So, you’ve decided to host an outdoor bash. Congratulations! You’ve braved the wilds of your backyard and set up the ultimate party spot. But now comes the real challenge: keeping your food at the right temperature. If you think this is a small feat, then welcome to the world of temperature control. Fear not! Here’s your ultimate survival guide for ensuring your food remains just as you intended—whether it’s a sizzling hot roast or a chillingly cool salad.
{This post contains affiliate links, meaning, I recommend products and services I’ve used or know well and as an Amazon Associate, I may receive a commission if you purchase them too (at no additional cost to you)}
- **The Power of Aluminum Foil**: This shiny wonder isn’t just for making futuristic hats. Wrap your dishes in it to keep the heat in and the cold out. Just don’t use it as a makeshift cape, unless you want to be the talk of the neighborhood.
- **Chafing Dishes**: These are the unsung heroes of outdoor entertaining. They look fancy and keep your food hot for hours. Just remember, they’re not actually meant for storing leftovers—those will be just as happy in your fridge as they are in the chafing dish.
- **Slow Cookers**: A slow cooker at an outdoor party is like having a warm hug from a friend who never gets cold. Place it on a table with a cozy blanket (the slow cooker, not your friend), and it’ll keep your food hot without requiring too much attention. (see my favorite below).
- **Electric Warming Mat**: Think of it like a heating pad for your food. These plastic-coated matts can be placed under your dish to keep it warm. It will not heat enough to cook food, but will do a great job keeping it warm. They come in a variety of sizes, small for easy storage and can be wiped clean. (see my favorite below).
- **The Grill Glow**: If you’re grilling, use your grill’s warming rack to keep dishes warm. It’s like a sunbathing area for your food—just don’t let it get too toasty.
- **Coolers with Style**: You don’t need to settle for the boring, basic cooler. Get creative with those stylish coolers that look like a designer bag. Not only will they keep your drinks ice-cold, but they’ll also make you look like a party planning genius.
- **Ice Packs and Towel Wrapping**: For salads and other cold dishes, ice packs are your best friends. I love reusable ice sheets (long flat ice pack) that can be placed under your dish. Wrap them in towels for extra insulation. It’s like giving your food a chilly spa day. (see my favorite below)
- **Portable Refrigerators**: These are the VIPs of outdoor entertaining. If you’ve got one, treat it with the reverence it deserves. It’s essentially your food’s personal air-conditioned suite.
- **Cooler Tactics**: If you’re using a cooler, remember the golden rule: keep it closed. Each time you open it, you’re letting out the coolness. Consider it a precious resource—only open it when absolutely necessary, and when you do, try not to hang out and chat for too long.
In a perfect world, you’d have everything under control. But sometimes, the weather (or your friends) have other plans. When you’re faced with the classic hot-cold conundrum, embrace the chaos. Serve up the hot dishes with a side of icy beverages and watch your guests marvel at how you’ve managed to keep it all together—literally and figuratively.
With these tips, you’ll be the outdoor entertaining champion. Just remember, whether your food is hot or cold, the real key to a successful party is enjoying the company of your guests. And if things do go a bit awry, just laugh it off. After all, isn’t that what parties are really about?
My Favorite Products:
{This post contains affiliate links, meaning, I recommend products and services I’ve used or know well and as an Amazon Associate, I may receive a commission if you purchase them too (at no additional cost to you)}
https://amzn.to/4cOjqQY
Giantex Cool Bar Table, 8 Gallon Beer and Wine Cooler, Rattan Style Outdoor Cocktail Patio Bar Tables, Height Adjustable, 3-in-1 Ice Cooler with Drainage Plug for Deck Pool Party (Black)
- Extendable Tabletop for Convenient Use: The extendable tabletop features 2 adjustable heights of 22.5” or 32.5”, which stably keeps at certain position to prevent it from falling.
- Large Capacity with Drain Plug: This ice bucket comes with sufficient inner space to accommodate 8 gals of drinks, making you feel convenient for outdoor activities such as party, BBQ etc. It also has a drainage plug inside the cooler to easily drain out melted ice and water.
- THE FLEXIFREEZE ICE SHEET: The FlexiFreeze Ice Sheets is a convenient and mess-free solution for keeping your beverages and perishables cold during summer and outdoor events.
- FEATURES AND BENEFITS: Its flexible design makes it easy to use and clean, as it contains 100% water, eliminating the need for traditional ice that creates a mess. The flexible design allows them to fit easily in coolers and containers.
- GREAT FOR: Great for a variety of occasions, including BBQs, picnics, weddings, and more, these ice sheets are a versatile cooling option.
- ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS: Made of food-grade plastic, these ice sheets are eco-friendly and reusable, reducing the environmental impact compared to traditional ice. BPA Free. Made in the USA.
https://amzn.to/4cK5tU0
INNOVATIVE LIFE Appetizer Serving Tray on Ice, 15 Inch Party Platter with 4 Ice Cube Tray, Kitchen Chilled Food Bowl with Compartment and Lids for Shrimp, Fruits, Vegetables, Salads, Sushi, Clear
- 3 Tier Tray Design:Innovative Life serving tray have a top lid，an appetizer tray and a bottom plate. The top lid for covering food to keep the dust and bugs out. The middle tray is divided into four parts that you can put some fruits, vegetables, cold cuts, relishes, meat, or sushi. The bottom plate is for packing ice cubes to refrigerate food to keep it fresh.
- Multi-use Tray: It is perfect for indoor and outdoor entertaining, winter and summer.
- Perfect for Gifting: This classic tray makes a perfect gift for weddings, birthdays, and celebrations.
https://amzn.to/3MtMDpr
Food Warming Mat for Buffet, VEPOKA Electric Warming Tray to Keep Food Warm at Party, Silicone Heating Mat with 7 Temperature Levels& Auto Shut-Off, Food Warmers for Parties, Gatherings, Everyday Use
- Slim Rollable Build & Fine:Quality Materials: Embrace portability with our space-saving roll up design, ideal for storage and on-the-go lifestyles, saving up to 60% more space than traditional models. Crafted from flexible, food-grade silicone material, our silicone heating mat for food is designed for durability and easy maintenance. It features a waterproof surface that simplifies cleaning, designed for daily use with durable construction.
- Fineness in Temperature Control & Large Size: Elevate every mealtime experience with our warming trays for buffets party, featuring 7 precise temperature levels from 102℉ to 212℉. Experience swift, uniform heating across the entire surface area with our innovative heating system.
https://amzn.to/4cRDLoz
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and Gatherings
- Personalized Cooking: MyTime adjusts the cooking cycle so your meal is ready exactly when you want it
- Leak-proof Lid: Travel-proof locking lid provides a tight seal to prevent leaks and spills
- Large Capacity: Fitted with a 7-quart bowl that serves 7+ people – perfect for families or gatherings
- Temperature Control: Auto-adjustment cooking cycle ensures meals are never overcooked but always flavor-filled
https://amzn.to/3XsXnec
Sunvivi Dual Pot Slow Cooker, 2 Pot Small Mini Crock Buffet Server and Warmer, Upgraded Oval Ceramic Double Pot Buffet Food Warmer Adjustable Temp Glass Lid, Total 2.5 Quarts
- COOK 2 DISHES AT ONCE– Your lazy artifact, you can use 2 pots to make a perfect dinner at the same time, Chicken fajitas in one, Refried beans in one.
- PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING GUESTS – Perfect for game night/football season/reunions/house warming parties.The food warmers functions makes it the perfect buffet server station allowing your guests to help themselves.