what is a trivet used for

A trivet is an object placed between a serving dish or bowl and a dining table, usually to protect the table from heat damage. It is a small item that acts as a barrier between your dish and your table, and it is not a large platform for your dish to sit upon; rather, it is a thin layer that elevates your dish slightly off the surface of your table. Trivets are traditionally meant to be placed on a dining table to allow for tableside serving, but they can also be kept on counters. They are essential to any tablescape, protecting your dining table and countertops from heat damage and water stains. Trivets can be made from metal, wood, ceramic, fabric, silicone, or cork. They can also be used to elevate pots from the coals of an open fire. In addition, trivets can be used to hold hot glue guns or wet paintbrushes while protecting your work surface.