There are a few simple rules to follow to ensure your food doesn't become spoiled while hosting an outdoor gathering. 1. Keep cooked and uncooked meats separate from each other. This means using different platters and utensils for handling raw meat and cooked meat. 2. Keep perishable foods cold until just before serving. This includes items made with eggs or dairy, such as mayo-based potato salad or spicy deviled eggs, which are particularly prone to spoilage. 3. Don't let food sit out for more than 2 hours. If it is an exceptionally warm day (above 90°F), food will spoil more quickly and shouldn't be left out for more than 1 hour.