No matter the season, there is always a reason to gather with friends and family. Whether a casual get-together or a special celebration, no event is complete without delicious food.

Before diving into the fun, remember no one wants any unwanted guests—especially harmful bacteria. Food safety should always be an event-planning priority. Keep these helpful tips in mind to ensure the food served is safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Size Matters

When planning a menu, keep serving portions on the smaller side. Preparing several smaller platters ahead of time allows the host to swap in fresh dishes throughout the event. Store cold backups in the fridge at a temperature below 40 degrees F. Hot dishes should be kept in the oven at a temperature between 200 and 250 degrees F. This ensures that early arrivals and latecomers alike will enjoy the same delicious, safe food.

Take Temperatures

When it comes to food safety, a food thermometer is a necessity. Hot foods should be kept at or above 140 degrees F to prevent bacterial growth. Use chafing dishes, slow cookers, and warming trays to keep food hot, but make sure they can hold the right temperature. Some warmers only reach 110 degrees F to 120 degrees F, which isn’t hot enough to keep bacteria at bay. For eggs or egg-based dishes, ensure they are reheated to 165 degrees F before serving.

Chill Out

Cold foods should always be kept at 40 degrees F or colder. Store items in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve. If cold food will be out for more than two hours, place on ice to maintain a safe temperature.

Keep it Fresh

Bacteria can multiply quickly when food is left at room temperature. In fact, bacteria can double in as few as 20 minutes. That’s why it is important to replace empty dishes with freshly prepared ones and to avoid adding new food to existing serving trays. Wash hands often to prevent contaminating food with dirty hands.

Following these simple food safety practices will allow guests to focus on enjoying the food and each other’s company—without any worries.