How many poseur tables do I need for a cocktail party?

Allow one poseur table per 6 to 8 guests. That gives everyone a surface for drinks and plates without crowding the floor.

How much glassware should I order for a cocktail party?

Order 3 to 4 glasses per guest for bar-led events. Bar stock runs low faster than expected during a busy first hour, so the extra cover is worth having.

Do I need to wash glasses before return?

Not if you add Send It Back Dirty at checkout. Pour away remaining liquid, pack glasses upright in the crates, and Expo Hire handles all cleaning at the warehouse.

Cocktail Party Hire | Expo Hire

Equipment for your next Cocktail Party

Cocktail Party Hire | Expo Hire

Equipment for your next Cocktail Party

Expo Hire supplies furniture and glassware for cocktail parties and drinks receptions across England and Wales. Standing receptions need poseur tables for guests to rest drinks, bar stools for those who want to sit, and enough glassware for the full drinks service. We deliver to venues, hotels and marquees and collect after the event.

Why hire from Expo Hire

11 depots across England and Wales. Orders route to the nearest branch for delivery and collection.
Delivery from £40 ex-VAT. Enter your postcode online to see the exact charge for your venue.
Rated 4.9/5 from more than 4,000 verified hires. Venues, caterers and event teams book with live stock and live pricing.
No security deposit required. You pay for the hire and delivery, not a separate deposit.
Free Minor Damage Waiver on every order. Normal accidental breakages and minor wear are covered at no extra charge.
B2B dry hire. We supply commercial equipment to venues, caterers, production teams and organisers across England and Wales.

Furniture for standing receptions

Poseur tables are the core piece for a cocktail party. They give guests a surface for drinks and plates without taking up the floor space that fixed seating would need. Bar stools let some guests sit while keeping the room open. If the event moves into a later dinner programme, chairs can be brought in for a seated section alongside the standing area. Our table hire range includes poseur tables and standard tables in sizes that suit small receptions and large standing events.

Glassware and drinks service

Cocktail parties need a good mix of glassware. Wine glasses and champagne flutes cover prosecco and wine service. If the drinks menu includes cocktails, highballs or spirits, our cocktail glasses and speciality glasses round out the bar. Bar-led events typically need 3-4 glasses per guest to avoid shortages during busy service. Add Send It Back Dirty at checkout and there is no washing at the end of the night.

Canape service

If the event includes canapes or light bites, small crockery for the pass and serving team keeps floor service tidy. Urns and cups cover a tea and coffee close if the event ends with hot drinks.

Common questions

How many poseur tables do I need?: Allow one poseur table per 6-8 guests. That gives everyone a surface within reach without crowding the floor.
How much glassware should I order for a cocktail party?: 3-4 glasses per guest for bar-led events. Stock behind the bar runs down faster than expected during a busy first hour. The extra cover is worth having.
Can I mix glassware types in one order?: Yes. Most orders mix wine glasses, flutes and cocktail glasses on the same delivery. Build the order around your drinks menu.
Do I need to wash glasses before return?: Not if you add Send It Back Dirty at checkout. Pour away remaining liquid, pack glasses upright in the crates, and we handle the cleaning.