During the holidays, you probably deal with a lot of hot dishes coming out of the oven or off the stove. Knowing where to safely place those hot dishes can save you from damaging your kitchen surfaces or making a big mess.
Knowing which surfaces to avoid putting hot holiday dishes on helps protect your kitchen and keeps your celebration stress-free. This article will help you spot the common surfaces that aren’t built to handle heat so you can keep everything safe and intact.
Glass tabletops
You should avoid putting hot holiday dishes directly on glass tabletops. Glass is fragile and can crack or shatter from sudden temperature changes.
Even if the glass looks thick, the heat from your dish can cause damage easily. Using a trivet or heat-resistant pad is a smart move to protect your table.
Putting hot pots or dishes right on the glass risks costly damage. It’s best to keep your festive meals safe and your table in one piece.
Wooden dining tables
You should never put hot dishes directly on your wooden dining table. The heat can damage the finish, leaving ugly burn marks or discoloration. Over time, this can cause cracking or warping, which is tough to fix.
Using trivets, coasters, or heat-resistant mats is a simple way to protect your table. These create a barrier that spreads the heat out, keeping your wood safe. It’s an easy habit that saves your table and keeps it looking great for years.
Melamine plates
You might like melamine plates for their durability and bright designs. But avoid putting piping-hot dishes on them.
High heat can cause chemicals to leach from melamine into your food, especially if the plates are scratched or damaged.
It’s fine to serve warm or room-temperature meals, but skip using melamine in the microwave or for hot soups. Keep your holiday dishes safe by choosing a different surface for very hot food.
Marble countertops
Marble looks stunning but it’s pretty sensitive when it comes to heat. You might think it’s okay to set a hot dish right on it, but that can cause cracks or discoloration over time.
Always use trivets or hot pads to protect your marble surface. Even though it’s somewhat heat-resistant, direct heat can cause damage you don’t want to deal with.
Taking a few extra seconds to place your dishes carefully helps keep your marble looking great longer. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
Plastic trays
You should avoid putting hot holiday dishes directly on plastic trays. Heat can cause the plastic to break down and release chemicals into your food.
Plastic gets weaker when exposed to heat, which makes it more likely to warp or leak. Plus, scratches on the surface increase the chance of harmful substances leaching out.
If you need to use plastic trays, wait for your food to cool before placing it on them or choose heat-safe options like glass or metal instead.
Cold metal surfaces
You should avoid putting hot holiday dishes directly on cold metal surfaces. The sudden temperature change can cause your dish to crack or even shatter.
Plus, metal conducts heat quickly, which might damage both your dish and the surface beneath it. Instead, use a trivet or a thick cloth to protect your table and cookware.
This simple step keeps your surfaces safe and your dishes intact, making cleanup easier after your holiday meal.
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
