Cutlery Hire: What to Know Before You Order

Cutlery hire simplifies your event planning, but it requires careful consideration to ensure your place settings look complete and professional. Selecting the right style and quantity is straightforward when you know the basics.

Why Hire Cutlery Instead of Buying?

For events beyond a small gathering, purchasing cutlery outright is seldom practical. Storage needs, the ongoing cost of cleaning, and the inevitable risk of loss all contribute to the true expense of ownership. Hiring provides commercial-grade cutlery, delivered to your venue and collected dirty. You avoid the cleaning process entirely.

Expo Hire's cutlery hire includes our 'send it back dirty' service as a standard option on all orders. Simply scrape off food residue, repack the items into the provided boxes, and we manage the rest at our facility.

Cutlery Quantities: A Guide Per Guest

Ordering the correct quantity is the most frequent point of confusion for those new to hiring cutlery. Here is a breakdown by event type:

• Two-course meal (main and dessert): You need 1 table knife, 1 table fork, and 1 dessert fork or dessert spoon per guest. If your dessert is a cake or similar item requiring only a fork, you can omit the dessert spoon.
• Three-course meal (starter, main, dessert): Plan for 1 table knife, 1 table fork, 1 dessert knife, and 1 dessert fork per guest. Include 1 soup spoon for each guest if your starter is soup. Add 1 teaspoon per guest if tea or coffee will be served.
• Buffet: A minimum of 1 main fork and 1 main knife per guest is recommended. If dessert is part of the buffet, add dessert spoons. As buffet guests often take second helpings, it is wise to order 20 percent more than your confirmed guest number.
• Drinks reception only: For canapés, provide dessert forks or cocktail picks. Knives are generally not required unless the canapés are more substantial.

As a general rule, always add 10 percent extra to your confirmed guest count for each item. Cutlery can go missing, be used for an unintended course, or accidentally end up in the bin. Ordering a small surplus is far more cost-effective than running short during your event service.

Understanding Fork and Knife Types

Each cutlery range typically includes several distinct pieces, each designed for a specific purpose. Here is a guide to the common components:

• Table fork: This is the largest fork, measuring approximately 20 to 21cm in length. It is used for main courses.
• Dessert fork: Slightly smaller than the table fork, typically 18 to 19cm long. It is suitable for desserts or starters.
• Table knife: This is a plain-edged knife, around 23 to 24cm long, intended for main courses and used alongside the table fork.
• Dessert knife: Smaller than the table knife, approximately 20 to 21cm long. It is used for desserts or starters. It can also function as a side knife if you do not have separate side knives.
• Soup spoon: This spoon has a distinct round bowl, designed for soups and broths. Its shape differs from a dessert spoon, a distinction noticeable at a formal table setting.
• Dessert spoon: This spoon, typically around 18 to 19cm long, is used for desserts or sometimes for stirring tea or coffee. Its bowl is more oval than a soup spoon.
• Teaspoon: A smaller spoon, usually around 12 to 13cm long, used for stirring hot beverages like tea and coffee.
• Fish knife: A specialised knife, often with a wider blade and a notch, designed for eating fish.
• Fish fork: A shorter, broader fork, typically around 18cm long, used in conjunction with a fish knife.

Choosing Your Cutlery Style

The aesthetic of your event is important, and your cutlery plays a part. Expo Hire offers a range of styles to complement different themes:

• Standard/Everyday: A classic, reliable choice that suits most occasions. These pieces are functional and durable.
• Contemporary/Modern: Often featuring clean lines and a polished finish, these designs add a sleek touch to your table settings.
• Vintage/Heritage: For a more traditional or rustic feel, these ranges might have a slightly antiqued finish or more ornate detailing.

Consider the overall theme and formality of your event when making your selection. For instance, a formal wedding might benefit from a more traditional or elegant range, while a corporate event could suit a modern, minimalist style. You can view our full cutlery hire collection to see the options available.

Beyond Cutlery: Complementary Hire

While cutlery is essential, remember to consider other elements that complete your table setting. Browse our crockery hire for plates and bowls that will match your chosen cutlery. We also supply glassware, linens, and other event essentials to ensure a cohesive look.

By planning your cutlery needs with these guidelines, you can ensure your event runs smoothly and your guests enjoy a well-appointed dining experience.