Expo Hire - Ideas, Inspiration, and Insights

Garden Games Hire: Giant Jenga, Chess and What Works at Different Events

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Giant Jenga is the most-hired outdoor game we stock. The blocks start at 45cm, and the tower reaches well over a metre by the time a game gets competitive. This guide covers what we stock, the space each game needs, and which events they suit.

Glass Hire for Events: How Many Glasses You Need and Which Type to Order

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ordering too few glasses is the most common mistake on glass hire orders. Guests put glasses down, pick up a fresh one, and the count adds up quickly. This guide covers quantities, glass types, and what to expect on delivery day.

Folding Chair Hire: White, Black and When to Use Each

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Folding chairs are the most practical hire item for outdoor events, marquee receptions and large indoor gatherings. Light enough for one person to set out a hundred, stackable for return, and available in white or black to match almost any event colour scheme.

Marquee Heater Hire: Which Type Works and How Many You Need

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A marquee without heating is a gamble from May onwards and a certainty in September. This guide covers which heater types work inside a marquee, how many you need, and what to check with your marquee supplier before you order.

Cocktail Furniture Hire: Poseur Tables, Bar Stools and How to Use Them

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poseur tables and bar stools work differently to standard dining furniture — they change how guests interact with a space. This guide covers the setups that work, the quantities you need, and what to combine them with.

Summer BBQ Event Hire: Grills, Tables and Everything Else

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summer events demand reliable infrastructure. When hosting an outdoor gathering or a corporate BBQ, the equipment choices dictate the speed of service and the comfort of guests. Expo Hire supplies the practical hardware needed to run these events at scale, from professional-grade gas grills to seating arrangements that withstand the unpredictability of the British weather.

Hiring Catering Equipment for a Wedding: A Full Checklist

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Planning a wedding menu involves logistical challenges beyond choosing the dishes. Wedding organisers must ensure the catering team has sufficient equipment to store, prepare, and serve food at the venue. Expo Hire supports professional caterers and couples managing their own logistics by providing industrial-grade equipment. This checklist covers the core requirements for a successful wedding catering setup.

How to Set Up an Outdoor Dining Area: Furniture and Equipment Hire

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summer outdoor events require careful logistical planning. Outdoor dining setups demand durability, stability, and the right equipment to ensure guests remain comfortable despite changing weather conditions. Expo Hire provides the professional equipment needed to manage these requirements efficiently for weddings, corporate gatherings, and hospitality venues.

Sports Day and Village Fete Hire: What Local Organisers Need

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summer event season brings specific challenges for organisers of sports days and village fetes. These gatherings rely on temporary infrastructure to manage crowds, serve food, and provide necessary seating. Poor planning often results in queues, insufficient space, and equipment failure. Expo Hire supports organisers by providing robust furniture and catering items designed for high-traffic environments. Success depends on logistical precision and choosing items built for outdoor use.

Catering Equipment Hire for a Pop-Up Restaurant or Supper Club

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The UK pop-up food scene has expanded beyond basic street food stalls into highly curated supper clubs and temporary restaurant residencies. Organisers must reconcile ambitious menu concepts with the constraints of temporary spaces. Because temporary venues often lack professional kitchens and back-of-house facilities, careful equipment planning determines how efficiently a service runs. Expo Hire provides the professional-grade infrastructure required to convert unconventional sites into functional dining rooms.

Folding Table Hire: Sizes, Weights and What They Are Good For

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Folding tables provide a functional foundation for almost every event. Organisers select them for their portability, storage efficiency, and stability. Expo Hire stocks a range of folding tables that suit formal dining, conferences, and catering operations. Choosing the correct size and type ensures a comfortable experience for guests and sufficient space for equipment.

Cocktail Party Hire: Furniture and Equipment for a Drinks Reception

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summer events in the UK demand agility. Warm weather allows for outdoor drinks receptions, yet the unpredictable nature of our climate requires sturdy, functional equipment. When planning a cocktail party, organisers must balance guest comfort with efficient space management. A well-planned reception allows guests to move freely, drink in hand, without navigating cramped corners or unstable furniture.

