Carriers and coolers
Getting food to the party safely. Hot food should stay hot and cold food should stay cold while it travels. Insulated carriers handle casseroles. Coolers handle drinks and anything that needs to stay under 40°F.
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Casserole carriers
- Best for two dishes to one partyLUNCIA double decker casserole carrier
An insulated tote that holds two 9x13 dishes.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for one dish to a potluckLUNCIA single casserole carrier
An insulated tote for a single 9x13 dish.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a sturdy carrier from a known brandOXO Good Grips insulated casserole carrier
An insulated carrier with a firm shape.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for deep dishesVuudh expandable casserole carrier
A double decker bag that expands for taller pans.
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Insulated food bags
- Best for catering trays and pizza boxesBodaon XXXL insulated food bag
A large insulated bag for hot or cold food.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for heavy loadsHerculean insulated catering bag
A commercial style bag with a YKK zipper.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for grocery runs before the partyCIVJET XXXL insulated bag
A large insulated tote for cold or hot items.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for several trips at onceBodaon insulated catering bags 3 pack
Three large insulated bags.
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Hard coolers
- Best for a cooler in the size you needColeman Chiller cooler
Sold in sizes from 9 to 60 quarts.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for everyday drinks and foodColeman Classic Series hard cooler
A basic insulated hard cooler.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for holding ice for daysYETI Tundra 45 hard cooler
A rotomolded cooler built for long trips.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a big lighter coolerENGEL 60 quart cooler
An injection molded cooler the maker says keeps ice up to 7 days.
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Rolling coolers
- Best for long walks from the carColeman Xtreme rolling cooler
Thick walls and wheels with a pull handle.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a drink station on its ownIgloo Party Bar rolling cooler
A stand up cooler on wheels that works as a mini bar.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a budget rolling coolerColeman Classic wheeled cooler
An insulated hard cooler with wheels.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for tailgatesIgloo Profile II roller cooler
An insulated hard cooler with wheels and a handle.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for small storage spacesSDLINR collapsible rolling cooler bag
A soft cooler on wheels that folds flat.
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Guides that cover this gear
How Many Pizzas to Order for 10 to 50 PeopleA simple slice formula and a ready table for ordering pizza for 10 to 50 guests, plus tips on kids, sizes, keeping pies hot and leftovers.
Photo: “Monthly pizza party” by jetalone, CC BY 2.0
BBQ Party Menu PlanningHow to plan a backyard barbecue for a crowd. What to grill and how much to buy. Sides that survive the heat. Grill timing and the safe temperatures to hit.
Photo: Peak Yard, CC BY 2.0
Catering vs DIY Party Food: Costs and Trade-offsWhen hiring a caterer makes sense and when cooking yourself wins. The hybrid options in between. The hidden costs on both sides and how to compare quotes fairly.
Photo: Faisal Ahammad, CC0 1.0
How Much Food Per Guest? A Practical Party Planning GuideRule of thumb portions for mains and sides and appetizers and desserts. How much to drink and how much ice. How to adjust for party length and time of day and who is coming.
Photo: Faisal Ahammad, CC0 1.0
Party Food Prep Timeline: What to Do and WhenA countdown plan for party food from three weeks out to the last hour. Spread the work so cooking for a crowd feels calm on the day.
Photo: foshie, CC BY 2.0- Party Serving Equipment Worth Owning (Buying Guide)
The serving gear that makes hosting easier. What each piece is for and what to check before you buy. From chafing dishes to drink dispensers.
Photo: Faisal Ahammad, CC0 1.0