Private dining events need a considered selection of furniture and tableware. This guide covers round and long-table formats, chairs, crockery, glassware, and linen for events of 10 to 40 guests.
Private dining events need a considered selection of furniture and tableware. This guide covers round and long-table formats, chairs, crockery, glassware, and linen for events of 10 to 40 guests.
Private dining events, from home dinner parties to corporate client dinners, need a considered selection of furniture and tableware. The smaller scale compared to a large banquet makes presentation more important per guest.
\n\nRound tables encourage conversation between all guests and work well for groups of 8 to 12. A 5ft round table seats 8 guests with room for a full place setting including multiple glasses. For a single-table dining format, round is usually the better choice.
\nRectangular or trestle tables suit longer groups of 12 to 40 where the dining room is laid out in a banquet row. Trestle tables joined end to end create a single continuous surface for long-table dining, which suits a communal, shared-dishes format well.
\n\nChiavari chairs give private dining events a formal look with minimal bulk. They stack well for delivery and return, and the slim profile suits dining rooms where space between chair backs and walls is tight.
\nFor a less formal private dinner, cushioned banqueting chairs offer more back support for long dining sessions. These are a practical choice where guests are seated for three hours or more.
\n\nWhite crockery is the most versatile choice for private dining. It suits any food colour and any table setting. A three-course dinner needs a starter plate, main plate, and dessert plate per person, plus a side plate if bread is on the menu.
\nFor a 20-person dinner, order 80 to 90 plates to cover three courses with a small buffer. If an outside caterer is involved, confirm what crockery they are bringing before placing the hire order.
\n\nPrivate dining rooms often have high presentation standards. Hire glassware rather than using everyday stock gives the table a consistent look. A wine glass, a water glass, and a champagne flute per person covers most private dining formats.
\nFor a 10-person dinner, order 12 red wine glasses, 12 white wine glasses, 10 water glasses and 12 champagne flutes. The small buffer covers replacements if a glass is chipped or broken during setup.
\n\nWhite or ivory tablecloths and napkins are standard for private dining. The cloth should reach the floor on all sides for a round table, which gives the room a finished appearance. For trestle tables in a long-table format, a knee-length drop tablecloth with a runner on top is a common alternative.
\n\nWhere an outside caterer is preparing food on site, they may need additional catering equipment beyond what they bring themselves. Hot water urns, chafing dishes, and serving utensils can all be added to the hire order. Confirm requirements with the caterer at least a week before the event so that any additional items can be reserved.
\n\nCandles are a common request for private dining tables. Expo Hire does not stock candles or candle holders, so these need to be sourced separately. Most venues have rules about open flames, so check the venue's fire safety requirements before planning any candle arrangement.
\n\nExpo Hire delivers to homes and venues across England and Wales. For private home events, delivery and collection are arranged at times that suit the host. See the carriage guide for pricing. Expo Hire's minor damage waiver is available for added cover against accidental breakages during the event.
See also: wine tasting event hire guide and event quantities guide.
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