Christmas hosting has a habit of exposing everything you don’t have enough of. Chairs, matching glasses, space in the fridge. Then someone suggests karaoke.

Before buying things you’ll need to store until next December, work out what you could hire for the occasion.

Whether you’re planning Christmas dinner, a festive drinks evening or an office celebration, here’s where to start.

Start with your guest list

Decide whether everyone will sit down to eat, help themselves to a buffet or drop in for drinks. That choice determines how much seating, table space and tableware you need.

Count what you already own, then make a list of the gaps. Remember serving space as well as dining space: food, drinks and desserts all need somewhere to go.

Set the table without buying another cupboardful

Extra guests don’t have to mean buying more plates, bowls, cutlery and glasses.

Hire the pieces you’re missing or explore a dining bundle. Check the quantities and contents against your menu, including separate plates or bowls for starters and desserts.

Our hired crockery, cutlery and glassware arrive cleaned and packaged, ready to use. Afterwards, remove leftover food, empty the glasses and repack for collection. No washing up needed.

Explore Christmas catering hire.

Give the food and drinks their own space

Think through how you’ll serve everything before the day arrives.

A folding table can provide extra room for a buffet or drinks station. A wine fridge or cooler can help free up space in your kitchen fridge, while a mulled wine and punch dispenser can form the centre of a festive drinks setup.

For buffet equipment such as chafing dishes and food warmers, check the operating instructions and what you’ll need to supply. Choose equipment around your menu and serving arrangements.

You’ll find these options in our Christmas Catering collection.

Choose your party’s main attraction

You don’t need every piece of party equipment. Pick something that suits your guests and the space.

For a music-led evening, consider Bluetooth party speakers. For guests who enjoy taking a turn on the microphone, explore karaoke. A silent disco offers another way to bring music into the celebration.

For a more relaxed gathering, look at games or a Christmas film night. Choose an activity people can join easily, rather than filling the room with equipment.

Browse Christmas party equipment.

Add a festive treat

A popcorn machine can accompany a film night, while a chocolate fountain can become part of the dessert table.

Check ingredients, serving supplies and preparation requirements before booking. For example, chocolate and dipping sticks are purchased separately for the chocolate fountain.

Allow space for the equipment and time to set it up before guests arrive.

Plan the practical details

Before placing your order:

• Confirm your guest numbers and the quantities you need.

• Measure the space for tables, seating and entertainment.

• Check power connections and setup requirements.

• Check which ingredients, accessories and serving supplies are included.

• Choose delivery and collection dates that leave time to prepare and repack.

Product availability depends on your chosen dates, so check your plans before sending the final invitations.

Host Christmas with less to store afterwards

Hire what you need for the celebration, then have it collected when you’re finished.

Start with Christmas Catering for dining and serving equipment, or Christmas Parties for music, games and entertainment.

You can book online or by phone. If you need help choosing the right equipment, contact WhyBuy.