Summer Festival Hire: What Event Organisers Need to Book

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Planning a summer festival involves balancing attendee comfort with practical logistics. Outdoor environments present unique challenges, particularly regarding uneven ground, changing weather conditions, and catering requirements. Expo Hire works with organisers across the UK to equip these spaces, focusing on functional equipment that handles high-volume usage. Managing a festival site requires specific furniture and catering choices that support operations from set-up to pack-down.

Wedding Top Table Setup: Furniture and Layout Guide

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The top table represents the focal point of any wedding reception. Guests focus their attention on this area during speeches, and the layout dictates the flow of the entire room. Organisers must balance social comfort with formal presentation when planning this specific section. Expo Hire provides the following technical guide to ensure your top table functions as intended during the peak summer months.

Chair Covers Hire: Styles, Colours and Sizing Guide

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Event planners often use chair covers to maintain a consistent aesthetic across diverse venue furniture. Summer weddings and formal corporate dinners involve high volumes of guests, making uniformity essential for a professional finish. Selecting the correct chair cover requires an understanding of fabric types, colour coordination, and precise sizing to match the specific frame of the seating provided by the venue.

Poseur Table Hire: Heights, Styles and When to Use Them at Events

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Event planners often choose poseur tables to manage floor space and encourage movement during summer drinks receptions. These tall tables provide a surface for guests to rest drinks or plates without requiring the footprint of a traditional banqueting table. Expo Hire maintains a large inventory of these items to support corporate networking events, private parties, and exhibition stands.

Graduation Party Hire: Tables, Chairs and Catering Equipment for a Garden Reception

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

June and July mark the peak of graduation season across the United Kingdom. University cohorts finish their final examinations and prepare for ceremonies, leading many families to host garden receptions to celebrate these achievements. Hosting a celebration in a domestic garden requires careful logistics regarding space, guest numbers, and equipment stability. Expo Hire provides the necessary infrastructure to manage these events effectively, ensuring guests remain comfortable throughout the afternoon or evening.

Outdoor Bar Setup: Equipment Hire for an Outdoor Drinking Area

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

June brings long daylight hours and predictable demand for outdoor events across the UK. Hosting a drink service outside requires more than a table and a few bottles. Successful outdoor bars depend on logistics, temperature control, and physical stability. Expo Hire provides the professional equipment necessary to manage these elements across gardens, terraces, and corporate lawns.

Corporate Summer Party Hire: What to Book and When

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Corporate summer parties rely on careful logistics to succeed, especially when dealing with the unpredictable British weather and varying guest counts. Event organisers often leave furniture and catering equipment bookings until the last minute, which creates unnecessary pressure. Planning these requirements at least four to six weeks in advance ensures availability and allows for better layout planning. This guide outlines the specific items you need to consider for a functional and comfortable outdoor event.

Marquee Furniture Hire: Tables, Chairs and Linen for Outdoor Events

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Outdoor events require careful planning regarding logistics and infrastructure. A marquee provides the shell, but the furniture and equipment inside dictate the functionality of the space. June marks the busiest period for weddings and corporate gatherings, so securing the correct items early avoids complications during the setup phase. Expo Hire supplies furniture and catering equipment designed specifically for these environments, ensuring guests remain comfortable regardless of the unpredictable British weather.

School Prom Hire: Furniture, Linen and Catering Equipment

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

School proms cluster in June and July. This guide covers the furniture, linen, and catering equipment you need to hire for a prom in a hotel, function room, or school hall.

Street Food Event Hire: Equipment for Markets, Festivals and Pop-Ups

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Street food events range from small pop-up markets to large outdoor festivals. This guide covers the seating, tables, and catering equipment you need to hire for each format.

Awards Ceremony Hire: Tables, Chairs and Stage Setup

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Awards ceremonies combine a formal dinner with a presentation. This guide covers the furniture and equipment you need to hire, from round tables and Chiavari chairs to reception poseurs and glassware.

