Eating outside is popular. As long as the weather is nice enough, people usually shouldn’t have to worry about eating outdoors.
Potential Hazards
However, certain dishes and recipes are more likely to get the attention of the insects in the area. It’s also possible for some food products to spoil relatively quickly in the hot sun. Some insects might be interested in almost all dishes. If there’s too much insect activity outside, guests might decide to just spend some time in an area with screens, giving them the chance to feel as if they’re eating outdoors without having to worry about the bugs.
However, insects are still more likely to be drawn to anything that has a high sugar content. Fruit salads are popular outdoor food items, but it’s often a good idea to keep them covered when possible. People can have similar problems with other popular snacks. Most types of dip can spoil very quickly. Foods with a lower water content might be somewhat more resilient, but it’s important to prepare.
Shaded Areas
People who have perishable food items outside should try to plan ahead when they’re setting up the buffet table. If there is a shaded space in the area of any kind, it’s a good spot for one of these tables.
Putting anything perishable in a space that catches lots of direct sunlight is usually riskier. It’s possible for certain foods to spoil quickly if they aren’t refrigerated one way or another, but that process still might happen more quickly if there is enough direct sunlight.
Having a cooler or an easily accessible small refrigerator nearby can help. People might be able to keep some food there for a little while, giving them the chance to bring everything outside again when the guests are ready.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
