(AP) — Holiday gatherings often revolve around big meals, so experts say it’s important to remember food safety.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln food specialist Julie Albrecht says too many people make the mistake of leaving food out of the refrigerator too long at parties.

Perishable food shouldn’t be out of the refrigerator for more than two hours, and refrigerators should be 40 degrees or cooler.

Albrecht says party hosts can help keep food safe by setting serving containers on top of ice.

Leftovers should generally be eaten within three to four days. Albrecht says solid leftovers should be reheated to 165 degrees and liquids should be brought to a boil.