Christmas Party Hire Checklist: Furniture and Equipment for the Office Christmas Party

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Christmas hire books out earlier than any other period. Here is a checklist of the furniture and equipment you need to organise before your office Christmas party.

Coffee Machine Hire for Events: Which Type and How Many Cups

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

There are two main types of coffee machine available to hire for events: filter machines and bean-to-cup machines. They suit different formats, produce different results, and need different levels of attention during service. Here is how to choose between them.

Setting Up a Draught Beer Bar at Your Event: A Guide to the Lindr Dispenser

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Lindr Draught dispenser is a self-contained twin-tap beer machine that chills and pours without an external CO2 supply or gas line. You connect a keg, plug into a standard 13A socket, wait five to eight minutes, and start serving.

Deck Chair Hire: When to Use Them and How Many to Order

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Deck chairs work at outdoor events where guests sit for extended periods — outdoor cinema screenings, garden parties, festival chill-out areas. Each one takes up around 1.5m² in use and folds flat for transport. They stack ten high when folded.

Popcorn Machine Hire for Events: Output, Setup and What to Buy

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A commercial popcorn machine is one of the easiest concession stands to run. Plug into a 13A socket, preheat for five minutes, add kernels and oil, and you're serving. The 8oz kettle stands 1.56m tall, so guests can see it across a room, and the smell draws people to the station.

Summer Event Hire: What to Book Before the Season Runs Out

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

June and July are the busiest months for outdoor event hire. Outdoor furniture, commercial BBQs and gazebos are the first items to go. If you are planning a corporate summer party, village fete, wedding reception or outdoor festival for this summer, confirm your order now.

How Many Fire Extinguishers Do You Need at an Event?

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Health and Safety Executive recommends at least one fire extinguisher per 200m² of floor space, with a maximum travel distance of 30 metres to reach one. For most marquees, outdoor catering areas and exhibition spaces, that means more than one unit.

Crockery Hire for Events: How Many Pieces Per Head and What to Order

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Guide to crockery hire quantities for seated dinners, buffets and drinks service, plus advice on style, breakage allowance and dirty returns.

Bar Counter Heights Explained: Choosing the Right Stools

Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A guide to bar stool hire covering counter-height versus bar-height stools, how to match them to your tables and how many to order for your event.

Crockery Hire for Weddings: What to Order and How Many

Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Wedding crockery hire guide for course counts, cake service, tea and coffee and the choice between bone china and standard porcelain.

Chiavari Chair Hire: Styles, Colours and What Events They Suit

Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A guide to Chiavari chair hire covering the four main finishes, cushion options and the event types each style suits best.

How to Reduce Event Hire Costs Without Cutting Corners

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Most overspend on event hire comes from over-ordering, choosing specialist items where standard ones would work, and splitting orders across multiple suppliers. This guide covers the decisions that have the most impact on the final bill.

Last-Minute Event Hire: What’s Possible and What to Plan For

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Last-minute event hire is possible, but it depends on what you need and how much notice you can give. This guide covers what is available at short notice and how to book fast.

Temporary Kitchen Hire for Institutions: Universities, Hospitals and Schools

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

When a kitchen is out of action or capacity needs to increase fast, contract hire is often the quickest and most cost-effective solution. Here is how it works.

Linen Hire: Quantities, Sizes and Colours Explained

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This guide explains how to select the correct tablecloth sizes and napkin quantities for your next event. Learn how to choose the right linen colours and drop lengths for your tables. META_DESC: Hire professional event linen for your next function in England or Wales. Follow our guide to choose the correct tablecloth sizes and napkin quantities.

Fridge Hire for Events: Which Type and How Many?

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Get practical advice on choosing the right refrigeration for your event. Learn about capacity, cooling times, and power requirements for your hire. META_DESC: Hire reliable fridges for your next event. Learn how to calculate capacity, manage cooling times, and choose between bar, display, or counter fridges.

Heater Hire for Events: Types, Quantities and What to Order

Sun, 17 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Use this guide to select the correct heaters for your event. We cover gas, electric, and jet heaters along with safety and fuel requirements for England and Wales. META_DESC: Hire reliable heaters for your next event. Learn how to choose the right units, calculate fuel needs, and follow safety rules for England and Wales delivery.

