Buffets are a convenient way to serve a group of people. They can be especially helpful when there are many food items and a lot of guests. Even for small gatherings, a serve-yourself buffet is usually the easiest setup. Unfortunately, health concerns make buffet-style food service risky. Sharing the same serving utensils and congregating in a small space...

For those with family and friends at close distance, holiday gatherings are much simpler. Without the need to travel, you can save time, money and avoid the risk of exposure to contagious germs and illnesses. However, even keeping a small, local gathering can be safer with some simple logistics. Here are some ideas for how to plan and...