How do I keep flies and other bugs away from my outdoor party food?

We have bowl umbrellas. The are mesh covered dome shaped contraptions the look like little umbrellas. You just place one over the bowl and no bugs in the food. You can get them at bed bath and beyond. They have several colors and the collapse for storage.

get citrona candles.

Patio fans are what I use in addition to the umbrella food covers. One at each end of the dining area facing in set on low. Does the trick. Any flying insect does not care for the breeze and goes elsewhere in you yard. Some people set a bowl or two of soda in the yard away from the entertaining area. It attracts them and most drown.

Those netted umbrella food covers could be a option.

You can use a net "tee-pee". You can buy them at bigger chain stores like Walmart.