How Many Tables and Chairs Do You Need Per Person?

Sun, 17 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Calculate your event requirements with our practical guide to table and chair capacity. This post covers standard banquet, cabaret, and theatre-style layouts. META_DESC: Calculate your exact table and chair hire requirements using our simple capacity guide. Plan your event layout for venues across England and Wales today.

How to Set Up a Buffet Table

Sat, 16 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A buffet works well when it is organised before the first guest reaches the table. This guide covers the practical decisions on equipment, layout and food safety.

Projector and Screen Hire for Events: A Practical Guide

Sat, 16 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This guide outlines the technical requirements for projector hire and screen selection for corporate events, conferences, and presentations. It covers the relationship between venue lighting, throw distance, and equipment specifications to assist in planning your audiovisual setup.

Stage Hire for Events: What to Order and How to Set Up

Sat, 16 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This guide covers the practical requirements for stage hire, including selecting the correct dimensions, understanding load ratings, and managing essential accessories. It outlines how to configure staging for specific event types, such as presentations, awards ceremonies, and live performances.

Ice Bucket Hire: Sizes, Quantities and How to Keep Drinks Cold

Sat, 16 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This guide explains how to select the correct ice buckets and cooling equipment for events. It covers sizing requirements, ice volume calculations, and the practical differences between open-top buckets and powered refrigeration units.

Pie Warmer Hire: Keeping Hot Food at Temperature for Events

Sat, 16 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This guide covers the technical requirements for hiring a pie warmer for events, markets, and festivals. It details the operational differences between heated cabinets and heat lamps, food safety regulations for holding temperatures, and how to select the correct catering equipment for your specific service needs.

Lighting Hire for Events: What to Order and Where to Get It

Sat, 16 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This guide outlines the practical requirements for event lighting hire, distinguishing between decorative LED furniture and complex technical lighting systems. It covers the types of equipment available for hire, how to match lighting choices to specific event formats, and when to engage specialist AV contractors.

How Many Chairs Do You Need for an Event?

Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The right number of chairs is almost always more than your confirmed headcount. This guide covers how to calculate chair quantities for every common event layout.

Garden Party Hire Guide: Furniture and Equipment for Outdoor Summer Events

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Where will guests sit, how will you shelter them, and how will you keep food and drinks at the right temperature? A practical guide to garden party hire.

Wedding Chair Hire: Chiavari, Banqueting and Folding Compared

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Choosing the right chairs for a wedding depends on the venue, the style of the day, and whether you need the same chairs for ceremony and reception. This guide covers the three main types, how many to hire, and what to expect on delivery day.

Chafing Dish Hire: Sizes, Types and How Many You Need

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chafing dishes keep hot food at serving temperature on a buffet table for two to three hours without a direct heat source. This guide covers the three main types we hire, how many you need per guest count, fuel requirements, and safe food temperature practice.

Table and Chair Hire: A Complete Guide for Event Organisers

Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This guide provides practical advice on selecting and calculating table and chair hire requirements for events across England and Wales. It covers capacity planning, furniture styles, floor plan logistics, and the process for securing equipment for your event.

Event Furniture Hire: What to Order and How Much

Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Planning an event requires a clear understanding of the furniture needed to accommodate guests comfortably. This guide outlines the different types of event furniture hire options available and provides practical calculations for quantities based on guest numbers and floor space.

Outdoor Heater Hire: Gas, Electric and Infrared Compared

Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This guide compares gas, electric, and infrared heating options for events held in England and Wales. Selecting the correct outdoor heater hire equipment depends on the size of the space, power availability, and the duration of the event.

Corporate Event Hire: A Full Equipment Checklist

Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Organising a corporate event requires precise logistical planning to maintain professional standards. This guide provides a practical checklist for corporate event hire, covering the essential equipment needed for conferences, dinners, awards ceremonies, and exhibitions.

