Abstract: A cover includes a main flexible sheet adapted to extend around a covered item. A flexible lip is secured to the top edge of the main sheet and extends in from the top edge to cover at least a portion of the top of the covered item. The lip defines a hole in the cover that allows access to the covered item. The cover also has a separable seam, which can be separated at least in part to expose at least part of the covered portion of the top of the covered item without removing the entire cover. A method includes placing a flexible cover on a container. The flexible cover defines a top access hole that allows access to the container, and the cover has a separable seam extending down from a top of the flexible cover. The method also includes attaching the separable seam.

Abstract: A chafing dish skirt that surrounds a chafing dish to keep the heat retained under the food pan and reduce the likelihood of wind from extinguishing the burners is provided. In some embodiments, the chafing dish skirt includes a length of elastic on a top portion and a length of elastic on a bottom portion to facilitate a relatively snug fit around the chafing dish. The skirt may be constructed to accommodate a range of various sizes and shapes of the chafing dish. The chafing dish skirt can have an access slit or passage that allows convenient access to the heat source, e.g., one or more burners, such that the heat source can be easily ignited and extinguished.