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?

If you’re hosting a holiday party this year, you’re probably already in the classic “holiday host brain.” You know the one. Running through recipes, counting chairs in your house, wondering if you have enough forks, and trying to remember where you put the good tablecloth. It’s a whole journey.

And right in the middle of that, the big question pops up.
Do you rent it or do you buy it?

I’ve helped so many Frederick families plan holiday seating, tables, and setups, so let me break this down in the easiest way possible. We’re keeping it friendly and simple so you can stop spiraling and start celebrating!

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First things first. When should you rent?

Renting is perfect when you want your home to look beautiful and feel comfortable without owning big bulky things forever. Most families host large groups once or twice a year, so renting the “big stuff” keeps your closets and garage from becoming a graveyard of folding chairs. And yes, I’m speaking from personal experience here.

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 (Rent These!)

Most homes simply do not have fifteen or twenty matching chairs sitting around. You might have a few cute dining chairs, and maybe a random office chair or two, but nobody wants to see Uncle Bob sitting on a wobbly camping stool during Christmas dinner.

Matching chairs make a HUGE difference. It pulls the whole space together and makes guests feel comfortable and welcome.

This is the thing people regret not renting every single year. It’s affordable, it elevates the room instantly, and it saves you from “chair Tetris” where you drag seating from every room in the house. Or even ask people to bring their own chair. And we FINALLY don't have to ask people to bring highchairs anymore either. It is already a struggle getting a toddler out the house without worrying about bringing a chair too. Trust me, I know!

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2. Tables For Food, Dinner, and Kids’ Activities

Let me tell you a quick story. My family has this wild 5 foot table that magically converts into a 20 foot table. I know. It’s like the Mary Poppins bag of tables. If you’re interested in buying one, let me know. They are expensive but worth it when you have three siblings and five siblings-in-law who all bring plus-ones and kids. Even with our mega-table, I still add food tables and kids tables as our families grow. It’s amazing how fast a group of twelve turns into twenty-four when people start having children. Most families are not rolling around with a transformer table like we are, so renting is the easiest fix.

A rented 6 or 8 foot table is perfect for:
• food stations
• a drink bar
• dessert tables
• crafts for kids
• gingerbread decorating

And yes, the 4' kids' table is always a hit!

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3. Linens (Just Rent Them!)

Linens seem like something you should buy, but hear me out. The cheap ones online rarely fit right and most people end up ironing them on the morning of their event and questioning every life choice.

Renting linens means they:
• actually fit
• actually match
• look good in photos
• don’t need to be washed by you

That last part is the real holiday miracle.

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4. Serving Tables For Food and Drinks

Holiday food… takes up a LOT of space. You start strong on your main table, then suddenly you’re putting rolls on the windowsill and drinks on the laundry room counter. A simple rented table solves everything. Set it up, add a tablecloth, add greenery or a candle, and boom. A full holiday buffet. Most people who rent one come back the next year and say the same thing. “I don’t know why I never did this before!”

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5. Games (Yes, These Are Worth Renting Too!)

Games are one of the easiest ways to get people talking, laughing, and burning off that holiday energy. My family favorite is something we call Mrs. Claus’ Games. I pull out little prizes (sometimes regifts and I am not ashamed to say I regift 😂)and we play anything and everything. Bingo. Family Feud. Toddler plastic golf set. Pop-a-shot. Whatever we find, we play. It always ends with laughter and way too much competitiveness. Highly recommend!

Renting games gives you the fun without the storage problem. And parents love it because it keeps kids (and adults) busy outside while the adults finish cooking or chatting.

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When It’s Better To Buy

Buying is perfect for small items you’ll reuse all year. Things like:
• your favorite candles
• everyday dishware
• pretty napkin rings
• seasonal decor you always reach for

Just be honest about what you’ll really use again. If you only need 20 place settings once every two years, renting still wins.

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The Secret That Makes Holiday Hosting So Much Happier

Most people overestimate what they need to buy and underestimate how much easier it is to rent the basics. Renting saves space, money, time, and sanity. And seriously, your guests can feel the difference when the space is comfy, coordinated, and ready for them.

You bring the people. I’ll bring the pretty. That’s the holiday hosting combo that always works.