Equipment hire for a corporate reception: what to hire, how much and at what price?
High tables, tables, tablecloths, tableware, glasses: how much to hire for 50 or 100 guests, prices observed in Île-de-France and what to check on the quote.
For a standing cocktail reception of 100 guests, count 12 to 25 high tables, 200 to 300 glasses and table linen. For a seated meal, 12 to 13 round tables of 8. Here are the quantities, the prices observed in Île-de-France and the pitfalls to avoid on the quote.
How many high tables and tables?
| Format | Benchmark | For 50 guests | For 100 guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing cocktail reception | 1 high table for 4 to 8 people | 7 to 13 | 12 to 25 |
| Cocktail reception over 2 hours | add seating for about 30% | 15 chairs | 30 chairs |
| Seated meal, round tables of 8 | 1 table for 8 | 7 | 12 to 13 |
| Seated meal, rectangular tables | 6 to 8 per table | 7 to 9 | 14 to 17 |
How much tableware and how many glasses?
- Glasses for a cocktail reception: 2 to 3 per person. People put their glass down and pick up a clean one.
- Seated meal for 100 guests: 200 to 220 dinner plates, 100 dessert plates, 100 to 120 sets of cutlery, 10 to 15 serving dishes.
- Always add a 10% margin for breakages and last-minute guests.
How much does equipment hire cost in Île-de-France?
| Item | Observed price |
|---|---|
| High table | €12 to €35 excl. VAT depending on the model (folding, covered, design) |
| Round or rectangular tablecloth | around €12.50 excl. VAT |
| Tableware pack per place setting (2 plates, 3 pieces of cutlery, 2 glasses) | around €2.90 excl. VAT |
| Tableware per guest | €1 to €1.60 (basic), €2.50 to €4 (mid-range), €4 to €6.50 (full) |
| Champagne flute, coffee cup | €0.60 and €0.75 excl. VAT each |
| Deposit | €300 to €500 for 100 guests |
What to check on the quote
- Washing: included or charged separately (€0.50 to €0.80 per guest when it is not). Some hire companies accept tableware returned dirty.
- Breakages: €2 to €8 per item, or an excess.
- Return: within 24 to 48 hours; an extra day often costs 20 to 50% of the rate.
- Delivery and collection: upstairs, with or without a lift, at what time.
- What the caterer already provides: there is no common rule. Some include tableware and table linen, others charge for them or offer them for hire.
Equipment with L'Écrin Traiteur
At L'Écrin Traiteur, tableware, glassware and table linen come from Options, a leading name in reception equipment hire (more than 4,000 items). Furniture (high tables, tables) goes through a partner hire company. Everything is on quote and delivered with your order. We first ask you the number of tables and guests: we never assume it. Collection of reusable tableware or equipment costs €19 excl. VAT on top of delivery. Our prices are detailed on the prices page; for a quote, describe your event.
Sources
- Numbers of high tables and tables: Faites la fête (20 March 2026) and Thouron, accessed 17 October 2026.
- Tableware and glasses: SLF and Options, accessed 17 October 2026.
- Prices: Paris Réceptions, accessed 17 October 2026; deposit, washing, breakages and return: Au bonheur des convives (2 April 2026).
Frequently asked questions
How many high tables for 100 people?
12 to 25 depending on the source: 1 high table for 4 to 8 people. For a cocktail reception of more than 2 hours, add seating for about 30%.
How many glasses to plan for a cocktail reception?
2 to 3 glasses per person, with a 10% margin for breakages.
How much does tableware hire cost?
In Île-de-France, from €1 to €6.50 per guest depending on the range, with a deposit of €300 to €500 for 100 guests. Check whether washing is included.
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