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Few of us actually have more than a dozen of anything, whether it be wineglasses, plates, or flatware. That's where rental companies come in handy. Most of them charge by the piece, so you can get exactly the number you need. Many will deliver your order and pick it up the following day. Best of all, the dishes can be returned just rinsed, not fully washed, so no one has to slog away at the sink after the guests have gone. (When returning, make sure to count the items first to be certain they're all accounted for; replacement costs often greatly exceed rental charges.)
WHAT YOU'LL NEED FOR A COCKTAIL PARTY FOR 25
Plates
The ideal plate size for an hors d'oeuvres–only party is about 7 to 8 inches in diameter. Order as many plates as you have guests, plus a backup stack (10–15 additional plates) for guests who dive in for seconds. INFO: 45–55 cents per plate.
Glassware
Order wineglasses, Champagne flutes, and cocktail glasses according to what you'll be serving at the bar. Plan on 1 glass per person, plus an extra 10 to account for guests who misplace their glasses during the party. INFO: 48–58 cents per wineglass or Champagne glass.
Platters
Plain white or cream platters show off food to best effect. Supplement your own with a few from the rental company. In total, you'll need 2 large platters for beef, 2 for flatbreads, and 2 for salad. INFO: $5–$8 per platter. Silverware
Besides dinner forks for your guests, get a couple of oversize forks for serving the beef. INFO: 38–45 cents per standard-size piece; 95 cents–$3.10 per oversize piece.
Cups
We like to serve soup in elegant demitasse or espresso cups, which rental companies normally carry. INFO: 45–55 cents per cup.
OTHER SOURCES FOR PARTY SUPPLIES
Friends
If it's a casual party, mismatched flatware can be fun. Who cares whether or not your demitasse cups are all the same size or design?
Thrift shops
You can stumble across great funky finds that could be perfect for the party.
Ikea
The Swedish giant sells votive candles for next to nothing and wineglasses for $2 apiece.
Your backyard fruit tree or farmers' market
In-season fruit, piled in a bowl with leaves and stems attached, looks lovely on the table.
More ideas for your holiday party:
