What do people use to cover food from flies, which isn't clingfilm and doesnt take up much storage space?

[loveyouradvice]

We are eating more and more of our food at room temperature so I like to put it out on the side in the kitchen a couple of hours before we eat.

What do you use to cover it? Hopefully something that looks nice and doesnt take up much storage space - or is easy and simple.

At the moment I seem to be balancing some of the plastic covers from supermarket fruit/veg over things, not very effective though - and why are there SO many!!!

We're trying to avoid using clingfilm and other disposable things whenever we can from a eco-lite point of view.

If the oven isn't on I put things in there to get to room temperature, rather than using up worktop space.

I was also wondering although I bring out tomatoes and cheese before I eat them

Upturned bowl.

Wax wraps are pretty uninspiring. They don’t last terribly long, need refreshing quite often. can’t be washed in hot water or the wax comes off, and are unpleasant to touch.

I make them and use them for wrapping cheese in the fridge and a few other uses, but they really aren’t as good as their press implies.

What do you mean eating food at room temp?

I use a plate or a bowl if eg I am defrosting something

@Mrsjayy I could only think of cheese or the odd slice of pie that me and DC prefer room temperature rather than fridge cold.

Nothing else to add (sorry) I'm just here to say a BIG thank you for the shower cap idea... the cheap type you get provided at hotel stays sound ideal.
I'm aware that they are again plastic and not good for the planet, but you'll be using them a multiple of times, unlike your average plastic food bag.
In the past I have used the net tents, but if they are too big, I reduce the size by clipping a peg on it after gathering some of the unneeded netting...

You used to be able to get thin cotton cloth circles, edged with beads for weight that hand over the edge. Not sure if they are made anymore.

I have some of the mesh tent things that I got from Poundland last year. I bought them for a garden party but they've been handy in the house too.

I can recommend these for the table if you've laid your food out. They really kept the flies away from the table.

www.amazon.co.uk/Repellent-Mosquito-Portable-Hanging-Restaurants/dp/B0C1C5184Z/ref=sxin_29_sbv_search_btf?content-id=amzn1.sym.4cd95ebe-e231-4ce4-879e-edc026d706cd%3Aamzn1.sym.4cd95ebe-e231-4ce4-879e-edc026d706cd&crid=11D7PY3I43CYT&cv_ct_cx=flies+spinner+table&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5YQYfVq2dJqLPlK-3wKF8Q.p6rrjbSFa8XEMU7iMVO5qIMB0FM5yBAX3rN8vNG9bRA&dib_tag=se&keywords=flies+spinner+table&pd_rd_i=B0C1C5184Z&pd_rd_r=2b2c1d88-e7d0-4eba-b69c-0917795b9841&pd_rd_w=JhGQQ&pd_rd_wg=K4loe&pf_rd_p=4cd95ebe-e231-4ce4-879e-edc026d706cd&pf_rd_r=ZF4WDWM9T0R3XWPE20RQ&qid=1718800238&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=flies+spinner+table%2Caps%2C116&sr=1-1-1c478570-4379-4ea8-a792-2a17f33dfdd3

You've just found my cats' favourite play thing!

You used to be able to get thin cotton cloth circles, edged with beads for weight that hand over the edge. Not sure if they are made anymore.

Etsy - great for retro.

@loveyouradvice something just like this I’ve had years

A ridiculously huge cloche my brother bought me as a joke which has actually ended up being very useful.

Otherwise beeswax wraps or the splatter guard.

I bought some nylon vegetable bags in a variety of sized and discovered they fit nicely over bowls and plates too. They store flat. The cloche things look like they take up more room, but are prettier

OMG I'd forgotten all about these. My mum used to crochet all sorts and we had these for jugs of squash

I have three sizes of mesh cover ups and they've lasted for years. They get regularly washed by soaking in a bowl of soap powder and for a cheap product they are a game changer, used inside or out.

I'm aware that they are again plastic and not good for the planet, but you'll be using them a multiple of times, unlike your average plastic food bag.

Exactly. My best friend gave me a housewarming package when I bought my flat 3 years ago & shower caps were included - she explained why & I'm still using the same ones, just handwashing them after use & hanging them on my socktopus.

I have a set of silicone pot/bowl covers like this

The smaller ones get used for open pots of cream or similar
The bigger ones for bowls of food

They are not breathable though, so moisture stays inside - that may or may not be a benefit depending on the food.

Couldn't get on with wax wraps. I use a clean tea towel, kitchen roll or an upturned plate.

I use these at Christmas and gatherings. Re-usable and durable. Brilliant things, they might suit someone even if not the OP.

Pack of 5 Durable, Plastic Sandwich Platter Catering Trays - Reusable, Buffet Trays with Clear High Dome Lid for fruits and treats (30.5cm Length x 30.5cm Width x 6.5cm Depth) - Party Trays : Amazon.co.uk: Home & Kitchen

I also use the shower cap cover for bowls.

I use baby muslins like these https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005I4G4HG?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details&th=1 They're really soft and drape nicely over a bowl or plate and can be washed at a higher temperature if they get food on them.

Plate, upside down (big, light, stainless steel) mixing bowl or these https://www.ikea.com/ie/en/p/klockren-universal-lid-set-of-3-silicone-40449192/

This is my fruit bowl and I just use the lid for the time needed.
Usually to cool baked goods down to room temperature.

Not a fan of wax wraps but I haven't bought clung film ever (am in my 40s) and I use upside down bowls over plates and plates over bowls. Sometimes pan lids. Occasionally a tea towel or shower cap (dh uses shower caps for bread proving)

I have the mesh umbrellas- both small and larger ones. They are so handy.
They fold to nothing when not in use.

I also have the black swirly thing, like a miniature windmill that keeps wasps and flies away.

What can you suggest for great big bl*ody seagulls ?