For the English Anglo-Norman chronicler, see Nicholas Trivet.
Trivet, 19th century replica
French trivet, 19th century replica
Decorative brass trivets by the industrial designer Maurice Ascalon (1913-2003) and manufactured by the Pal-Bell Company circa 1940s.
A trivet (pronounced /ˈtrɪvɨt/), also known as a 'hot plate,' is an object placed between a serving dish or bowl, and a dining table, usually to protect the table from heat damage.
Trivet also refers to tripods used to elevate pots from the coals of an open fire. (The word trivet itself ultimately comes from Latin tripes meaning "tripod".) Metal trivets are often tripod-like structures with three legs to support the trivet horizontal in order to hold the dish or pot above the table surface. A trivet may often contain a receptacle for a candle that can be lighted to keep food warm.
Modern trivets are made from metal, wood, ceramic, fabric, or silicone.
