These handy rotating serving platters were once a fixture on every dining room table, but you really don't see lazy susans all that often anymore. We think they're really quite handy! Maybe it's just a case of nostalgia, but we've been thinking about finding one of our own.
Lazy susans really earn their keep at meal times. All the communal dishes can be arranged on top and everyone at the table can serve themselves without reaching over each other or having to pass a lot of awkward, heavy dishes. As kids, we remember this being especially nice because we could serve ourselves instead of always asking a grownup for help. (Plus spinning the top was infinite amounts of fun!)
Here are a few stylish lazy susans we've come across:
• Hand-crafted Wood Lazy Susan from Appcraftsmen via Etsy, $75
• Snudda Lazy Susan from Ikea, $16.99
• Vintage Wood Lazy Susan from Target, $19.99 - with poka dots!
• Dark Walnut Lazy Susan from Amazon.com, $19.99
Do you use a lazy susan?
Related: Vintage Kitchen Fittings: The Hoosier Cabinet
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I was just thinking about getting a lazy susan myself. With kids aged 8, 7 and 5 at the table, it seems like it would be a great idea.
I've had the Snudda for years; it doesn't see regular use, but it's invaluable during meals with lots of little dishes and condiments, like build-your-own burritos and something-for-everyone Indian. It's also handy on the coffee table for crackers and cheeses, and on the breakfast table when there are guests and everyone wants different jams and jellies!
I use the IKEA ones for my spices and grains. I have four in all.
our new dining room table came with a surprise when it was delivered - a huge lazy susan that was not displayed at the furniture showroom. We were skeptical at first but it really is a nifty thing to have. We actually have re purposed it as a tray for ontop of an ottoman to make a kind of coffee table, but its still on hand if we need it for big dinners.
We had lazy susan's adorning the kitchen table growing up and my mom still uses one!
I love our lazy susan! It was our Christmas gift for the winery I pour at part-time. It is burnished with the company's logo and made from a wine barrel top. Sounds kind of hokey, but its actually quite nice. And huge! I didn't think we'd get that much use out of it, but we threw a tapas party the week after I got it and it was perfect!!
It's one of my favourite things about Chinese restaurants. Asian dining is so 'take a little of everything' and 'let's all share'... and Lazy Susans sure contribute to that spirit! :)
My dad has one from Pottery Barn - it's fabulous!
We served lunch for 14 people and put one lazy susan (with identical dishes) at each end of a table that usually seats 12. It saved us from passing every single thing around the table!
My mom had one on her dining room table for many years. I should see if she still has it, and bring it to my home!
I use them in the cabinets for my spices and other kitchen ingredients. This would be a great table idea, especially for the burritos and such.
I have a lazy susan made of marble. I got it at the thrift store so I can't tell you where to find one. But unlike wood, there are no concerns with heat or liquid damage. I would think twice about buying one made of wood.
They remind me of Chinese restaurants - and you've got to watch out that an overhanging plate or spoon doesn't catch on someone's glass and cause a spill...
...and how tough it is to ask someone to pass the mashed potatoes?
I understand the utility of having a lazy susan on the table, but it's just butt-ugly.
Like @bepsf said, how hard is it to just pass the food?
I love lazy susans. Currently, we use a bamboo LS on the counter (holds salt & pepper grinder, sugar dispenser, oil & vinegar & napkin holder). We also use a stainless steel LS in a cabinet for vitamins/supplements & meds when applicable. Both of them have a slight lip to keep items from flying off in case we get too happy spinning.
We also own a large 21" bamboo LS which I plan to use for playing board games when I finally host a game gathering this year. Since we are a small family, we probably won't use it for meals often.
Any ideas for other ways to use a 21" LS?