Some of the best parties are those in which delicious food is offered on a buffet for guests to enjoy over a leisurely period of time. A host knows she's done it right when her guests have a bite to eat, talk with friends, go back for seconds, and even get thirds of that one dish they can't get enough of. A host's challenge is in keeping food warm on a buffet for as long as guests are eating.
Chafing dishes, warming trays, preheated serving dishes and other hot-food keepers allow a party host to make food in advance, keep it warm in the oven or stovetop until just before the party begins, and then keep the dish warm throughout the affair. No host wants to worry about food getting cold while she tends to her guests.
Chafing Dishes
Chafing dishes keep food hot with a low, steady heat source set below the dish. A chafing dish kit includes the dish, a Sterno or other source of heat, and some type of stand or rack to keep the dish above the heat source. Chafing dishes range in price from around $10US for sets that include lightweight, disposable aluminum dishes, to as much as hundreds of dollars for a silver chafing dish for formal serving.
Some chafing dishes use an electric heat source, while others have a small gas burner, a candle, ethanol gel, or other type of fuel. With their controlled, small heat source, chafing dishes help to keep food warm without burning or drying out. Many chafing dishes include a pan of water that separates the heat source from the food. This double-boiler method keeps the food from becoming dry.
Electric Food Warmers
Electric warming dishes range from multi-compartment food servers often used by caterers, to your own crockpot or electric skillet. When using an electric food warmer, use a very low heat setting, and remember that an electric heating source may cook away the liquid in a dish and allow food to dry out if not watched carefully.
Electric warming trays are a convenient way to ensure your buffet food is kept warm. An electric warming tray has a flat heated surface that will hold several serving dishes and keep them warm.
Remember when using electric food warmers on a buffet to place your serving table against a wall near a plug. Don't allow electrical cords to stretch across areas where your guests may be walking.
Some warming trays are marketed as "cordless warming trays" and will stay warm for up to an hour after being unplugged.
Pre-Heated Serving Dishes - a Do-It-Yourself Option
For short-term warming, insulated, oven-proof serving dishes can be heated up just before party time, and will act as warming trays. Heat the empty serving dish by placing it in the oven for about 15 minutes, or by pouring boiling water into the dish, letting it sit for a few minutes before drying and filling with food.
Make Your Own Steam Tray
Another do-it-yourself option to keep food warm is to make your own “hot water bath” or double-boiler steam tray. Pour boiling water into a metal pan and place a tray that is slightly larger than the pan on top. Food on the top tray will be warmed by the hot water below.
Don’t use too much hot water, and be sure the tray is securely on top of the pan.
Choosing a Warming Dish
When shopping for a way to keep food warm on a buffet, keep in mind the type of food, the quantity of food, and the versatility of the dish. How often will you be able to use it? If you don't entertain frequently, you may want to rent warming trays or other hot-food keepers from a party supply store or restaurant supply store.
When purchasing a warming dish, you may find what you need on eBay or other online shopping sources. In-person shopping for warming dishes might be a home goods, party store, or restaurant supply store. Some department stores carry chafing dishes and other entertaining-related equipment only during the winter holiday season.
Tips for Serving Hot Food at a Party
- Don't overload your menu with hot food items, especially if you're serving finger foods and other dishes that are meant to be eaten over the course of the entire party. Provide a mix of both hot, cold and room temperature items - a cold dip, a cheese platter, a hot dip, some cold finger foods, and some hot finger foods - for variety and serving ease.
- Avoid foods that are best only when piping hot. Warm or room temperature foods are the easiest to serve.
- Set up your buffet with your guests in mind. Leave room for lids to be set down, and serving spoons to rest on a napkin. Keep all cords safely out of the way.
Join the Conversation