soak in the summer rays? Getting through the pandemic can be difficult when you can’t visit your friends and family as often as you’d like to. Luckily, you can still organize a socially-distant friendly event outside this summer. Don’t forget to contact The Smokehouse Grill — one of the best BBQ caterers in Maryland — to bring the food at your upcoming event.

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