If your company is hosting an event where food will be served, you may need to find a flatware rentals provider for knives, forks, spoons and associated serving pieces. Renting is the easiest way to ensure that all your flatware matches and is of high quality. Even though flatware is relatively inexpensive to buy, washing, sorting and placing all the items on event tables can be a hassle. Renting relieves your company of most of these duties.

A full set of flatware lends an elegant touch to a business event—no business owner wants guests eating with plastic forks when it's possible to rent flatware. Flatware rentals are also a better choice than plastic cutlery because they allow for a traditional sit-down service and are less likely to break. If need to find flatware rentals companies, consider:

1. Renting stainless steel flatware for casual dinners and events with a smaller budget.

2. Selecting silver flatware rentals for more formal events where an elegant image is a must.

3. Choosing gold plate flatware for your most important events and to match decor.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose stainless steel flatware rentals for most casual events

Whether planning the annual company picnic, an employee banquet or a large client dinner, stainless steel flatware is an economical and practical choice. Stainless steel flatware is versatile and, therefore, is appropriate for a variety of events--most flatware rental agencies offer several styles of stainless flatware, from simple to ornate.

I recommend: Taylor Rental Center rents stainless steel knives, forks, spoons and serving pieces. Durants Tents and Events rents stainless steel flatware, including forks, spoons and knives.

Select silver flatware rentals for more formal events

For some semi-formal business events, stainless steel flatware, no matter how fancy, is not sophisticated enough. If you're hosting an especially elegant event or are entertaining very important clients or customers, silver flatware shows class and style. This type of flatware stands out and makes your place settings look special.

I recommend: Abbey Rents SF rents silver flatware in a variety of styles. The company has been in business since 1947 and has helped businesses with conventions, festivals, fairs and other corporate functions. Atlas Party Rentals has a good selection of silver flatware available for rent.

Opt for gold plate flatware rentals for your most formal events

Depending on the color of your tablecloths and decor, gold plate flatware may look better than silver or stainless pieces. For your most formal events, gold plate flatware presents the most sophisticated look. It's best to rent this type of flatware for smaller groups that require fewer serving pieces, since gold flatware can be relatively costly and rental companies generally carry a small selection.

I recommend: Events By Superior rents gold flatware, including dinner knives, dinner forks, salad and dessert forks, bouillon spoons, demitasse spoons and tea spoons. Cartwright Tent and Party Rentals rents gold plated spoons, forks and knives.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When comparing flatware rentals information from different companies, always overestimate the number of forks, spoons and knives you'll need. It's wise to have an abundance of extras in case a fork or spoon is dropped.
• •  When looking at a flatware rentals list or service agreement, ask about costs for damaged or missing items and about delivery and cleaning. Most companies deliver flatware packed, cleaned and ready to use and want their items returned rinsed and free of food.