Expo Hire offers dinner, side, and dessert plates for events. Choose classic china or contemporary stoneware, including 27cm dinner and 17cm side plates.
Plan events or manage catering operations. Selecting the right tableware helps define the dining experience. Plates must serve their functional purpose and complement your menu and theme. Expo Hire has plates for hire for formal weddings, corporate dinners, casual buffets, and private parties. You choose plates for presenting each course.
You select plates from various materials and styles. China plates provide a traditional, clean look. These are a staple for formal functions, fine dining, and weddings, providing a bright white backdrop that makes food presentation clear. You find classic round china dinner plates in 27cm and 30cm diameters. You also find corresponding side plates between 17cm and 20cm. Dessert plates measure 15cm to 17cm.
For a different look, consider our stoneware plates. Stoneware plates provide a more rustic or contemporary feel, with a matt finish or subtle texture. Stoneware suits more relaxed events, outdoor gatherings, or menus with a natural, earthy theme. Beyond round, specific square or oval plate styles create a modern table setting. Matching bowls and other tableware items present a unified table style.
Selecting the correct plate dimensions is important for both presentation and practicality. Standard dinner plates measure 27cm in diameter. You can present most main courses on this size without overcrowding the plate or leaving too much empty space. For larger main dishes or elaborate food displays, 30cm dinner plates offer additional surface area. You select these larger plates for banquets or multi-course meals. Portion control creates greater visual impact.
Side plates, measuring 17cm or 20cm in diameter, hold bread rolls, small starters, or additional sides for a main course. Their smaller size suits buffets or canapé receptions where guests collect smaller portions.
Dessert plates range from 15cm to 17cm. They hold puddings, cakes, or individual sweet courses. Their design matches the dinner and side plates. This maintains consistent table appearance across all courses.
Calculate quantities. Factor in the number of courses and guests. For a three-course seated meal for 100 guests, you would require 100 dinner plates, 100 side plates, and 100 dessert plates. Include an extra 5-10% for breakages or unforeseen needs. You receive clean, ready-to-use plates. We collect them dirty after your event, simplifying your post-event clear-up.
Expo Hire does not charge a security deposit. A free minor damage waiver covers minor damage and loss. Excessive or negligent damage is charged at 10 times the hire price. Full details in our terms and conditions.
Use the carriage calculator to find your nearest branch and get an accurate delivery quote. At checkout we show an itemised delivery cost before you confirm the order.
On the day, track your driver in real time on our order tracking page, or use the link in the automated text we send.
For orders over £1,000, you can confirm a booking with a 25% deposit and pay the balance up to 28 days before delivery. The checkout offers this automatically. Full details in our terms and conditions.
