Bistro Table Hire Guide

Bistro tables are a practical option for creating small meeting and social areas at events. They work well on exhibition stands, in conference foyers, around bar areas and at private functions.

BE Event Hire supplies bistro table hire across the UK with a wide range of styles. The range includes:

Aluminium bistro tables in round and square designs
Aluminium high tables
Light wood bistro tables
Marble bistro tables
Teak and Durawood style garden tables

This covers where bistro tables work best, the styles available, and points to consider when planning your event layout.

Bistro Tables For Different Event Settings

Exhibitions and Trade Shows

On stands with limited space, bistro tables provide a compact surface for short meetings and product discussions. Typical uses include:

One or two tables near the front of the stand for quick chats
A table further inside the stand for longer conversations
A surface for brochures, tablets or product samples

Round aluminium tables and square aluminium tables are popular for exhibitions because they are robust and easy to move.

Conferences and Networking Areas

In conference centres, bistro tables help structure informal areas such as foyers and breakout spaces. They are commonly used to:

Create small networking clusters for delegates
Provide a place to rest drinks and notepads during breaks
Support information points or sponsor stands

Light wood bistro tables work well in these spaces and suit most modern venues.

Bars, Catering Points and Hospitality

Around bars and catering areas, bistro tables provide guests with a place to set down drinks and plates. High tables are handy when guests are mainly standing. Typical uses include:

Aluminium high tables near bar counters
Standard height bistro tables beside food stations
Tables beside reception desks for welcome drinks

High tables can be used on their own or with bar stools.

Weddings, Parties and Outdoor Events

For private events, bistro tables are often used at:

Drinks receptions
Evening parties
Garden and terrace areas

Teak garden tables and Durawood garden tables suit outdoor spaces. Marble bistro tables and light wood tables are often chosen for indoor receptions and cocktail areas.

Bistro Table Styles and Finishes

Aluminium Bistro Tables

BE Event Hire stocks both round aluminium tables and square aluminium tables. These are suitable for indoor and outdoor use in appropriate conditions. Main features include:

Neutral finish that fits many event styles
Lightweight construction for easy handling
Simple cleaning and maintenance

They are widely used at exhibitions, conferences and hospitality events.

Aluminium High Tables

Aluminium high tables are designed for standing use or for use with bar stools. They are frequently specified for:

Bar and drinks areas
Product launches
Networking evenings

Stretch covers can be added if a more uniform or branded look is required.

Light Wood Bistro Tables

Light wood bistro tables have a straightforward appearance that blends well with many venues. They are suitable for:

Coffee areas at conferences
Informal dining zones
Bars and lounges

The finish works with a wide range of chair types and colours.

Marble Bistro Tables

Marble bistro tables offer a more polished appearance for events that need a smarter look. They are commonly used in:

VIP areas
Welcome receptions
Corporate hospitality suites

They are often paired with simple chairs or stools so the table surface remains the visual focus.

Garden Friendly Bistro Tables

Teak and Durawood garden tables are designed for outdoor use. Typical applications include:

Garden parties and open-air receptions
Outdoor dining at events
Festival hospitality and food zones

These tables are usually combined with suitable outdoor seating from the BE Event Hire range.

Indoor and Outdoor Use

For outdoor events, aluminium, teak, and Durawood tables are preferred. They cope better with changing conditions than some indoor-only finishes. Even so, they should be placed on stable ground and used within safe weather limits for the event.

Indoors, it is helpful to check the venue flooring in advance. Protective pads under table feet can help prevent marks on delicate surfaces, such as polished wood or particular vinyl floors. On grass or uneven ground, checking that each table is steady helps avoid wobbling.

Comfort and Guest Flow

Table spacing affects how comfortable an area feels and how easily people can move through it. As a simple guide:

Allow enough space around each table for chairs to be pulled out
Keep clear routes to doors, bars and catering areas
Leave more space in high-traffic areas, such as entrances and service points

In quieter zones, you can place tables slightly closer together to make efficient use of space.

Sizing, Capacity and Layout

Seating Capacity Per Table

Exact numbers will vary by event, but typical use is as follows:

Standard bistro tables seat two guests comfortably
Up to three or four guests can use a table for standing drinks
Three or four people usually use high tables at a time for standing or perched seating

If you plan to serve food on plates rather than canapés, it is often better to reduce the number of people per table.

