Keep a stack of napkins handy when the food metaphors start... last summer, a guy explained firewalls using onion rings and it got messy. For the potato salad, just relocate it to a far corner of the picnic table. If fiber talk kicks in, quickly ask about the grill temperature or drink refills. Redirecting the conversation saves your side dishes and your sanity. Creating that physical space between snacks and speeches is key... learned that the hard way.