Abstract: A chafing dish skirt made of fabric having fire-retardant qualities and a method of making a particular fabric fire retardant. The chafing dish skirt is sized and configured to shield the heating device for the chafing dish while permitting air circulation to the heating device if such device is an open-flame type device. The chafing dish skirt is weighted to counter the effects of wind. The device is flexible, easily washable, and economical to produce. The skirt device helps retain heat within the chafing dish. The fire-retardant chafing dish skirt is attached to the chafing dish or the chafing dish frame.