Layout Ideas for Event Types

For exhibitions, a standard layout is:

One round aluminium table near the front corner of the stand
One square aluminium table further inside for discussions
Space left clear for product displays or demonstrations

For conferences and meetings, foyers and circulation spaces might include:

Light wood bistro tables are spread evenly through the area
Clear walkways across the room and towards the catering stations
A mix of standing and seated areas, depending on delegate numbers

For weddings and parties, typical layouts include:

Bistro tables at the entrance to a marquee for welcome drinks
Teak or Durawood tables placed around lawns and patio areas
Marble or light wood tables in bar or lounge corners indoors

Combining Bistro Tables With Other Tables

Bistro tables often form part of a wider furniture plan. They can be combined with:

Trestle tables for buffet service or back-of-house use
Banqueting tables for seated meals
Picnic tables in outdoor zones

This allows you to provide standing, casual seating and formal dining within one event.

Pairing Tables With Seating And Other Furniture

Chairs and Stools

Matching seating for comfort and appearance. Common combinations include:

Aluminium bistro tables with aluminium chairs on exhibition stands
Aluminium high tables with bar stools in the bar and networking areas
Light wood or marble bistro tables with more decorative chairs at weddings and receptions

For outdoor setups, garden chairs that match the teak or Durawood tables provide a consistent look and are suitable for use on grass or patios.

Creating Event Zones

Different combinations of tables and seating can define separate areas inside one venue, for example:

High tables and stools around bars for standing conversations
Standard bistro tables with chairs for informal meetings and coffee breaks
Sofas and low tables in a corner reserved for quieter discussions

Using bistro tables with other items from the BE Event Hire range makes it easier to plan clear zones for different activities.

Table Hire Information

Hire Period

BE Event Hire offers bistro table hire for a range of durations. Common patterns include:

Delivery the day before and collection after a one-day event
Hire across several days for exhibitions and conferences
Longer periods for tours or repeated events

The team can suggest a suitable hire period based on your schedule, access times and venue availability.

Delivery, Set Up and Collection

BE Event Hire supplies furniture to locations across the UK. When you request a quote, you can provide event dates, venue details and any access information.

On delivery, bistro tables arrive in a form that is straightforward to position. Your team or contractors can place them according to your floor plan. At the end of the hire, tables are collected at agreed times to ensure the venue’s clear down runs to schedule.

Quantities, Availability and Price

When planning quantities for bistro table hire, organisers usually look at:

Expected guest numbers
The balance between seated and standing space
The mix of bistro tables, high tables and other furniture in the room

BE Event Hire holds substantial stocks of bistro tables and related furniture. The team can advise on typical ratios and provide a detailed quote. Early enquiries are helpful, especially during busy periods such as summer events and major exhibition periods.

Bistro Table Hire FAQs

Q: Can bistro tables be used outdoors?
Aluminium, teak, and Durawood bistro tables from BE Event Hire are suitable for outdoor use when placed on stable ground and used in appropriate weather conditions. If you are unsure which tables to choose, the team can recommend options for your event.

Q: How many bistro tables are needed for a drinks reception?
For standing receptions, one bistro table for every three or four guests usually works well. This provides enough surface space for drinks and canapés without crowding the area. Events with more seated activity may need more tables or a mix of table types.

Q: Are bistro tables suitable for busy exhibition stands?
Yes. Bistro tables are widely used at exhibitions. Round and square aluminium tables have a small footprint, are stable and can be moved easily during build-up and show open. They provide a useful surface for product information, laptops and short meetings.

Q: Can matching chairs and stools be supplied with the tables?
BE Event Hire offers matching chairs and bar stools for use with bistro tables and high tables. This includes aluminium chairs, outdoor chairs and various stool designs. You can specify both tables and seating in one quote.

Q: Can BE Event Hire help with quantities and layouts?
Yes. If you share guest numbers, venue details and basic plans, BE Event Hire can suggest suitable table types, quantities and layout ideas. This support is available for both professional organisers and private clients.

Bistro Tables From BE Event Hire

Hiring bistro tables from BE Event Hire gives you access to a broad range of products and an experienced team. The company supplies furniture for exhibitions, conferences, festivals, weddings and private events across the UK.

The bistro table range includes aluminium, light wood, marble, teak and Durawood options, along with aluminium high tables and a wide selection of chairs and stools. This makes it straightforward to build complete furniture packages from a single supplier.

All tables are checked and cleaned between hires so they arrive ready for immediate use. Quantities are available for both small gatherings and jam-packed events.

If you are planning an event and need bistro table hire, you can browse the bistro tables section on the BE Event Hire website, add items to your quote and submit your details. The team will respond with availability, pricing and any further layout or product guidance you might need.

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