How Many Chairs and Tables Do I Need? A Guide for Event Planners

Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Planning an event requires precise logistics. One of the most common questions we receive at Expo Hire is: how many chairs do I need for a specific venue capacity? Getting your furniture numbers wrong

Outdoor Heater Hire for Marquees and Outdoor Events

Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Managing the temperature in a marquee or outdoor event space is a technical requirement rather than a luxury. When planning an event in the UK, the ambient temperature often drops significantly once t

How to Set Up a Wedding Reception: A Practical Hire Checklist

Sat, 09 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hiring for a wedding reception involves more items than most people expect. This checklist runs through what you need, in the order it comes up in planning.

Linen Hire Guide: Tablecloths, Napkins and Table Runners for Events

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Getting the right tablecloth size, colour, and quantity for your event takes some planning. This guide covers what to order and how to work out quantities.

Round Tables vs Rectangular Tables: Which to Hire for Your Event?

Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The choice between round and rectangular tables affects conversation, floor space, and how the room flows. Here is a guide to both options and how to use them together.

Event Glassware Guide: Which Glasses for Which Drinks

Sat, 02 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Choosing the right glassware for an event affects how drinks taste and how the tables look. This guide covers which glasses to use for which drinks, how many to order, and what to avoid.

Tiffany Chairs vs Chiavari Chairs: Which to Hire for Your Event

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

How to Set Up a Tea and Coffee Station at an Event

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A tea and coffee station keeps guests comfortable at conferences and receptions. A guide to the equipment needed and how to set one up.

Marquee Wedding Equipment Hire: What to Order

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Trestle Tables vs Banqueting Tables: Which Should You Hire?

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Trestle tables and banqueting tables both look similar but serve different purposes. Hiring the wrong one creates problems with tablecloth sizing and seating layout.

How Far in Advance Should You Book Event Hire?

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Popular stock goes early during peak season. A guide to booking lead times for different event types and when to confirm your hire order.

Chiavari, Cross Back and Wishbone: Which Banqueting Chair to Hire?

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chiavari, Cross Back, and Wishbone chairs each suit different occasions. This guide covers what each looks like and where each style works best.

Eames Chair Hire for Events and Exhibitions

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Eames-style chairs come in a wide range of colours and work well at exhibitions, product launches, and breakout areas where a standard chair would feel anonymous.

Tolix Chair Hire: Industrial Style Seating for Events and Cafes

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Tolix cafe chairs suit street food stalls, outdoor festival areas, and pop-up cafes. A guide to colours, quantities, and where they work well.

Serveware for Events: Platters, Trays and Vegetable Dishes

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Serving salvers, chafing dishes, and vegetable dishes get overlooked during event planning but matter during service. A guide to serveware quantities.

Fitted and Stretch Tablecloth Hire: When to Use Them

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Fitted tablecloths pull down over the table and stay put during service. Sizes, colours, and when a fitted cloth works better than a draped one.

Square Tablecloth Hire: Sizes and When to Use Them

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Square tables need square linen. Sizes available, the right drop for different table dimensions, and when to use square tablecloths at an event.

Gaming Equipment Hire for Events: Pool Tables, Table Tennis and More

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pool tables, table tennis, air hockey, and garden games keep guests engaged during long events. Equipment hire for corporate days, garden parties, and festivals.

Event Safety Equipment Hire: Fire Safety, First Aid and Electrics

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and electrical safety equipment for events. What to order if you are running outdoor events or temporary catering kitchens.

Temporary Office Hire: Desks, Chairs, Screens and Equipment

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Desks, chairs, screens, and office equipment for temporary workspaces. Useful for construction site offices, film productions, and pop-up management facilities.

Mannequin Hire for Fashion Shows, Exhibitions and Retail Events

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mannequin hire for fashion shows, exhibition stands, retail pop-ups, and film productions. Male, female, and child mannequins available.

Event Catering Equipment Checklist

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A complete catering equipment checklist for events of all sizes. Covers crockery, cutlery, glassware, serving dishes, kitchen equipment and bar kit — with quantities for 50 to 500 guests.

Poseur Tables and Bar Stools: Planning a Standing Reception