How to Build a Warmer Box for Food

I live in an area where recycling isn't available, so I'm always on the look out for projects that let me reuse things that might otherwise be thrown away. Here's a simple and free idea using recycled items for keeping food warm during transport, or even at home while you're waiting for the rest of the menu to finish cooking.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard box
• Newspaper
• Clean bath towel
• Box cutter

Instructions

How to Build a Warmer Box for Food

1. Find a cardboard box that is large enough for your covered food container plus several inches all around. Remove the top flaps. If necessary, use the box cutter to cut a box to size.

2. Layer the bottom of the box with about an inch of newspaper.

3. Set the food container on top of the newspaper, centered in the box.

4. Use more newspaper to fill in between the sides of the box and the food container, and layer about an inch on top.

5. Fold a bath towel to the size of the box and tuck in tightly over the top of the last layer of newspaper.

Tips & Warnings

• This is a reusable item. Once you've served your food, just store the newspaper and the towel inside the box until the next time. This is great to use for big holiday meals when you might have to use your oven for multiple dishes, leaving one to cool while another bakes.

• Make sure the bottom of your box is securely taped before trying to move your warmer.

References

• How to keep food warm at a party