The holiday meal is a juggling act. Turkey needs to rest, the oven is busy, and the sides are all ready at once. A little planning and a food warming mat can mean every dish reaches the table hot.
Build a timeline
- Day before: prep vegetables, make cranberry sauce and desserts, and plan which dishes need heat at serving time.
- Morning: set out serving dishes and place your warming mat where guests can reach it.
- 90 minutes before dinner: roast and bake the main dishes.
- 30 minutes before: transfer finished sides into serving dishes, cover them and place them on the warming mat.
- At serving time: carve the main dish and bring it to the table.
Use the mat as a "second oven"
When the oven is full, the warming mat becomes extra holding space. The 36×15 in LNNIW mat fits a full row of sides: mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans and gravy.
Settings that work
Choose 140–158°F for most cooked sides and set a 2–3 hour timer. Cover dishes to prevent drying.
Keep it safe
Perishable foods shouldn't sit out for more than two hours. Keep hot dishes at 140°F or above, and refrigerate leftovers promptly. Read more in our hot-holding guide.
Make seconds as good as firsts
Because the mat keeps food warm, guests who come back for seconds still get a hot plate.
Plan next year's menu now
Explore more ways to use a warming mat, or see the full range.
Meet the Extra-Large Food Warming Mat
The extra-large warming mat for family dinners, buffets and big gatherings. $89.99 · 36 × 15 in · Dark Grey
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