A baby shower is a wonderful occasion, a real moment to celebrate new life and shower the parents-to-be with love and support. Planning one can feel like a big task, but it doesn't have to be. We’re here to help with the essentials, the things that make your guests feel comfortable and looked after, whether it's a small gathering of 15 or a more significant party for up to 40. It's about creating a relaxed, happy atmosphere where everyone can share in the excitement. We cover England and Wales with our delivery service, taking the stress out of sourcing all the necessary equipment.

When you think about a baby shower, it's often more relaxed than a formal dinner party, though it can certainly be styled that way if you wish. Often, it's a daytime affair, perhaps with a buffet lunch, afternoon tea, or just cake and coffee. Comfort is key for your guests, and that starts with having enough suitable places to sit and eat, if that's part of your plan. We offer a range of chairs to suit different vibes. For something classic and adaptable, our Chiavari chairs in limewash or white offer a clean, celebratory feel. If you're aiming for a more rustic or casual setting, perhaps in a garden or a country pub, our Cross Back chairs in oak are a popular choice. And for that touch of understated elegance, the Wishbone chair is always a stylish option.

Then there are the tables. For a sit-down meal or a dedicated buffet area, you'll need surfaces. Our 6ft circular banqueting tables are workhorses, seating up to 10 guests comfortably. If space is tighter or you prefer a more informal mingling setup, our poseur tables, often paired with bar stools, create a sophisticated standing reception area. These are particularly good for drinks and canapés, encouraging conversation. For a slightly more casual look, perhaps for a garden party, our outdoor furniture ranges can work wonderfully, offering comfortable seating and small tables.

It’s not just about seating and surfaces, though. What will people eat and drink from? Having the right crockery is important. For a formal tea, you’ll need plates, and for serving something like a shepherd’s pie or a substantial starter, our bowls are ideal. Of course, you’ll need cutlery to go with it. And for the drinks – whether it's sparkling elderflower or a festive mimosa – appropriate glassware makes a difference. We have everything from standard wine glasses to stylish champagne flutes, and even cocktail glasses if you're planning a special signature drink. Don't forget beer glasses for any dads or uncles who might be attending, and essential bar accessories too.

Thinking about the overall presentation, tablecloths can really set the scene. A crisp white or cream cloth creates a clean canvas, while a coloured linen can add a pop of personality that ties in with your theme. We have a wide selection of tablecloths to suit different table sizes and styles. If you're using chairs that could benefit from a little extra flair, chair covers are an option, though many of our chairs look fantastic on their own. And for that final touch of sophistication at each place setting, clean napkins are essential.

Depending on your catering plans, you might need some catering equipment. If you're offering hot food, warming equipment like bain maries is crucial to keep everything at the right temperature. For drinks, consider beverage equipment such as urns for hot water if you’re serving tea and coffee. Sometimes, a simple bar setup can be useful, even if it's just for serving drinks and keeping them chilled. We also have fridges and freezers if you need extra cold storage. For outdoor celebrations, we have gazebos to provide shelter and patio heaters to keep guests comfortable if the evening draws in.

The process is straightforward. You browse our website, select the items you need – be it chairs, tables, crockery, or glassware – and add them to your basket. You tell us your event date and delivery location. We confirm availability and then deliver everything to you ahead of your event. The best part? We return to collect it all afterwards. It means you can focus on enjoying the celebrations, not worrying about logistics. We handle the transport, the setup of hired items at your location, and the collection, simplifying the process immensely. It’s dry hire, so we deliver the items, and you do the rest.

If you're unsure about quantities or what might work best for your particular venue or guest numbers, just get in touch. We’ve helped with countless events and have a good sense of what works well for different types of gatherings. For instance, if you're planning a more interactive shower with games, ensuring you have enough space and perhaps a few extra small tables for prizes or activities is worth considering. Or, if it’s a relaxed afternoon tea, a variety of seating options, perhaps including some sofa and lounge furniture if space allows, can create a very cosy feel.

Think about the flow of your event. Will guests be moving around a lot? Are there distinct areas for food, drinks, and seating? Our exhibition furniture, like poseur tables and high stools, can be great for creating zones. Even simple barriers can help guide people or cordon off a special gift area. It’s all about creating a comfortable, functional, and attractive space for everyone to enjoy the anticipation of the new arrival.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a joyful and relaxed atmosphere for the expectant parents and their loved ones. By taking care of the equipment hire, we aim to remove one layer of stress from your planning. We deliver to your chosen venue, be it a home, a hired hall, a pub function room, or an outdoor space, and collect it all when you’re done. Simple, efficient, and designed to help you host a wonderful baby shower.

What kind of chairs are best for a baby shower?\nIt depends on the style you're going for. For a more formal feel, Chiavari chairs are a classic. For a relaxed or rustic vibe, Cross Back chairs are excellent. Our chairs page shows all the options.

How many guests can your tables seat?\nOur popular 6ft circular banqueting tables typically seat 10 guests. If you're planning a more casual standing reception, our poseur tables paired with bar stools work well for smaller groups or as overflow.

Do you supply crockery and cutlery?\nYes, we offer a comprehensive range of crockery, including plates and bowls, along with cutlery to complement your catering. Don't forget to check our glassware too.

How does the delivery and collection work?\nWe deliver the hired equipment to your specified location in England and Wales on or before your event date and collect it afterwards. It’s a straightforward dry hire service, meaning we supply the items, and you manage their use during the event.

Can you help with quantities?\nAbsolutely. We have extensive experience and can offer advice on the likely quantities of chairs, tables, and tableware needed based on your guest numbers and the type of event you're planning. Just ask.