Hello! If you’re hosting a holiday party this year, you’re probably already making a giant list in your head. Food. Drinks. Outfits. Decorations. Cleaning your house like the President is coming. You know the drill.

And somewhere in that mental tornado, you start thinking about the stuff you need to serve actual people.
Tables. Chairs. Linens. All the things.

And that’s where the big question pops up. Do you rent it or do you buy it?

So let’s break it down in the easiest, clearest way possible so you know exactly what’s worth renting, what’s worth owning, and how to avoid filling your basement with stuff you’ll only touch one night a year.

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First things first. When should you rent?

Renting is perfect when you want your space to look beautiful and feel comfy without committing to storing a mountain of party supplies forever. Most people don’t host 30 to 50 guests every month. Maybe once a year. Maybe twice. And buying that many chairs or another giant table is usually not worth the money or the space. Renting gives you the good stuff without the forever commitment. Almost like holiday magic. Wahoo!

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Here’s what is almost ALWAYS worth renting

1. Extra chairs

Listen. Most homes do not magically have twenty matching chairs hiding in a closet. And mismatched chairs are… fine. Totally fine. But if you want a holiday setup that feels cozy, intentional, and a little special, matching chairs make a huge difference. This is the number one thing people regret not renting. The good news. Chairs are affordable, comfy, and they pull a room together instantly.

2. Folding tables or a big dinner table

Big holidays always seem to involve way more people than you planned. Someone brings a plus one. Someone else shows up with cousins visiting from out of town. Suddenly you need another table. Renting tables keeps your meal flowing without squeezing ten people around a tiny circle table that was never meant for ten humans. Plus, renting means you get the size you need without living with a giant table for the next ten years. I mean we have a 5' table that converts into 20' table (let me know if you interested in buying one. Expensive! But worth it if you have 3 sibling and 5 siblings-in-laws who then have plus-ones and kids!) but we are far from the norm and I still add food and kidstables as our families grow.

3. Linens that actually fit

Buying linens seems smart until you realize the one you grabbed doesn’t fit your table at all. Or it fits, but looks like a bedsheet pretending to be fancy.

Renting linens means:
• They match
• They fit
• They look beautiful in photos
• You don’t have to wash them

That last one alone is worth it.

4. Serving tables for food, drinks, and dessert

Holiday food takes up space. Like… a lot of space. And the moment you start putting dishes on every surface of your home, the whole thing starts feeling cluttered. A rented 6 foot or 8 foot table solves the entire problem.
Food station. Drink bar. Dessert table. Easy.

Most people who rent one always say the same thing afterward.
“I should have done this sooner!”

5. Games

Holiday parties get even better when people have something fun to do. Renting games gives you that extra spark without buying something giant that you’ll never use again. Our family favorite is Mrs. Claus' games where I give out little prizes to the winners. Bring out those games you haven't played in years...bingo, family feud, toddler plastic golf set, whatever you got. Plus, they keep kids happy and out of the kitchen while you finish cooking. A miracle.

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When should you buy instead?

Buying is great when it’s something you’ll genuinely use more than a couple times a year and it doesn’t take up tons of space.

A few examples:
• Cute napkin rings
• Candles
• Glassware you love
• A set of plates you’ll use for birthdays and holidays

Just don’t fall into the trap of buying twenty place settings for a group size that only happens once every other year. Your storage closet will scream.

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The big secret that makes hosting easier

Most people overestimate how much they need to buy and underestimate how much easier it is to rent the basics.

Renting:
• Saves space
• Saves money
• Looks way more polished
• Makes your home feel prepared and welcoming
• Helps guests feel comfortable and cared for

And honestly, renting chairs and tables takes one giant stress off your plate. You get to focus on the fun parts. Food. Decorations. Laughing with your family. Trying to keep the dog from stealing appetizers. All the classics.

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So is renting worth it for holiday hosting?

One hundred percent yes! Especially for seating, tables, linens, and anything bulky.

If you’re hosting in Frederick or anywhere nearby, you can grab everything you need at Mum’s The Word Events & Rentals and check it off your list today. Easy peasy. You bring the people and we’ll bring the pretty!