Tables, Chairs, and More: What to Rent (and What Not To) for Your Next Party

If you’re planning a party—whether it’s in your backyard, at a venue, or even in your garage—figuring out what to rent can feel like one big guessing game. You want it to look great and run smoothly… but you don’t want to spend money on stuff you won’t actually use.

At EZ Event Rentals, we’ve helped plan hundreds of parties across Omaha, Lincoln, and everywhere in between. So here’s our take on what you should rent—and what you might be better off skipping.

Start with the Must-Haves

These are the rentals we recommend for almost every party, no matter the size:

Tables – You'll need them for food, drinks, gifts, or just a place for people to sit and hang out. Round tables are great for guest seating, and banquet tables work well for buffets or displays.

Chairs – It might sound obvious, but the number of times people forget enough seating is wild. Folding chairs, padded chairs, or even a mix with lounge-style options work depending on the party vibe.

Trash Cans – Not glamorous, but totally necessary. We bring ones with lids so everything stays tidy, especially at outdoor events.

Tents – If your party is outside, don’t leave the weather up to chance. Even a simple canopy can save the day if it’s too hot, too windy, or raining (because Nebraska).

Smart Extras That Are Worth It

Depending on your setup, these rental items can add major value:

Lighting – Planning an evening party? Add some string lights or globe lights to set the mood and keep things functional after dark.

Coolers and Beverage Dispensers – Keep drinks cold and accessible without crowding your fridge.

Cocktail Tables – Great for mingling! Especially popular at graduation parties, open houses, and casual receptions.

Fans or Heaters – Nebraska weather again. If it’s July, fans. If it’s October, maybe some outdoor heaters.

Linen Packages – Matching linens can really clean up the look of your setup. It’s an easy win for style.

What You Might Not Need

We’ll always help you decide what’s really necessary, but here are a few things some folks over-rent:

Too Many Tables – Don’t feel like you need to seat everyone at once for casual parties. People stand, roam, and mingle.

Fancy Lounge Furniture – Unless it’s a styled shoot or upscale event, most casual parties don’t need high-end lounge pieces. (But if you do want that look, we can help.)

Over-the-Top Decor – Pipe and drape, full lighting rigs, or staging are great for weddings and galas, but probably overkill for a backyard birthday.

Let’s Keep It Easy

At EZ Event Rentals, we’re all about helping you throw a great party without all the guesswork. Tell us what you're planning, and we’ll help you build a custom rental package that makes sense—for your budget and your space.

Reach out today to get started—we’ll even help you figure out how many tables you really need. (Spoiler: it’s probably less than you think.)