We've all been there – spent hours (perhaps days) pulling together a beautiful feast for Thanksgiving, only for it all to go cold just minutes after serving. I think I've found just the thing to add to my Thanksgiving checklist to ensure that my homemade dishes stay warm enough for second helpings and beyond – this VEPOKA Food Warmer Mat from Amazon.
It feels like a much more modern and portable version of the heated buffet carts of the 70s – my Nan had one and it always came out for Christmas dinner, but took up rather a large (and unsightly) space in the dining room for the rest of the year.
With seven temperature settings, easy-to-use controls and a range of colors to choose from, (only two are in the Prime Day sale though), the VEPOKA Food Warmer Mat from Amazonis both discreet and effective at keeping food warm for longer at large group gatherings.
While only two colors are available in the Prime Day sale I'm loving the subtlety of the brown and white as I know they'll blend seamlessly into my fall table decor ideas without being jarring when you place it in the center of your table.
At over 23 x 15 inches wide, the VEPOKA Food Warmer Mat from Amazon has plenty of space to accommodate all my pots and pans, from the Thanksgiving turkey to the roast potatoes, gravies and veg. And it promises 'swift, uniform heating' so there won't be any hotspots or cooler areas.
The 7-level temperature control has a range from 104 -212°F with an easy-touch control and changes color in a pattern around the edge as a visual cue that it's reached temperature. And if you're concerned about safety or have young children as I do, the built-in child lock and automatic shut off should set your mind at ease.
I also won't have to worry about damaging my waxed pine dining table as the durable silicone surface will ensure even heat distribution, and the silicone pad feet will protect the surface underneath. This also means it's incredibly easy to clean – I've been using silicone place mats for my kids for years, and they clean up in a single wipe.
And, unlike my Nan's old buffet cart, you can simply roll up the VEPOKA Food Warmer Mat from Amazon and detach the extra long (2.2m) power cable, for easy portability and storage.
I'm convinced by this simple, affordable, and space-saving way to keep your food warm for longer and I'm getting one now in the Prime Day sale.
More food warming gadgets from Amazon
Ideal for parties or buffets – pop this on your kitchen island or countertop. It's made from durable tempered glass and has handles for easy transportation.
If you need to transport food for Thanksgiving or are taking a dish for a pot luck dinner, this heated lunch box is ideal for ensuring it arrives as hot as it was when you cooked it.
If you're hosting a party or a large crowd this holiday season, you may need something more substantial like this buffet server. The three 2.5-quart stainless steel trays can be filled with all your Thanksgiving sides with ease.
Stove not big enough for hosting a crowd? We wrote about the new Smeg portable induction hob, which is a stylish and neat way to create extra cooking space which can be easily transported.
